May 14, 2026
Jessica Johnston Photography | Noblesville, Indiana Newborn Photographer
If you’re expecting a baby and wondering when to book your newborn photography session, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most common questions I get from expectant moms. The short answer? Book during your second trimester, around 20 weeks pregnant. But let me explain why, because it really does matter.
What Every Newborn Photographer in Noblesville Indiana Knows About Timing
Newborn photography has a magic window — and it’s short.
The best time to photograph your baby is between 14 and 21 days after birth. Here’s why that window is so special:
- Babies are still sleepy and curly. In those first days, newborns naturally curl up into those beautiful, womb-like poses that make newborn photography so dreamy. After about 2 weeks, they start stretching out and become harder to pose.
- Their skin is settling. By days 5–12, most of the birth-related redness and peeling has calmed down, and baby’s complexion is at its softest and most photogenic.
- They sleep deeply. Young newborns spend most of their time in deep sleep, which makes it possible to gently move them through poses. This gets harder as they grow!
So Why Book at 20 Weeks?
Here’s the thing — I can’t guarantee a spot if you wait until after baby arrives.
My calendar fills up months in advance, especially heading into summer and fall (my busiest seasons here in the Noblesville and Indianapolis area). When you book during your second trimester, here’s what happens:
✔️ Your due date is reserved. I hold a flexible window around your due date so we can schedule the session once baby actually arrives.
✔️ No scrambling postpartum. The last thing you need in those first exhausted, beautiful, chaotic days with a newborn is stress about finding a photographer. When you’ve already booked, it’s one less thing on your plate.
✔️ We have time to plan together. I send every client a style guide and questionnaire so we can choose colors, wraps, props, and outfits that feel like you. This is so much more fun to do before baby comes!
✔️ You get the best dates. Early bookings get first pick of dates and times.
What If My Baby Comes Early or Late?
No problem at all — this is completely normal and I plan for it! When you book with me, I hold a flexible window around your due date. Whether baby arrives a couple weeks early or a little late, we’ll find a session date that falls within that golden 14-21 day window.
What About the Session Itself?
My newborn sessions are held right here in my Noblesville, Indiana studio — a warm, calm, safe space designed with both baby and parents in mind.
Sessions are never rushed. We go completely at your baby’s pace — there are feeding breaks, soothing moments, and diaper changes built right in. Most newborn sessions run 1–2 hours, with the full Signature Newborn & Family session being the longest at 2–3 hours. Many parents tell me afterward it felt more like spending time with a friend than a photo shoot.
I take care of everything:
- Wraps, outfits, hats, headbands, and props are all provided
- I send a style guide to help you plan your look
- A newborn questionnaire ensures the session reflects your family’s colors and preferences
- My background as a pediatric nurse means your baby is always in safe, experienced hands
Session Options & Pricing
Here’s a quick look at what I offer for newborns:
| Session | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Purely New | $499 | Minimalistic & natural, baby only, 60 min, 12 images |
| Purely Wrapped | $499 | Variety of wraps, baby only, 60 min, 10 images |
| Signature Newborn | $599 | Deluxe session, baby only, 1–2 hours, 15 images |
| Signature Newborn & Family | $699 | Full session + family & siblings, 2–3 hours, 18 images |
A retainer is required at booking to hold your date.
Ready to Book?
If you’re expecting and due this summer or fall, now is the time to reach out — those months fill up quickly!
I’d love to meet you and talk through all the details. You can reach me at:
📩 jessiejohnstonphoto@gmail.com 📞 317.727.1622 🌐 Contact form on my website
I serve families in Noblesville, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Indianapolis, and surrounding areas. I can’t wait to photograph your little one. 🤍
Jessica Johnston is an award-winning newborn, maternity, and family photographer based in Noblesville, Indiana. With a background in pediatric nursing and five children of her own, she brings both expertise and heart to every session.
Learn more about what to look for when choosing a newborn photographer from Professional Photographers of America.
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