Maternity vs Newborn: Should You Book Both?

Booking both a maternity session and a newborn session creates a paired set of images that tell a complete story — the waiting and the arrival. Many photographers offer a combined package that is better value than booking separately, and there are practical advantages to planning both sessions with the same photographer at the same time.

The case for booking both

Together, they become a before-and-after diptych. As a collection, they show the transformation in the parents' faces as much as the arrival of the baby — from waiting to holding.

Practical advantages of booking both together

• ◆Consistency: Same photographer means the same editing style, the same aesthetic. The images from both sessions will sit cohesively together in albums and on walls.
• ◆Secured newborn slot: Popular newborn photographers have limited capacity. Booking the newborn session during pregnancy secures a slot. After birth, parents contact the photographer with the birth date and the slot is confirmed.
• ◆Relationship: Having already worked together at the maternity session, the newborn session starts with established trust and comfort — for both parents and photographer.
• ◆Package pricing: Most photographers offer a meaningful discount on combined packages vs. individual session rates.

When to book

Book the combined package at around 20 weeks gestation. The maternity session typically takes place at 28–34 weeks. The newborn session date is confirmed once the baby is born — the photographer will have a flexible slot held for you.