When Should You Book Your Newborn Session?

Alyssa Charboneau Photography, Las Vegas Newborn and Family Photographer. Owner of The White Space, a natural light studio in downtown Las Vegas.

As a mama of three, I know how wild those final weeks of pregnancy can feel. You're nesting, prepping, daydreaming — and trying to check all the boxes before baby arrives. And one thing I’m often asked by expecting moms is:

“When should I book my newborn session?”

The short answer? Now. If you're thinking about it, you’re already right on time. But let’s dig into a few details to help you feel prepared and confident.

Studio Newborn session at The White Space.

Book in Your Second Trimester

The best time to officially book your newborn session is between 20–28 weeks. By then, your pregnancy is typically moving smoothly, and your due date is set. This gives us time to:

• Plan your session and secure a spot.

• Discuss adding on a maternity session. These can be short and sweet!

• Discuss styling, wardrobe, and what to expect. I also offer a super fun styling service that can totally help with postpartum outfits to make you feel your absolute best.

• Reserve space on my calendar, which fills quickly with family sessions in the fall, and some months I’m a full time glorified taxi driver to my kids.

And honestly? It’s just one more thing you can cross off your list — and feel really good about.

Sweet newborn just six days old was so chill and happy.

When Will We Schedule the Actual Session?

Once your session is booked, I’ll pencil in your due date. From there, we’ll plan to shoot your session within the first three months after birth. You mean you don’t have to schedule it for the first 10 days? That is correct! My sessions are lifestyle sessions. I want baby to be natural and comfortable. I don’t pose babies, or try to keep them asleep. I want them to wake up and move around, I want you to be able to hold them and swaddle them. I document your new life now, and it’s so precious. Check out another newborn session here!

Another think to think about is if you want to add-on a Fresh 48 Session. If we do a Fresh 48, then we can capture baby when they are tiny and new. Then I suggest waiting at least a month or two for the newborn session. Then babies has had time to chunk up, and you’ve had time to recover and get into the swing of things. It’s so fun to look back and see how much baby has changed from the first few days, to the first few months.

Of course, babies arrive on their own timeline. I leave space in my calendar to shift things as needed, so you never have to stress. Just keep me in the loop when your little one makes their debut, and we’ll finalize your date from there.

Newborn lifestyle session with a new family of three.

Home, Hospital, or Studio? You’ve Got Options

I offer three types of newborn sessions, and each one is beautiful in its own way:

• In-Home Lifestyle: Your home, your story. These sessions are perfect for families who want a relaxed, personal setting — especially if you’ve styled your nursery or have older siblings at home.

• Fresh 48: Taken within the first 48 hours at your hospital or birth center. These are raw, emotional, and real — perfect for remembering those first precious hours you’ll never get back. Most clients book this with an in-home sessions about two months later.

• Studio Newborn Mini: My natural light studio in downtown Las Vegas, The White Space, offers soft, neutral tones, cozy textures, and a minimal, timeless vibe. You can show up with baby, relax, and let me take care of the rest. These are typically done if I am not able to make a Fresh 48, or if families are just not up for it after delivery. We usually schedule these within the first week, so we can still document the tiny newness of baby (or babies). That was the case for the family in these photos. Baby was just 6 days old and oh so sweet.

Close-ups of the tiny toes are a must-have.

Don’t Worry If Baby’s Already Here

If you’re reading this with a newborn in your arms — it’s not too late. I leave space for last-minute newborn sessions when I can. Reach out HERE ASAP and we’ll see if we can make it happen.

Extra points if we can get newborn yawns!

A Note to You, Mama

I know how fast the newborn phase passes. It’s blurry and beautiful and full of love. These aren’t just pictures — they’re part of your legacy. My goal is to create artful, honest images of you, your family, and your baby that you’ll treasure forever.

You deserve to be in the frame.

New dad with his sweet girl.

Las Vegas Newborn Session

Party of 3!

Black and white images are so classic.

My Favorite Las Vegas Locations for a Family Summer Session + One Cali Destination

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I 100% prefer summer for family photos over fall, even here in the desert of Las Vegas. For me, it’s relaxed energy, I love summer style and fashion, and the fact that kids are out of school make it the perfect time to update your family photos. Whether you’re dreaming of something playful, editorial, or effortlessly candid, I’ve gathered a list of my absolute favorite places to shoot family sessions during the summer months in Las Vegas, plus a surprise destination location that is a road trip away:

An Omni Lens Baby kit is my go-to for creativity during family session.

1. The White Space– Downtown Las Vegas

The White Space is a natural light studio I own in DTLV. I designed the layout and with intention specifically curated all the props. The White Space is perfect for clean, timeless family portraits—especially during those scorching Vegas days when outdoor sessions just aren’t ideal. The large windows, minimal design, and soft textures allow your family’s connection to shine without distractions. Bonus: it’s air-conditioned, comfortable, and toddler-proof.

2. Mt. Charleston – Just Outside Las Vegas

Only 45 minutes from the city, Mt. Charleston offers cooler temperatures, tall pines, and sweeping mountain views. I literally get gitty when a client mentions a session here. It’s such a dreamy escape from the desert heat and creates a completely different look for your gallery. Think cozy blankets, wildflowers, and barefoot kids running through the woods. Sometimes wild horses and deer pop. Sessions can either be stylish and elevated in the Meadows, or we can light a fire and break out the smores with your kiddos. How fun would that be? Either way, you’ll be the best time with your family and I’ll be here to document it for you. Check out a family session from Mt. Charleston HERE.

3. Your Home – Your Personal Haven

There’s something incredibly special about photographing families in their own homes. The comfort, the familiarity, the little details that tell your story—these sessions are always deeply personal. Whether it’s baking in the kitchen, playing in the living room, or snuggling on the bed, your home is full of beautiful light and love. Homes are particularity for newborn sessions, and session with toddlers. I promise that you’ll look back on these for years and years and not only love the younger faces, but your old couch, or that first family home. These are super sentimental! Check out an In-Home Family Session HERE.

A sweet personality portrait during this family session at The White Space.

4. Backyard or Pool Sessions – Playful + Personality-Packed

Summer screams pool days and popsicles. Backyard sessions are fun, relaxed, and full of personality. We can photograph your family splashing in the water, lounging poolside, or enjoying golden hour with games and snacks. These are especially great for families who want a documentary-style gallery filled with color and movement. I had Hi & Hello Photography do a backyard session for us this summer, and I feel so incredibly lucky to have such beautiful images of my family in our favorite spot where we spend so much of our time together.

5. Santa Barbara, CA – Beachy, Breezy, and Beautiful

Ok, so definitely not in Las Vegas, but just a six hour drive away. Santa Barbara is a dream location, and I’m lucky to have family there, so I love to take the kids there when I can. With stunning beaches, soft pastel skies, and Spanish-style charm, it offers a coastal vibe that’s hard to beat. So if you are thinking of a quick family getaway, and want to include getting family pics taken, I’m often there visiting family and would love to photograph yours, too.

Crayons and plexiglass give this a rainbow effect.

Ready to Book Your Summer Session?
No matter which setting speaks to you, my goal is always the same: to capture your family as you are right now. I want it to be fun, goofy, chaotic, snuggly, all of it.. Reach out to reserve your summer date—openings are limited through August, and I'd love to help you create something truly special this season.

Let me know which location feels most like you, and we’ll bring your dream session to life!

Alyssa Charboneau has been photographing families and newborns for nearly 10 years. With experience as an elementary teacher and a television journalist, Alyssa has combined her love of visual storytelling and working with kiddos. Ready to plan your newborn, family, or other session?