If you are pregnant and reading this, there is a good chance you are also trying to hold approximately forty-seven things in your head at once. The pram. The hospital bag. The name you can't quite agree on. The nursery that still has boxes in it.

So let me make this one easy for you. Here is everything you need to know about when to book a newborn photographer in Surrey — and why it matters more than most parents expect.

When should I book a newborn photographer?

The short answer: as soon as you've had your 12-week scan. I know that might sound early. You are barely telling people you are pregnant, and I am suggesting you think about booking a photographer.

But here is the thing — newborn sessions are one of the most date-sensitive bookings you will ever make, for one very simple reason. Babies do not arrive on schedule.

Because of this, I hold only a small number of newborn bookings each month. This is intentional — it keeps my diary flexible enough to accommodate early arrivals, late arrivals, and everything in between.

And it means that if you wait until you are 30 weeks to enquire, there is a very real chance I am fully booked for your window. The families who get the dates they want are almost always the ones who booked early.

How does the date actually work?

When you get in touch, we will pencil in a session date approximately 7 to 10 days after your due date. This is the sweet spot — babies in the first two weeks of life are sleepier, curled up in that beautiful newborn way, and tend to settle more easily during a session.

Then we wait.

Once your baby arrives, you simply send me a message and we confirm or adjust the date.

If baby comes early, we move the session forward. If baby is fashionably late, we shift it back. There is absolutely no pressure and no penalty — I understand that this is one of the least predictable events in your life and I plan around that from the start.

What if baby arrives very early or has to spend time in hospital?

This happens, and it is always handled with complete sensitivity. If your baby arrives premature or needs additional care after birth, your booking is held and we reschedule when you and your baby are ready. There is no rush, no fuss and no additional charge.

Is there a best age for a newborn session?

Within the first two weeks of life is the window I always recommend. During this time babies are at their sleepiest and most curled — those iconic newborn poses where they look like they could still be in the womb. The tummy poses, the tiny hands under the chin, the ones that make everyone cry when they see them.

That said, I photograph newborns up to 12 weeks old and I want you to know: older newborns are beautiful too. They have started to open their eyes, to look at faces, to stretch out and show their personality. Some of the most precious images I have ever taken have been of babies at 6, 8 or even 10 weeks old. So if you are reading this and your baby is already here — please do not write off the idea. Get in touch and let's talk.

Does it matter what day of the week I book?

Yes, I photograph newborns on Wednesday and Friday mornings only. This is a deliberate choice that allows me to give every session my full preparation and attention, working around my family time and my other job the rest of the week. The sessions are relaxed and unhurried, and many families find it easier to arrange a midweek morning than they expect.

How do I secure my date?

A £100 non-refundable deposit is all that is needed to hold your space in my calendar. Once that is paid, your date is yours and I begin building excitement for your session.

From there, you will receive my Welcome guide, Styling guide and all the information you need to prepare — so by the time your little one arrives, the only thing you need to worry about is the most important thing : meeting them.

I am based in Warlingham, Surrey, with easy parking on the driveway. I serve families across Croydon, Caterham, Oxted, Purley, Reigate, Bromley and the wider South London area.

Ready to secure your date?

Head to my Online booking page or send me a message and I will come straight back to you. And if you have any questions at all — about timing, about the session, about anything — I am always here to help.

You are going to meet your baby very soon. Let's make sure someone is there to capture it. 🤍