Why You Should Book Your Pittsburgh Newborn Photographer Early During Your Third Trimester
Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative time in a woman’s life, and capturing those precious moments with professional photos can help preserve the memories for years to come. If you’re expecting a little one in Pittsburgh, one of the best ways to ensure that your maternity and newborn photos turn out perfect is to plan ahead. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of booking your Pittsburgh newborn photographer early during your third trimester, and how scheduling both maternity and newborn sessions together can save you money and reduce stress during your pregnancy.
At Melissa Helman Photography, we believe in creating a personalized experience that is both stress free and memorable. Our sessions result in amazing and beautiful photos that families will treasure forever, capturing the genuine love and connection of your growing family. When you book early, you can relax knowing your spot is reserved and look forward to the wonderful experience and results you can expect from your session.
Welcoming a new baby into your family is one of life’s most extraordinary experiences, and newborn photography offers a beautiful way to capture the quiet beauty of those early days. As a Pittsburgh newborn photographer specializing in newborn photography, I am passionate about preserving the precious moments that make this time so special. Every newborn photo session is designed to highlight the real moments and emotions that define your growing family, creating a personalized experience that is both stress free and memorable. My goal is to help you treasure forever the fleeting days of your baby’s life, providing you with a collection of timeless images that will be cherished for generations. Whether you’re celebrating your first child or adding to your family, these photographs become a lasting reminder of the love and joy that fills your home during this incredible chapter.
As you enter your third trimester, there’s a lot to think about. The anticipation of your baby’s arrival, preparing your home, and getting everything ready for your little one can be overwhelming. Amidst all the excitement, you might not realize how quickly photographers’ schedules can fill up. Pittsburgh is home to many talented newborn photographers, and popular ones tend to book their sessions months in advance, especially during peak times like the summer and fall.
By booking your Pittsburgh newborn photographer early in your third trimester, you can ensure that you secure your preferred photographer and date, without the added pressure of last-minute scheduling. Many photographers also offer limited availability for newborn sessions due to the delicate nature of these shoots and the need to accommodate babies within the first 14 days of life. Booking early gives your photographer the time and flexibility needed to do an amazing job capturing your newborn’s first days, ensuring you receive beautiful, natural images and a comfortable, positive experience.
One of the best ways to save on session fees while ensuring that you have stunning photos for both your pregnancy and the newborn stage is to schedule maternity and newborn sessions together. Melissa Helman Photography offers bundle deals for both types of sessions, which can significantly reduce the overall cost. These bundles are perfect for growing families looking to capture every milestone.
Save Money: When you book both your maternity and newborn sessions with our Pittsburgh photography studio, you’ll often receive a discount on the total cost. MHP offers bundled pricing structure that makes booking both sessions together more affordable than booking them separately.
Streamline the Process: Having both your maternity and newborn sessions scheduled ahead of time means that you can take a more relaxed approach to your planning. Instead of scrambling to book a newborn session right after your baby is born, you can focus on what matters most — welcoming your little one into the world. The stress of coordinating two separate shoots is eliminated, and you’ll already have one less thing to think about in those early days of parenthood.
Consistency in Style: Booking both sessions with Melissa Helman Photography allows for a consistent style, which is great for creating a cohesive collection of images. From maternity to newborn portraits, we can ensure that the tone, lighting, and overall aesthetic of the photos align perfectly, giving you a polished set of images to treasure.
Secure Your Ideal Timeframe: Our Pittsburgh photography studio recommends scheduling during your second trimester. Sessions are held in our Pittsburgh Newborn studio within the first two weeks after birth, ideally around 8-20 days old, when your baby is still sleepy and curled up, making it easier to capture those peaceful, angelic shots, as well as the sweet moments and expressions of your little ones that are best captured during this time. By scheduling both your maternity and newborn sessions early, you won’t miss out on the ideal window for those beautiful, snuggly photos.
Reduced Stress: The process of booking during your second trimester is one less thing to worry about in the final stretch of your pregnancy. Having both sessions planned means that you can focus on other priorities, like your health, your baby’s arrival, and the excitement of your upcoming family adventure.
Maternity Session: Maternity photos are usually scheduled between 28-34 weeks of pregnancy. During this time, you’re showing enough of a bump to capture the beauty of your pregnancy, but you’re not so close to your due date that it’s uncomfortable. Your Pittsburgh maternity photographer will work with you to find the perfect looks and poses that highlight your pregnancy glow and capture the joy you feel as you await the arrival of your little one, while also celebrating the special connection between mom and her baby. Families who want an elevated, editorial look often love working with a dedicated Pittsburgh maternity photographer specializing in fine art, natural portraits.
Newborn Session: Newborn sessions are typically held within the first 14 days after birth. These sessions focus on your newborn baby in their most natural, peaceful state, often featuring shots of them sleeping, curled up, or interacting with parents. Our Pittsburgh newborn photographer, Melissa Helman, will use soft props, cozy blankets, and gentle posing to create timeless images that showcase the beauty and fragility of a newborn. Melissa will carefully photograph these early moments, ensuring you have heartfelt memories of your newborn baby and your journey as a mom to cherish forever.

Getting ready for your newborn photo session should be an exciting and enjoyable part of your journey as new parents. To ensure the best experience, I recommend scheduling your newborn session during your second trimester—this allows us to secure your preferred date and plan every detail together. However, I understand that life with a new baby can be unpredictable, so I also accommodate last minute bookings whenever possible. From our first conversation, I’ll guide you through the process, discussing your vision for the session, family photography options, and the unique details that will make your portraits truly yours. My cozy studio, located in the greater Pittsburgh area, is thoughtfully designed to provide a relaxing environment for your entire session, so you can focus on enjoying these beautiful moments with your baby and family. Together, we’ll create timeless and beautiful portraits that reflect your family’s love and connection.
Choosing the right setting for your newborn photo session is an important part of creating images you’ll treasure. My studio, located in Cranberry Township, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for capturing the beauty of your new baby. For families who prefer the comfort of home, I also offer in-home newborn photo sessions throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. Whether you choose the studio or your own living space, I am committed to making your entire session stress free and enjoyable. The studio is fully equipped with everything needed for a successful session, including a sound machine, changing area, and a comfortable temperature to keep your baby happy and relaxed. No matter the location, my focus is on creating a personalized experience that results in stunning portraits of your newborn and family.
Capturing the love and connection between parents and their new baby is at the heart of my family photography approach. I offer a range of family photography options, from intimate mini sessions to full family portraits, so you can choose the experience that best fits your needs, including mom and newborn photography sessions. Each session is designed to be stress free and enjoyable, allowing you to relax and focus on the precious moments you share as a family. Whether you’re looking for candid images that capture real moments or beautifully posed family portraits, I work closely with you to create a collection of beautiful images that you will treasure forever. My goal is to help you preserve the memories of your growing family, providing you with stunning photographs that celebrate the joy and wonder of welcoming a new baby into your life.
Booking your Pittsburgh newborn photographer early in your second trimester and scheduling both your maternity and newborn sessions is a smart way to preserve precious moments while saving on session fees. It gives you peace of mind knowing that your photos will be professionally captured at the right time, with minimal stress and maximum convenience. By securing both sessions in advance, you’re ensuring that the entire process is seamless, allowing you to focus on enjoying this special time with your growing family.
Clients receive a curated selection of professionally edited images delivered through an online gallery, making it easy to view, download, and share your memories. A print release is included, giving you the freedom to print your images wherever you choose, while also having access to professional print options.
If you’re expecting and want to learn more about booking your maternity and newborn photography sessions, reach out to to our Pittsburgh newborn photographer, Melissa Helman today to discuss available packages and pricing options. Remember, early planning will ensure you don’t miss out on capturing these once-in-a-lifetime moments! Clients are always thrilled with how their photos turned out, beautifully capturing the special moments of their growing family.
Are you ready to book your Pittsburgh newborn photographer? Contact us to secure the best pricing and availability!
Mar 18, 2025

Greensburg
Murrysville
Wexford
Shadyside
Cranberry
Fox Chapel
724-302-4343