Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Newborn Photographer in Atlanta

Welcoming a new baby is one of the most special times in your life—and capturing those fleeting newborn moments is something you’ll cherish forever. If you’re searching for a newborn photographer in Atlanta or Googling “newborn photographer near me,” it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with all the choices and decisions.

To help make the process smoother, we’ve compiled the top 5 mistakes to avoid when booking your newborn photography session in Atlanta—so you can enjoy a low-stress, memorable experience with beautiful results.

1. Waiting Too Long to Book

Many families wait until after the baby is born to book a session—but by then, many experienced Atlanta newborn photographers may already be fully booked. Newborn sessions are typically done within the first 5-20 days after birth, when babies are still super sleepy and curled up. Booking during your second trimester ensures you’ll have a spot on the calendar, and it gives you time to prepare.

Pro Tip: Look for photographers who offer a flexible window around your due date so you’re covered no matter when baby arrives.

2. Skipping the Pre-Session Prep (Like Feeding Baby a Full Feeding)

A smooth session starts with a well-prepped baby. One of the most important things you can do is feed your baby a full feeding right before the session. A full, sleepy baby is much easier to pose and soothe, which leads to calm, cuddly portraits (and a more relaxed experience for you!).If you’re doing a studio session, consider arriving a little early to feed and settle the baby once you’re there.

With the prep, make sure NOT to leave outfit choices for the night before! Choose outfits a week+ ahead of time so you can order pieces if needed, chat back and forth with your photographer to make sure your choices will work well. I also work with a wonderful wardrobe stylist for each session, A.Wooten Wardrobe.

3. Not Considering Lighting

Lighting makes or breaks a photograph—and newborn photography is no exception. If you’re working with natural light (which many photographers in Atlanta specialize in), the time of day and room setup can dramatically impact the look of your images.

If you’re booking an in-home session, your photographer will likely ask about windows, light direction, and suggest a time that gives the best soft, flattering light. If you’re choosing a studio newborn photographer, ask about their lighting setup to make sure it aligns with the soft, warm aesthetic most parents want for newborn portraits.

4. Choosing a Photographer Who Doesn’t Specialize in Newborns

Newborn photography is not just about owning a camera—it’s a skill that requires experience, safety knowledge, and lots of patience. Look for a photographer who specializes in newborn photography and understands how to safely pose and soothe babies.

Ask questions about their training, safety practices, and portfolio. A true professional newborn photographer will prioritize your baby’s comfort and safety while still creating beautiful, timeless images.

5. Not Thinking About Comfort and Stress Levels

Newborn sessions can last around 1-1.5 hours, and your comfort matters. Whether you’re recovering from delivery, breastfeeding, or just emotionally adjusting, it’s essential that the session feel low stress and family-friendly.

Choose a photographer who:

• Creates a relaxed environment
• Moves slowly and patiently with baby and siblings
• Welcomes parents and siblings into the process
• Provides guidance on what to expect and how to prepare

A calm session results in better photos—and a better experience for the whole family.

Take Aways

Booking the right Atlanta newborn photographer isn’t just about finding someone who takes cute pictures—it’s about finding someone who understands babies, works with natural rhythms, and knows how to create a safe, soothing space for everyone involved.

Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure you get the dreamy, emotion-filled images you’ll treasure for a lifetime. You can see more ideas on my Instagram!

Looking for a newborn photographer near you in Atlanta?
Let’s create something beautiful together. Contact me to reserve your due date and learn more about in-studio and lifestyle newborn sessions.