As an Arlington, VA newborn photographer, one of the most common messages I receive goes something like this: last month I got an email from a mom whose baby girl was already five weeks old. “I think I waited too long,” she wrote. “Is it too late to book a newborn session?”
I get some version of this message more often than you might think. And the answer — always — is no, it’s not too late.
I photograph babies from ten days old all the way through eight weeks, and I genuinely consider all of that the newborn phase. Yes, a ten-day-old is so sleepy and easy to settle into those classic bundled poses. But an older baby? She can hold eye contact, track movement, and give you the most breathtaking wide-awake portraits.
So she booked. We had a beautiful session. And she left with images she’ll have for the rest of her life.
What I’ve noticed over eight years of photographing newborns in Northern Virginia is that most parents have the same handful of questions — they just don’t always know to ask them. So here are three questions worth asking any Arlington, VA newborn photographer before you book.
Seven weeks old and so aware! Just starting to smile and show personality.
1. When Should I Book my Arlington, VA Newborn Photographer?
The short answer: book when you can, and don’t worry about the rest.
I recommend reaching out during your second trimester if possible — not because the calendar is impossible to navigate later, but because popular dates fill up and I want to make sure there’s a spot for you.
Here’s what actually happens after we set a date: we wait to see when your baby arrives, and then we schedule from there. In eight years, I have never had a session that couldn’t be moved. Babies come early. Babies come late. Moms need extra recovery time. NICU stays happen. All of it is completely fine. We figure it out together, and your session happens when you and your baby are ready.
2. What Does the Session Experience Actually Look Like?
My most important advice before a session: just show up. That’s it.
I’ll take care of everything else. If you want help with what to wear, I can do that — and I keep a client wardrobe with beautiful options for moms. For your baby, I have an extensive collection of wraps and neutral tones, so you don’t need to bring a thing. Or if you have something special in mind, bring it. Either way, we’re covered.
Plan to be at the studio for about an hour and a half to two hours. I know that sounds like a long time for a tiny baby, but here’s how it actually goes: we work, we pause, we feed the baby, we settle the baby. I want you to leave feeling like you had a real experience, not like you were rushed in and out.
The other thing I hear from families again and again is that the studio just feels calm. The light is soft, the pace is relaxed. Families tell me they came in nervous and left feeling like it was actually… fun. That’s the goal.
And because I want you to have lots of choices, I make sure we have plenty of beautiful options across a variety of poses and setups. Choosing your favorites should feel exciting, not stressful.
Our cozy studio is stocked with wraps and wardrobe options.
3. What Should I Realistically Expect to Invest?
Pricing for newborn sessions at my studio range from $900-1500. Each collection includes a set number of digital images and a print credit you can use toward albums, wall art, or prints from my online store.
One thing I do a little differently: you don’t choose your collection until after you’ve seen all of your photos. You come in, we create something beautiful, and then I send you the full gallery. Once you see your images, you choose the collection that feels right for what you want to walk away with. After that, you have thirty full days to download your images and use your print credit.
If you’d like to know more about current pricing and what’s included in each collection, I’m happy to send you my pricing guide, just reach out!
Custom albums, wall art, and prints are available through my online store.
Ready to Book Your Arlington, VA Newborn Photographer Session?
Whether your baby is three days old or six weeks, whether you’re coming from Falls Church, McLean, Fairfax, or anywhere across Northern Virginia — I’d love to talk about what your newborn session could look like! Contact me here.
Each month I participate in a blog circle with other newborn and family photographers throughout the country. Check out this month’s post about tips before your in home newborn session by my talented friend Pola at Oh Mama Photography in Columbia, SC!
Sarah Drewry is a portrait photographer based in Old Town Alexandria, VA. She photographs newborns, maternity, fine art heirloom portraiture, and growing families from her studio in a historic 1785 building on Saint Asaph Street — serving Alexandria, Arlington, McLean, Falls Church, Fairfax, and families throughout Northern Virginia and the DC area. Learn more about the studio here.
4 thoughts on “3 Questions Every Parent Should Ask Before Booking an Arlington, VA Newborn Photographer”
The reminder that babies arrive on their own timeline — and that recovery, NICU stays, and all the unexpected parts of postpartum life are met with flexibility and understanding — is so reassuring!
These 3 questions give such a great overview of what and how to get those newborn photos booked. The guidance is helpful!
Yes! This is so comforting to know that it’s “not too late” for newborn photos. The way you walk through what to expect is precisely what new mom’s want to know. I can tell you deliver such a beautiful experience from that first reach out inquiry to these families receiving their amazing memories printed in their hands!
The “too late” question is also so common when booking a newborn photographer, I love that you encourage this question to ask your newborn photographer and provide such a kind and clear answer. No! Of course not. Our time together might look different, but it’s never too late to document the connection of this sweet season in a growing family’s journey.