If you recently found out you’re expecting, congratulations! Somewhere between scheduling appointments, preparing the nursery, and figuring out everything you need before baby arrives, you may be wondering: When should I book my maternity and newborn photos?

As a Phoenix maternity and newborn photographer, one of the biggest pieces of advice I give expecting moms is this: you don’t need to wait until your belly is showing—or until your baby arrives—to start planning your photos.

In fact, the second trimester is one of the best times to reserve both your maternity and newborn photography sessions.

Here’s why, along with a simple timeline to help you plan.

First Trimester: Start Thinking About Your Photographer

Those first few months can feel like a whirlwind. You may not be ready to plan every detail yet, but this is a wonderful time to start looking for a photographer whose work and experience feel right for your family.

When choosing a maternity or newborn photographer in Phoenix, look beyond the images themselves.

Ask yourself:

Does their photography style feel timeless?

Will they help me plan what to wear?

Do they have experience photographing newborns and young siblings?

Will I receive guidance throughout the process?

What happens with my photographs after the session?

For my clients, photography isn’t simply about showing up for an hour and receiving another folder of digital images.

I provide a full-service maternity and newborn photography experience in Phoenix designed especially for busy moms. From wardrobe and professional hair and makeup to designing your finished artwork, the details are taken care of for you.

You really can just show up and enjoy your family.

Second Trimester: Book Your Maternity and Newborn Sessions

If you’re wondering about the best time to actually reserve your photographer, the second trimester is ideal.

My calendar is intentionally limited so that I can give each family a personalized experience. Booking early gives us plenty of time to plan your maternity session while also reserving space around your baby’s expected arrival.

It also gives us time for all the fun parts.

We’ll talk about the vision for your session, choose wardrobe from my client closet, schedule your professional hair and makeup artist, decide between a studio or outdoor maternity session, and begin thinking about how you’d eventually like to display your photographs in your home.

For families who want to document both pregnancy and baby’s first year, this is also the perfect time to consider my First Year Collection.

Schedule Your Maternity Photography Session Around 28–34 Weeks:

For many expecting moms, approximately 28–34 weeks is a beautiful window for maternity portraits.

Your belly is beautifully defined, but you’re generally not quite as close to delivery as you will be during those final weeks.

Your maternity session can take place in my studio or at an outdoor location around the Phoenix area, depending on the look you envision.

And you don’t have to figure out what to wear.

My maternity clients have access to my carefully curated wardrobe, and professional hair and makeup is included, allowing you to arrive and be taken care of.

Your partner and children can absolutely be included, too.

These photographs aren’t only about documenting your belly. They’re about remembering your family exactly as it was before everything changed again.

Before Baby Arrives: Everything Is Already Planned

This may be my favorite reason to book newborn photography during pregnancy.

When your baby arrives, you don’t have to start searching for a photographer.

You don’t have to figure out outfits.

You don’t have to find time to book hair and makeup.

You don’t have to wonder what you’re supposed to bring.

We’ve already taken care of it.

When you’re freshly postpartum and adjusting to life with a newborn, having everything planned ahead of time makes such a difference.

After Baby Arrives: Your Phoenix Newborn Photography Session

Once your baby arrives, we’ll finalize your newborn session date. This usually takes place within the first 2 weeks of them being born.

Newborn sessions are intentionally relaxed and baby-led, with plenty of time for feeding, soothing, snuggling, and sibling breaks.

As a mom myself, I know that getting everyone out the door with a brand-new baby can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly why I’ve created an experience where so much of the preparation is already handled for you.

My studio serves families throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Paradise Valley, and the surrounding Arizona communities.

For families who prefer something even more personal, in-home newborn sessions are also be available.

Whether we’re photographing your baby in the studio or inside your own home, my goal is the same: to create photographs that feel natural, connected, and timeless.

Don’t Forget About the First Year

Your baby will change more during the first year than you can possibly imagine.

The tiny newborn curled against your chest becomes the smiling three-month-old.

Then they’re sitting.

Crawling.

Standing.

And suddenly, you’re planning a first birthday.

That’s why I created my First Year Collection for Phoenix and Scottsdale families who know they want to preserve more than just the newborn stage.

Rather than remembering to schedule another photographer every few months, we can plan your baby’s first year together from the beginning.

Maternity, newborn, and milestone sessions can become one cohesive story—and eventually one beautiful collection of artwork for your home.

What Happens to Your Photos Afterward?

This is one of the biggest differences between my photography experience and a traditional digital-only session.

I don’t want your family’s most meaningful photographs to disappear into your camera roll or sit forgotten in a cloud folder.

After your session, we’ll meet for your reveal and ordering appointment where you’ll see your images for the first time.

Then I’ll help you decide what you actually want to do with them.

That might mean a handcrafted heirloom album filled with your baby’s first year.

It could be a framed portrait from your maternity session.

Or we may design a custom gallery wall that grows as your family grows.

From choosing the photographs and frame styles to designing your wall and installation, I take care of the process for you.

Because the end goal isn’t simply to take beautiful photographs.

It’s to create something your children can actually hold someday.

When Should You Contact Your Phoenix Newborn Photographer?

If you’re expecting, you don’t need to wait until you’re farther along to reach out.

Booking during your second trimester gives us the most flexibility to plan your maternity portraits, reserve your newborn session, coordinate hair and makeup, choose wardrobe, and create an experience that feels completely taken care of.

And if your baby has already arrived? Please still reach out.

While I can’t guarantee last-minute newborn availability, I occasionally have openings and my full-service process makes it possible to put a beautiful session together without adding a long list of things for you to do.

Looking for a Maternity or Newborn Photographer in Phoenix, Arizona?

Nichole Pach Photography specializes in luxury maternity, newborn, baby, and motherhood photography in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Paradise Valley, and surrounding Arizona areas.

My full-service photography experience includes professional hair and makeup, access to a curated wardrobe for moms and children, personalized session planning, and custom heirloom artwork designed for your home.

If you’re expecting a baby in the coming months, now is a wonderful time to begin planning.

Let’s create something that lasts.

www.nicholepachphotography.com