One of the most common questions we get is: “How far in advance should we book our photo session?”
While the short answer is earlier than you think, the long answer depends on the type of session you’re planning and the season you’re aiming for. Thoughtful planning for when to schedule your family portraits with DeLine Photography, not only secures your preferred date, but also ensures a relaxed, meaningful experience.
Here’s a simple guide to help you plan ahead with confidence.
If you are looking to schedule Newborn Photos
Our Newborn Collective is designed to document your baby’s first year (the one that flies by waaay too fast!!) This collection includes maternity, newborn, 6-month, and first-year sessions to tell a full story of growth and love.
Because this experience spans an entire year and requires thoughtful calendar coordination, we recommend booking your maternity session 3–4 months before your due date. Planning early guarantees space around your delivery window and allows us to tentatively reserve time for each milestone session. Once baby arrives, all you’ll need to do is soak in those sweet moments…we’ll handle the rest!
When to Book Family Portraits
For standard family portrait sessions, we recommend booking 1–3 months ahead. This allows flexibility with dates, locations, and styling while ensuring you’re not left scrambling for availability.
If you’re hoping for summer family photos, earlier is always better. Summer dates are some of our most popular and we often book these sessions up to 6 months in advance. Summer sessions give us longer days, golden light, and everyone has a more relaxed schedule that make summer a favorite…but that also means spots fill quickly.
When to Book Extended Family Portraits
Extended family sessions are so fun to include grandparents, cousins, and multiple households! With all the extra people it does require a bit more coordination and planning ahead is key. Booking 1–3 months in advance allows time to align schedules, choose a location that works for everyone, and ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
Just like standard family sessions, summer extended family dates go fast. These are often planned around reunions, vacations, or milestone celebrations, so securing your date early is especially important.
Why Booking Early Makes a Difference
Planning ahead doesn’t just secure a spot on the calendar, it gives you peace of mind. Early booking allows time for wardrobe planning, location selection, and intentional preparation so your session feels effortless and true to your family. It also ensures you’re photographing this season of life before it passes, because kids grow, seasons change, and time moves waaay faster than we expect.
If you have a date or season in mind, don’t wait. We’d love to help you plan a session that feels meaningful, relaxed, and timeless. Trust us, these are the photos you will want to frame and pass down to the next generation. Inquire here!
