Photographers in Chattanooga – When to Schedule
When researching and searching for photographers in Chattanooga, one of your first questions may be: “How early do I even need to contact a photographer about scheduling my sessions?” In today’s post, I want to provide you a little guide for figuring out when to contact me in order to get on my calendar. As with me, for other photographers in the area it somewhat depends on what type of session you are planning. When working with my clients, I really strive to create a personal, low stress experience. Therefore, I only take on a limited number of sessions a month. It’s not uncommon for me to turn away sessions during the busy parts of the year.
In previous posts, I discussed the actual session timing for milestone dependent sessions. To learn more about the ideal timing for maternity sessions, click here. Click here to read about my recommendations for the timing of your newborn session.
General Family Photography Sessions
When seeking to schedule a family photography session, I recommend reaching out to photographers in Chattanooga roughly 3 months in advance. This is particularly true if you are wanting a specific date. However, know that fall is a particularly busy season in this area. Everyone seems to want family sessions when the weather is mild, the leaves are bright, and the sunsets early. Family photos at this time are frequently used for Christmas card photos and presents. In recent years, I have set up my calendar and released my availability to past clients and my email list at the end of July. Spots fill up quickly and when they are gone, they are gone. Nonetheless, even if you feel like you’ve missed the window, it never hurts to ask! I personally keep a waitlist during the really busy seasons of the year.
Senior Photography Sessions
Summer is a fantastic time to get senior portraits off of your to-do list. It’s lush and beautiful outside. School is out and schedules are a little more flexible. While you are certainly welcome to wait until the fall, do know that a lot of schools start asking for images for the yearbook once school starts. Therefore, reaching out to get senior portraits scheduled once spring starts is ideal timing. When seeking to hire a photographer for a specific date, like homecoming or prom night, earlier is better considering everyone else will be seeking to hire too!
Maternity Photography Sessions
When planning for photographers in Chattanooga to photograph your maternity session, I highly recommend starting the process fairly soon after you find out you are expecting and attend your first doctor’s appointment. I typically schedule these sessions during the end of the second trimester or beginning of the third trimester. While you’re at it, consider getting on that same photographer’s schedule for newborn photos! This will save you time and energy, and also result in consistent portraits!
Newborn Photography Sessions
When planning a newborn photography session, I would recommend contacting your preferred photographer around 20 weeks. It’s so hard to predict when a baby will actually come! There’s always the chance of an early arrival. It’s best to have a plan in place early. However, if you’ve read my “about” page, then you know that I totally dropped the ball when it came to scheduling a newborn session for my 1st born. As a result, I honestly have a sweet spot for last minute newborn sessions. Go ahead and contact me, because I will do my best to work you in.
So know you know my recommended timeframes for reaching out to photographers in Chattanooga to schedule a session. Personally, I love the process of collaborating with my clients in order to create a stylized session that resonates with them. Unfortunately, that type of planning takes time! So don’t delay when it comes to booking. To learn more about sessions with me, click here.