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You’re expecting a baby; you probably have a long list of things to organize before they arrive. Newborn photos might be somewhere on that list but when are you actually supposed to book them?

For most families, the best time to book newborn photography is during your second or early third trimester. You don’t need to know exactly when your baby will arrive, and you don’t need to choose an exact session date yet.

Here’s how it works and what happens if your baby has other plans.

Do I Book Newborn Photos Before My Baby Is Born?

Yes! Most newborn sessions are booked using your due date, not your baby’s actual birthday.

Babies rarely arrive exactly when expected, so there’s no need to worry about choosing the perfect date months in advance. Your due date simply allows me to plan space in my calendar around the time your baby is expected.

Once baby arrives, we’ll confirm the actual session date.

Booking while you’re still pregnant also means there’s one less thing to organize during those first sleepy, blurry days at home with a newborn.

What Is the Best Age for Newborn Photos?

Newborn sessions are generally photographed during the first few weeks after birth, when babies are still tiny and naturally curled up.

But there isn’t one magical day when newborn photos suddenly stop being possible. Ideally, between days 4 and 14 days are ideal for those sleepy posed pictures.

Every baby is different. Some sleep through almost everything. Some want to eat frequently. Some are wide awake and very interested in what I’m doing.

After more than 15 years of photographing newborns, I’ve learned that the session needs to work around the baby, not the other way around.

We leave time for feeding, changing and settling, and I don’t expect your newborn to behave according to a photography schedule.

What If My Baby Comes Early or Late?

This is one of the most common worries I hear from expecting parents and it’s exactly why I don’t rely on a firm session date before the baby arrives.

If your baby comes earlier or later than expected, we adjust.

The same goes for unexpected C-sections, longer hospital stays or simply needing a little extra time at home before you’re ready to go anywhere.

You have enough to think about after having a baby. Your photography session shouldn’t be another source of stress.

What If My Baby Is Already Here?

Don’t assume you’ve missed your chance.

If your baby has already arrived and you haven’t booked newborn photos, reach out and ask about availability. Depending on my schedule and your baby’s age, a newborn session may still be possible.

And if your baby has moved beyond that very-newborn stage, there are still beautiful ways to photograph them.

My style has become increasingly focused on your baby as they are and your connection as a family, tiny details, simple portraits, snuggles with Mom and Dad and the expressions you’ll want to remember years from now.

Because ultimately, that’s the point.

You don’t need the perfect baby, the perfect outfit or the perfect first few weeks.

You just need photographs that bring you back to how little they once were.

Expecting a baby in Saint John, Quispamsis, Rothesay or the surrounding area? You can learn more about newborn sessions at Enchanted Hill Photography, including what to expect, session options and how to reserve your due date.

You’re expecting a baby; you probably have a long list of things to organize before they arrive. Newborn photos might be somewhere on that list but when are you actually supposed to book them?

For most families, the best time to book newborn photography is during your second or early third trimester. You don’t need to know exactly when your baby will arrive, and you don’t need to choose an exact session date yet.

Here’s how it works and what happens if your baby has other plans.

Do I Book Newborn Photos Before My Baby Is Born?

Yes! Most newborn sessions are booked using your due date, not your baby’s actual birthday.

Babies rarely arrive exactly when expected, so there’s no need to worry about choosing the perfect date months in advance. Your due date simply allows me to plan space in my calendar around the time your baby is expected.

Once baby arrives, we’ll confirm the actual session date.

Booking while you’re still pregnant also means there’s one less thing to organize during those first sleepy, blurry days at home with a newborn.

What Is the Best Age for Newborn Photos?

Newborn sessions are generally photographed during the first few weeks after birth, when babies are still tiny and naturally curled up.

But there isn’t one magical day when newborn photos suddenly stop being possible. Ideally, between days 4 and 14 days are ideal for those sleepy posed pictures.

Every baby is different. Some sleep through almost everything. Some want to eat frequently. Some are wide awake and very interested in what I’m doing.

After more than 15 years of photographing newborns, I’ve learned that the session needs to work around the baby, not the other way around.

We leave time for feeding, changing and settling, and I don’t expect your newborn to behave according to a photography schedule.

What If My Baby Comes Early or Late?

This is one of the most common worries I hear from expecting parents and it’s exactly why I don’t rely on a firm session date before the baby arrives.

If your baby comes earlier or later than expected, we adjust.

The same goes for unexpected C-sections, longer hospital stays or simply needing a little extra time at home before you’re ready to go anywhere.

You have enough to think about after having a baby. Your photography session shouldn’t be another source of stress.

What If My Baby Is Already Here?

Don’t assume you’ve missed your chance.

If your baby has already arrived and you haven’t booked newborn photos, reach out and ask about availability. Depending on my schedule and your baby’s age, a newborn session may still be possible.

And if your baby has moved beyond that very-newborn stage, there are still beautiful ways to photograph them.

My style has become increasingly focused on your baby as they are and your connection as a family, tiny details, simple portraits, snuggles with Mom and Dad and the expressions you’ll want to remember years from now.

Because ultimately, that’s the point.

You don’t need the perfect baby, the perfect outfit or the perfect first few weeks.

You just need photographs that bring you back to how little they once were.

Expecting a baby in Saint John, Quispamsis, Rothesay or the surrounding area? You can learn more about newborn sessions at Enchanted Hill Photography, including what to expect, session options and how to reserve your due date.

When I started photographing newborns more than 15 years ago, newborn photography looked very different. The props were the main focus and we were freshly inspired by Anne Geddes.

And over the years, I’ve photographed a lot of tiny babies, I would like to say 500+ but lately, the photographs I keep coming back to are often the simplest ones.

A baby curled against Mom. Dad holding a baby who looks impossibly small against him. The three of you together, figuring out this brand-new version of your family.

No elaborate scene needed.

More of You, Less of Everything Else

I’m not giving up the beautiful portraits of your baby on their own. I still love those and I know how valuable it is to have art of your children. But I’m making more room in my newborn sessions for connection.

I want to photograph how your baby fits against your chest and how you both lean into each other. Their tiny hand wrapped around your finger. The way you look at them when you’re not thinking about the camera.

Because when I look back at the newborn photographs I’ve created over the years, those are the images that feel increasingly important to me.

Not just what your baby looked like but what it felt like to have them this small. This stage is the fastest in their entire life.

“But I Don’t Want to Be in the Photos”

I hear you.

You’ve just had a baby. You’re tired. Your body doesn’t feel quite like your own yet. You probably didn’t sleep last night. You do not have to feel camera-ready. Nothing fits.

You don’t even have to know what to do.

I’ll guide you and show you how we can keep it simple.

You holding your baby. Your partner beside you. Your baby’s head against your shoulder. There is a closet to borrow a few dresses from as well.

That’s enough.

You don’t need to perform motherhood for the camera.

You just need to be there. Not only does your baby change but so do you.

A Different Kind of Newborn Session

My newborn sessions are becoming quieter and more family-focused.

Still beautiful.

Still carefully photographed.

Still with the experience that comes from photographing babies for more than 15 years.

Just with a little less emphasis on creating the perfect “newborn setup”, what colours should we use? More emphasis on the people this baby belongs to and incredible love you have for this new person.

I know this is where the true magic lies.

Looking for a Newborn Photographer in Saint John, NB?

My studio serves families from Saint John, Rothesay, Quispamsis and surrounding areas.

If you’re expecting, you can reach out before your baby arrives to reserve space around your due date.

And if your baby is already here, please reach out anyway. There isn’t one magical day when your baby suddenly becomes “too old” for meaningful photographs.

We’ll photograph the stage you’re in.

Because your family doesn’t need to look perfect.

It should look like yours.

See newborn sessions at Enchanted Hill Photography →

When I started photographing newborns more than 15 years ago, newborn photography looked very different. The props were the main focus and we were freshly inspired by Anne Geddes.

And over the years, I’ve photographed a lot of tiny babies, I would like to say 500+ but lately, the photographs I keep coming back to are often the simplest ones.

A baby curled against Mom. Dad holding a baby who looks impossibly small against him. The three of you together, figuring out this brand-new version of your family.

No elaborate scene needed.

More of You, Less of Everything Else

I’m not giving up the beautiful portraits of your baby on their own. I still love those and I know how valuable it is to have art of your children. But I’m making more room in my newborn sessions for connection.

I want to photograph how your baby fits against your chest and how you both lean into each other. Their tiny hand wrapped around your finger. The way you look at them when you’re not thinking about the camera.

Because when I look back at the newborn photographs I’ve created over the years, those are the images that feel increasingly important to me.

Not just what your baby looked like but what it felt like to have them this small. This stage is the fastest in their entire life.

“But I Don’t Want to Be in the Photos”

I hear you.

You’ve just had a baby. You’re tired. Your body doesn’t feel quite like your own yet. You probably didn’t sleep last night. You do not have to feel camera-ready. Nothing fits.

You don’t even have to know what to do.

I’ll guide you and show you how we can keep it simple.

You holding your baby. Your partner beside you. Your baby’s head against your shoulder. There is a closet to borrow a few dresses from as well.

That’s enough.

You don’t need to perform motherhood for the camera.

You just need to be there. Not only does your baby change but so do you.

A Different Kind of Newborn Session

My newborn sessions are becoming quieter and more family-focused.

Still beautiful.

Still carefully photographed.

Still with the experience that comes from photographing babies for more than 15 years.

Just with a little less emphasis on creating the perfect “newborn setup”, what colours should we use? More emphasis on the people this baby belongs to and incredible love you have for this new person.

I know this is where the true magic lies.

Looking for a Newborn Photographer in Saint John, NB?

My studio serves families from Saint John, Rothesay, Quispamsis and surrounding areas.

If you’re expecting, you can reach out before your baby arrives to reserve space around your due date.

And if your baby is already here, please reach out anyway. There isn’t one magical day when your baby suddenly becomes “too old” for meaningful photographs.

We’ll photograph the stage you’re in.

Because your family doesn’t need to look perfect.

It should look like yours.

See newborn sessions at Enchanted Hill Photography →

Click here for the link to view the pictures from the Fundy High School Graduation.

They will be updated as I work through them.

Click here for the link to view the pictures from the Fundy High School Graduation.

They will be updated as I work through them.

Over Easter we had a little one arrive who was no longer a newborn but too little to sit up. He was in that award stage for photographers. Cannot pose but so sweet. We photographed him exactly as he was, he sweet little personality. Captured those big beautiful eyes!

I have focused the majority of my career on newborn photography. It has required so much education, props, equipment, etc. Families of all ages and sizes still come into the studio but this is the age group that is honestly a little bit trick.

During the Covid years there were families who were unable to have their newborn pictures taken. A few came in when their baby was a bit older and sad that they would not get the squishy, posed newborn art they hoped to have on their walls. We still tried to make those dreams a reality by wrapping a little but most of the props were too small for these 12lbs+ babies.

I decided to go simple. Focusing on your baby, simple little onesies and wraps. Capturing your baby as they are in the moment, sleeping or awake. Still with that Enchanted Hill style you recognize. Photographed in the tiny studio in Saint John.

These baby sessions can be an add on to your newborn session or replace the newborn session entirely. Like a newborn session these session are run by your baby, if they need a break they get a break. They are focused on baby and maybe Mom and Dad’s hands and arms to cuddle them (because we know for some babies that is where you will always find them).

Over Easter we had a little one arrive who was no longer a newborn but too little to sit up. He was in that award stage for photographers. Cannot pose but so sweet. We photographed him exactly as he was, he sweet little personality. Captured those big beautiful eyes!

I have focused the majority of my career on newborn photography. It has required so much education, props, equipment, etc. Families of all ages and sizes still come into the studio but this is the age group that is honestly a little bit trick.

During the Covid years there were families who were unable to have their newborn pictures taken. A few came in when their baby was a bit older and sad that they would not get the squishy, posed newborn art they hoped to have on their walls. We still tried to make those dreams a reality by wrapping a little but most of the props were too small for these 12lbs+ babies.

I decided to go simple. Focusing on your baby, simple little onesies and wraps. Capturing your baby as they are in the moment, sleeping or awake. Still with that Enchanted Hill style you recognize. Photographed in the tiny studio in Saint John.

These baby sessions can be an add on to your newborn session or replace the newborn session entirely. Like a newborn session these session are run by your baby, if they need a break they get a break. They are focused on baby and maybe Mom and Dad’s hands and arms to cuddle them (because we know for some babies that is where you will always find them).

Photographing maternity sessions in my studio has always been one of my favourites. There I am able to control the light, I do not need to worry about the weather and it is easier to schedule. No worries about what the rain clouds plan to do on those days!

Once a client books we begin sharing ideas of what they want from their session and I was seeing a common trend. A modern style and approach. It was also not quite the same as I was producing in the studio.

I love their inspiration and I wanted to achieve what they desired, plus, when I see what others could create I needed to know HOW. This meant studying on my part, talking with other photographers and eventually educators. My goal was to create beautiful, modern and stylish maternity photos in my small Saint John studio.

A few courses later I was better understanding what was holding me back and as always it was equipment I didn’t own. A large investment later I was excited to get started and this gorgeous maternity session made all the hours of learning come to fruition.

This client and I had a great conversation during her ordering appointment. She wanted to feel beautiful and celebrate this pregnancy. Using the lighting and new soft boxes we were able to create different looks in the studio that was redefining maternity sessions in Saint John.

The goal was to have people look at her pictures and say, ‘Wow!’ that we accomplished!

Photographing maternity sessions in my studio has always been one of my favourites. There I am able to control the light, I do not need to worry about the weather and it is easier to schedule. No worries about what the rain clouds plan to do on those days!

Once a client books we begin sharing ideas of what they want from their session and I was seeing a common trend. A modern style and approach. It was also not quite the same as I was producing in the studio.

I love their inspiration and I wanted to achieve what they desired, plus, when I see what others could create I needed to know HOW. This meant studying on my part, talking with other photographers and eventually educators. My goal was to create beautiful, modern and stylish maternity photos in my small Saint John studio.

A few courses later I was better understanding what was holding me back and as always it was equipment I didn’t own. A large investment later I was excited to get started and this gorgeous maternity session made all the hours of learning come to fruition.

This client and I had a great conversation during her ordering appointment. She wanted to feel beautiful and celebrate this pregnancy. Using the lighting and new soft boxes we were able to create different looks in the studio that was redefining maternity sessions in Saint John.

The goal was to have people look at her pictures and say, ‘Wow!’ that we accomplished!

I do NOT do passport pictures. Nor do I print at my studio. All of my printing is outsourced to companies that specialize in printing portraits, not passports.

Where to Get Passport Pictures Taken in Saint John

You can get your passport photos take at Shopper’s Drug Mart on 110 Crown Street, Saint John and you can also go to Staples on Rothesay Avenue.

UPS Store on Rothesay Avenue also does passport photos. 337 Rothesay Avenue, Saint John.

You can get more information from their website https://www.theupsstore.ca/200/services/passport-id-photos/

There may be other spots in the city that also do passport photos and if I am made aware of them, then I will update this post.

What about Visa Photos?

No, I do not do Visa photographs either.

Can You Try to Do a Visa or Passport Picture?

No. I realize that the specifications are online, however it is not part of my business.

I do NOT do passport pictures. Nor do I print at my studio. All of my printing is outsourced to companies that specialize in printing portraits, not passports.

Where to Get Passport Pictures Taken in Saint John

You can get your passport photos take at Shopper’s Drug Mart on 110 Crown Street, Saint John and you can also go to Staples on Rothesay Avenue.

UPS Store on Rothesay Avenue also does passport photos. 337 Rothesay Avenue, Saint John.

You can get more information from their website https://www.theupsstore.ca/200/services/passport-id-photos/

There may be other spots in the city that also do passport photos and if I am made aware of them, then I will update this post.

What about Visa Photos?

No, I do not do Visa photographs either.

Can You Try to Do a Visa or Passport Picture?

No. I realize that the specifications are online, however it is not part of my business.