If you’re wondering, “when to schedule our newborn photos,”  you’re not alone.

It’s a question I hear often, and the answer might surprise you! If you’re expecting and looking for a newborn photographer in the Raleigh, NC area, the best time to schedule your session is actually before your baby arrives.

As a Wake Forest-based newborn photographer serving Raleigh and the surrounding area, I’ve designed my process to be simple, relaxed, and baby-led – starting with how and when you book.

Let’s take the guesswork out of it.

When to Book Newborn Photos

Most Raleigh newborn photographers (myself included) recommend booking your session during your second trimester, around 20–28 weeks into pregnancy. This gives us plenty of time to plan your session, coordinate details, and make space on my calendar around your due date.

While newborn photos are typically taken between 7–14 days after baby arrives, the date of your session is flexible. Once you reserve your session, I’ll pencil your due date on my calendar, then we’ll schedule the actual date and time once your little one arrives.

I only take a limited number of newborn sessions per month to make sure every family receives the time, care, and attention they deserve. So the earlier you reach out, the better!

What If My New Baby Arrives Early or Late?

Oh, please don’t worry – babies rarely arrive right on cue! Whether your little love is born early or keeps you waiting, we’ll work together to find a time that feels right.

No matter what, your newborn session won’t be rushed. It’s quiet. Unhurried. Thoughtfully paced around feeding, soothing, and cuddling. My Wake Forest studio is designed with newborns (and new parents) in mind.

Why Planning Ahead Makes the Newborn Photography Experience Better

Booking your session before your baby is born offers something so valuable: peace of mind.

When you reach out early, I can guide you through:

• Choosing a wardrobe that photographs beautifully (and feels like you)
• Planning for an heirloom album or a gallery of framed prints
• Making time to slow down and simply be with your new baby

You’ll know exactly what to expect so you’ll be able to relax, knowing everything is taken care of!

Let’s Create Something Beautiful

Whether you’re welcoming your first baby or your fourth, these early days are sacred – and they pass so quickly. If you’re looking for a newborn photographer in Raleigh, I’d love to help you create something timeless, tender, and true.

✨ Next steps: learn more about how much newborn photography costs. Reach out here to reserve your spot, or explore my newborn portfolio to see more of what I offer from my Wake Forest studio.

Serving families in Raleigh, Wake Forest, Rolesville, Durham, and surrounding areas with fine art newborn photography that celebrates connection and love.

PIN THIS POST:

A recent pinch-me moment that I have to share: one of my boudoir photos was recently selected to be part of a photography exhibit called “Nude” by Decode Gallery in Tucson, Arizona! This was my first time having my artwork shown in a gallery, well worth celebrating, so my husband and I flew out to Tucson for opening night of the exhibit.

As a busy mom and business owner, it’s rare that I take the time to slow down and celebrate my accomplishments before I’m rushing on to the next thing on my lengthy to-do list, but I’m so glad we took the time to fly out there. It was a whirlwind trip filled with art, inspiration, history, and lots of delicious Mexican food.

Decode Gallery is located in one of the best preserved barrios in Tucson. The neighborhood is comprised of artist studios, restaurants, residences, and office spaces, and features historic Sonoran-style architecture, with gorgeous, thick-walled, original adobe houses reminiscent of an old Mexican village.

The folks at the gallery told me that because of the historic nature of the buildings, they’re limited in what they can hang on the walls, both inside and out. They aren’t even allowed to fix loose floor tiles inside the gallery! I appreciate that the city works to maintain the original architecture and beauty – it provides so much character and history!

We visited some other art galleries along the same street while we there, including a gallery featuring artwork created by local Native American artists, as well as two other photography galleries.

(Side note: currently dreaming of where I can build an adobe-style studio in Raleigh…)

It was surreal to walk in and see my photograph hanging amongst so many other talented artists! The gallery staff greeted us when we came in, and after they went to the next room, Mike asked why I didn’t mention one of the photographs was mine – I’m just so shy, you guys! He went and told them for me, and they came back into the room all excited and wanting to photograph ME! Ack!

Here are some iphone snaps from the event, including some of my favorite works from other photographers (and a very sweaty selfie – ha!)

All in all, I’m really happy we made the trip. I walked away feeling incredibly inspired and even more committed to improving – and showing! – my boudoir and fine art nude work. May this be the first of many exhibits to come!

Oh, and here’s the photo that was chosen, if you’d like to see it in greater detail…

If you’d like information about a boudoir photography experience for yourself, send me a note and let’s chat!

After more than 15 years of focusing (pun intended!) solely on newborn and family photos, I’m thrilled to announce a new venture for my photography studio. Say hi to your new boudoir photographer!

My boudoir photography brings forth the luminous glow from inside you – so I call them “Luminous”. They’re truly a celebration of You. Honoring your inner and outer beauty, your strength and resilience. I provide a safe space for you to shed insecurities, embrace vulnerability, and fall back in love with that perfectly imperfect woman.

Why Boudoir Photography?

Luminous Boudoir grew out of my own desire to reclaim myself as a woman after a multitude of events over the years. I struggled to keep up with hustle culture while putting everyone’s needs before my own. And of course, that led to burn out. I ignored so many signs that I needed to slow down and take better care of myself. And finally, I was diagnosed with leukemia in 2021. Leukemia forced me to not just slow down, but to stop. And in time, a new appreciation for my body was born.

I’m curious … what’s your story?

– maybe you’re falling back in love with yourself again
– maybe you’re celebrating a milestone or achievement
– maybe you’re starting fresh after an illness or divorce
– maybe you simply want to treat yourself, as you should!

As an artist, I’m inspired by beautiful light, little details, and real women just like you. I’m honored to create portraits of you, for you, so you can see what we all see when we look at you:

You are a work of art, a masterpiece, just as you are in this moment.

✨ You are luminous ✨

_____

The Luminous boudoir experience is inspired by beautiful light, the smallest of details, and real women’s stories. Christy Johnson Photography provides a stellar experience from beginning to end. Enjoy expert posing guidance from head to toe, professional retouching of images, and ever-growing client closet to bring your self love journey to life. Book a call to learn more today!