If you’re expecting a baby in San Diego, one question comes up again and again: when should I book a newborn session?
The short answer: during your pregnancy — don’t wait until your baby arrives.
Newborn sessions are limited, and the window for those tiny, sleepy newborn portraits is short. Booking ahead means you have a spot held around your due date, and once your baby is here, we confirm the exact day together.
When to reach out
The best time to book is by your third trimester, once you know you’re expecting and have a due date in mind.
I hold a spot on my calendar using your due date, and your actual session date is scheduled once baby arrives.
If your baby is already here, I will accept bookings after baby is born if my schedule allows — please still get in touch and I’ll do my best to fit you in.
How old should your baby be?
Newborns ideally should be less than 3 weeks of age at your session, when they’re at their sleepiest and easiest to pose for those wrapped and curled-up set-ups. However, I do take babies of all ages — posing modifications may be needed for older newborns.
Every baby is different, and that’s okay. If your baby is a little older, we can still capture beautiful portraits — we’ll just plan the session around what your baby is doing best at that age. The most important thing is not to wait too long: newborns grow and change so fast, and those first days pass in a blur.
What happens at a newborn session?
Your session takes place in my full-service San Diego studio at 9666 Businesspark Ave Ste 107, San Diego, CA 92131. You bring the baby and I take care of the rest.
We’ll use a variety of poses and props, and we’ll go at a pace that keeps your newborn comfortable — with time for feeding and soothing whenever your baby needs it. Sessions typically last 1–3 hours depending on the package you choose. This time allows for feedings, diaper changes, and everything in between.
Sessions include both wrapped and posed set-ups in your choice of colors and props, and a package can include sibling and parent images too. You’ll have access to my professional, high-quality props and designer wardrobe for both baby and Mom, and your images are edited in my classic, timeless style.
Your newborn package includes digital images — digital images are included with all packages — with additional digital images, prints, and heirloom products — albums, canvas and metal wall art — available as add-ons. Hair and makeup can be added for an additional fee.
What if my baby arrives early or late?
Don’t worry — due dates are estimates, not appointments. I hold a spot on my calendar using your due date, and your actual session date is scheduled once baby arrives. Just let me know as soon as you can after the birth, and we’ll get your session on the calendar.
How to book
To book a newborn session in San Diego, fill in the contact form at cuddlebugphotos.com/contact/ and tell me your baby’s due date or birthday and the session type (Newborn). You can also call or text 858-361-9633, or email cuddlebugphotos@gmail.com.
Hours: by appointment only.
If you’re also thinking about maternity photos, those pair beautifully with a newborn session — and many families come back through their baby’s first year for milestone and cake smash portraits too.
Don’t let time get away from you. You will never regret having these pictures taken — but you will regret not having them done.
— Brianna Zarins, Cuddlebug Photography, San Diego
