When to Book Maternity Photos in Nashville (Don’t Miss the Perfect Window)

Oct 7 2025 | By: Brown Bunny Photography

When to Book Your Maternity and Newborn Photos in Nashville (A Simple Timeline for Expecting Moms)

If you’re expecting, you’ve probably already realized…

There are a lot of moving pieces.

Doctor’s appointments. Nursery plans. Baby gear.
And somewhere in the middle of all of that—photography.

Most moms I work with aren’t sure when to book maternity or newborn photos… or how it all fits together.

So let’s make this simple.

Here’s a clear, stress-free timeline to help you plan both.

A Quick Overview (If You Just Want the Short Answer)

  • Maternity photos: Book in your second trimester
  • Newborn photos: Book in your second trimester
  • Maternity session happens: Around 28–34 weeks
  • Newborn session happens: Within 2–3 weeks after birth

Now let’s walk through it in a way that actually feels manageable.

Second Trimester: The Best Time to Book Everything

This is the sweet spot.

You’re (hopefully) past the exhaustion of the first trimester, starting to feel better, and still have time before things get uncomfortable.

This is when I recommend:

  • Booking your maternity session
  • Booking your newborn session

Why so early?

Because newborn photographers only take a limited number of babies each month.

Booking during your second trimester means:

  • You’re not scrambling later
  • You have your preferred date reserved
  • Everything feels calm and planned

Photos courtesy of Brown Bunny Photography

28–34 Weeks: Your Maternity Session

This is typically when maternity sessions take place.

At this stage:

  • Your belly is beautifully round
  • You still feel comfortable moving and posing
  • You’re not in the final “countdown discomfort” phase

Maternity sessions don’t have to be elaborate.

They can be:

  • Soft and simple
  • Relaxed and natural
  • Focused on you, your baby, and this moment of anticipation

What About Earlier or Later?

Too Early (Before 28 Weeks)

If you shoot before 28 weeks, especially if it's your first baby, your bump might not be as pronounced. I've had mamas come in at 24 weeks absolutely certain they're huge, only to look back at their photos later and think, "Wait, where's my belly?" Trust me, you want that unmistakable baby bump in your photos.

Too Late (After 34 Weeks)

After 34 weeks, things get unpredictable. Some babies arrive at 37 weeks. Some mamas develop complications that lead to bed rest. And let's be honest—by 38 weeks, you might not feel like standing in the studio for an hour while we do all the poses. (Though if you do, more power to you, mama!)

Plus, if your baby decides to arrive early, you'll miss your maternity session entirely. I've seen it happen, and it breaks my heart every time.

The Comfort Factor

During your maternity session, we're all about keeping you comfortable. Think flowy silks that move beautifully in the light (and hide swollen ankles), comfy shoes or bare feet, and plenty of water breaks. I always tell my clients: bring snacks. Bring a pillow for the car ride. Bring your partner to help you in and out of poses. This is about celebrating where you are right now, not creating discomfort.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, the third trimester brings unique physical changes, so we work around those—not against them.

Photos courtesy of Brown Bunny Photography

Baby Arrives: What Happens Next

Once your baby is here, you don’t need to worry about planning anything new.

If you’ve already booked your newborn session, everything is set up for you.

All you need to do is send a quick message once baby arrives so that I can confirm your date.  And send pictures.  You know I am going to want to see that cutie pie!

From there, your session is scheduled based on your actual delivery—not your due date.

2–3 Weeks After Birth: Your Newborn Session

This is when newborn sessions typically take place.

During this window, babies are:

  • Sleepy
  • Naturally curled
  • Comfortable being gently posed

That’s how those soft, peaceful, tucked-in images are created.

After this stage, babies become more alert and less flexible, which changes the look of the session.

Beautiful images are always possible—but the classic newborn style is unique to these early days.

Newborn baby wrapped in soft pink fabric, peacefully sleeping in a wooden bowl with a light backdrop.
Mom kissing newborn baby in a tender moment, with a dark background highlighting their bond.
Newborn baby wrapped in a blue fabric, resting in a textured bowl on a blue backdrop.

Photos courtesy of Brown Bunny Photography

What If You’re Already Late to Book?

If you’re reading this and thinking,
“Wait… I’m already past that stage…”

Take a breath.

It’s still worth reaching out.

Sometimes schedules shift, and sometimes we can still fit you in.

And even if your baby is older, there are still meaningful ways to document this season.

How This All Fits Together

Think of it less like “two separate sessions” and more like a story:

  • Maternity: the anticipation
  • Newborn: the beginning

Both matter. Both feel different.
And together, they tell a fuller story of this season of your life.

A Gentle Tip From a Nashville Photographer

You don’t have to have everything figured out before reaching out.

You don’t need outfits picked.
You don’t need a plan.

You just need to start the conversation.

The Ultimate Peace of Mind: Maternity + Newborn Bundles

Want to know the smartest thing you can do? Book both your maternity and newborn sessions together as a bundle.

Here's why this is brilliant:

1. One Decision, Two Milestones Covered

You're already researching photographers, looking at portfolios, and making decisions. Why not knock out both bookings at once? Future you (the one wrangling a newborn while surviving on three hours of sleep) will thank you.

2. Consistency in Your Family Story

When you work with the same photographer for both milestones, there's a beautiful visual consistency in your family's portraits. The editing style, the artistic approach, the way your story is told—it all flows together seamlessly. These photos will eventually hang together in your home, and that cohesive look matters.

3. Better Value

Most luxury photographers (myself included) offer bundle pricing that gives you more value than booking separately. Plus, you often get priority scheduling and additional perks like wardrobe consultations and album design services.

4. We Already Know You

By the time your newborn session rolls around, I already know your style, your family dynamics, what makes you laugh. We've built a relationship. You're not starting from scratch with someone new while adjusting to life with a newborn.

Photos courtesy of Brown Bunny Photography

Infant girl with a headband smiling while lying on a soft white background.
Baby sleeping in a pink outfit and bonnet in a crib with a soft background.
Baby wrapped in a white blanket with a surprised expression and wide eyes, lying on a neutral background.

Milestone Sessions

Consider booking milestone sessions instead: three months, six months, and 12 months. These sessions capture your baby's rapid development and create a beautiful series documenting their first year. If you're interested in learning more about what to expect, check out my guide on How to prepare for your child's first photoshoot.

The bottom line? It's never truly "too late" to capture your story. The best time to book was three months ago. The second best time is right now.

Baby sitting in a round white basin with a pink blanket, smiling against a soft, neutral background.
Baby sitting in a wooden crib with a colorful quilt, next to a red toy truck on a wooden floor.
Smiling toddler in a white outfit sitting on a chair, holding a toy car against a backdrop of blue and white bunting.

Photos courtesy of Brown Bunny Photography

Behind the Scenes: How a Nashville Newborn Photographer Actually Works

Let me pull back the curtain a bit and share how I approach scheduling and client care at Brown Bunny Photography, because understanding the process might help you see why timing matters so much.

Limited Availability by Design

I only take a certain number of maternity and newborn families each month. Why? Because I refuse to compromise on quality or service. Each family gets:

  • Pre-session wardrobe consultation (I'll help you plan what to wear so you feel confident and beautiful. I have a client closet available for your use that ranges from the floofiest of tulle dresses to simple but elegant gowns, plus every color of silk imaginable.)
  • Detailed preparation checklist
  • Custom backdrops and props designed and crafted specifically for your child for one of a kind images
  • Flexible scheduling around baby's arrival
  • Extended session time without rushing
  • Personalized attention during the shoot
  • Careful editing of each image
  • Help designing albums and wall art for your home

This level of concierge service simply isn't possible if I'm photographing five newborns every week. I'd rather serve fewer families exceptionally well than overbook and provide a rushed experience.

The Wiggle Room Factor

For newborn sessions, I intentionally keep my calendar flexible. Here's how it works:

  1. You book during your second trimester and provide your due date
  2. I block out a 6-week window around that date (2 weeks before, 4 weeks after)
  3. When baby arrives, you text me (seriously, as soon as you're up for it—even from the hospital, because let's face it, I'm going to want pictures to squeal over.)
  4. We schedule the exact session date, typically 7–14 days after birth
  5. I keep backup dates available in case those early weeks are rough and we need to reschedule

This system only works when families book in advance. If you wait until after baby is born, I'm already committed to the families who planned ahead.

The Nashville Factor

Nashville and the surrounding areas—Franklin, Murfreesboro, Brentwood—have seen incredible growth in recent years. With that growth comes more families looking for luxury newborn photography. The competition for prime spots with experienced photographers is real.

Many of my clients are busy professionals who appreciate efficiency and planning. They're used to handling logistics and checking items off their to-do lists. Booking photography sessions months in advance? That just makes sense to their organized brains.

If that sounds like you, then you already understand why early booking isn't about pressure—it's about smart planning.

Smiling baby with a headband lying on a soft blanket, against a neutral background.
Toddler with red hair stands beside a small turquoise bed in a softly lit, brown-themed setting.
Young girl in a cream dress holding a white stuffed animal, sitting against a dark background.

Photos courtesy of Brown Bunny Photography

FAQ: Your Timeline Questions Answered

  • When is the best time to book maternity photos?  Book your session for between 28 and 34 weeks pregnant, but reach out to reserve your spot during your second trimester (around 16–20 weeks). This gives you first choice of dates and plenty of time to plan wardrobe and details without stress.
  • What if my baby comes early or late?  No worries! When you book your newborn session in advance, your photographer builds flexibility into the schedule. Simply contact them when baby arrives, and they'll adjust your session date to fall within that ideal 7–14 day window, whenever that ends up being.
  • Can I book maternity and newborn sessions together?  Absolutely, and I highly recommend it! Bundle packages typically offer better value, ensure consistency in your family's portraits, and mean one less thing to plan during your pregnancy. You can book both sessions at once and then adjust the newborn date after baby arrives.
  • Is 35 weeks too late for maternity photos?  Not necessarily, but it's cutting it close. If you're already 35 weeks or later, contact your photographer immediately. Many can still accommodate you with a shorter session, especially if you're willing to be flexible with timing. Just know that baby could arrive any day, so book ASAP.
  • What if my newborn is older than 2 weeks?  You can absolutely still do a newborn session! The style may shift slightly from those super sleepy, curled-up poses to more personality shots capturing baby awake and alert. Many photographers (including me) photograph babies up to 4–6 weeks old with beautiful results. The key is being honest with your photographer about baby's age so they can plan accordingly.  Bigger babies sometimes don't fit in the tiny newborn outfits, so knowing age helps me plan sizes.
  • How far in advance do Nashville newborn photographers book up?  This varies by photographer, but luxury studios often book 2–4 months in advance, sometimes more during peak seasons (hello, fall and spring babies). Don't assume you can book a few weeks before your due date and get your first choice of photographer.

Don't Let These Fleeting Moments Slip Away

Here's the truth about newborn and maternity photos that I wish more parents understood: these aren't just "nice to have" someday items. They're not frivolous luxuries or silly vanity projects.

These photos become the tangible proof of one of the most transformative times in your life. They're what you'll look at in ten years when your child is struggling with math homework and you can barely remember them fitting in the crook of your arm. They're what you'll hang on your walls, pass down through generations, and treasure when life feels too fast.

That belly you're carrying right now? It won't be there in a few months. That squishy newborn with the tiny curled toes? They're already growing while you read this.

I can't slow down time for you (believe me, if I could, I'd bottle it and sell it). But I can help you capture it. I can create portraits that do justice to this fleeting, extraordinary season of your life—portraits that feel like you, that showcase your family's authentic story, and that you'll be proud to display in your home for years to come.

But only if you reach out now.

Ready to Secure Your Spot?

If you're expecting and located in Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, I'd love to chat about capturing your maternity and newborn milestones.

Don't be the mama who looks back six months from now wishing she'd booked when she had the chance. Your future self—the one holding that rapidly growing baby—will be so grateful you took the time to preserve these precious moments.

Contact Brown Bunny Photography today to check availability and learn more about maternity and newborn packages. Let's make sure your family's story is captured beautifully—before these moments slip away.

Because trust me, you blink and suddenly that baby bump has turned into a kindergartener asking why you're crying over their newborn photos. 

Let's chat soon—I can't wait to meet your growing family.

Brown Bunny Photography specializes in luxury maternity and newborn photography serving Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, and Middle Tennessee. For more information about sessions, wardrobe planning, and creating heirloom art for your home, visit brownbunnyphoto.com.

Planning Your Newborn Session? Start Here

If you want a deeper breakdown of newborn timing specifically—when to book, what happens if you wait, and how it all works—

👉 I walk through that in detail here:
When to Book a Newborn Session

Leave a comment

Leave this field empty
This form is protected by reCAPTCHA to prevent spam and abuse. Information collected may be processed for security purposes.
Submit

0 Comments

Previous Post Next Post

Related Posts

A toddler in suspenders walks across a small wooden bridge in a sunlit forest.

Photo Prompt: Follow the Movement

May 31, 2026

Young girl in a flowing pink dress with a floral headband, smiling against a dark background.

Photo Prompt: Wind & Movement

May 24, 2026

Man joyfully hugging a laughing boy wearing blue shirts against a dark background.

Photo Prompt: Real Laughter

May 17, 2026

Photo Prompt: Motion Blur

May 10, 2026

CALL US
615-545-7392
BOOK US
CALL US
615-545-7392
BOOK US
CALL US
615-545-7392
BOOK US