In the world of getting on the daycare waitlist in San Francisco as soon as your baby is born to get a spot, Bay Area parents are often stressed about all the things they need to prepare for when they get pregnant. If you live in an apartment, you may also be trying to do the math of how to get your baby nursery to fit in a closet (been there!), or deciding on whether you need to move to make room. So it’s totally natural when all of these questions come up to wonder how far in advance you need to book a newborn photographer to make sure you have the newborn photos (and the newborn photographer!) of your dreams.

One of my most frequently asked questions as a maternity photographer in the Bay Area is ‘When should I take maternity photos?”. Today, I’m answering that question!

Are you pregnant and noodling on the idea of a first year photo package but need more details? I got you!

Have you ever wondered how long an in-home newborn session takes? In this article, I talk all about what contributes to how long your newborn session should take and whether you will have enough time to get all the photos you want.

Getting ready for newborn photos does not need to be a full production. With cozy outfits, a few clean corners and the brightest part of the day, your home becomes the perfect backdrop. These simple tips help you prepare for in-home newborn photos without stress or perfection.

If you have ever typed “best rated newborn photographer” into AI at 3 a.m., you are in good company. New parents do it every day while trying to figure out who they can trust with these once in a lifetime photos. My newborn sessions are simple, bright and calm, and parents often tell me the experience feels easy even when their baby or toddler has other plans. If you want photos you will actually print and a session that won’t stress you out, this post breaks it all down.

If you’re looking for newborn photos that feel soft, simple, and natural, studio sessions are a perfect fit. My all-white studio keeps the focus on your baby and the connection you share as a family. Everything is already set up and beautifully lit, so you just come in, snuggle your baby, and we create a full gallery together.

As a photographer, there’s something magical about watching a baby grow from a brand-new newborn to an older kid. When families come back to my Sausalito studio for both sessions, it feels like completing a story. The consistency of studio newborn photography paired with a milestone session means you get timeless, cohesive images that belong together. I love how these sessions look displayed together in albums or on walls; they tell a full story of that incredible first year.

I love sessions that celebrate a family’s real rhythm at home. This sweet family of five was all laughter, snuggles, and barefoot chaos. Their neutral tones and cozy light made everything feel timeless, from the baby’s peaceful moments in her parents’ arms to her brothers’ giggles on the bed. We even finished outdoors in their sunny backyard, which felt like the perfect exhale to a joyful morning together.