Anticipating a new baby is one of the most exciting things you can experience. Newborns grow and develop so quickly. So, when is the best time to schedule your newborn photo shoot?
Here's my advice as a mom and photographer.
HOW OLD SHOULD MY BABY BE IN THEIR NEWBORN PHOTOS?
Some photographers swear by the first ten days of life. The reason is that BRAND NEW babies sleep almost 24/7 so they're just easier to pose in studios with props, keep swaddled, and stay asleep the entire time.
My style is called Lifestyle Newborn Photography (and video!). Which is a natural, family-oriented approach to newborn photos. I don't do much in the way of posing, so your baby can be awake and interactive, nursing, or sleeping!
The whole family and pets can be involved and they take place in your home or at the place of birth before taking baby home for the first time.
That leaves room for you to have photos taken either right away or sometime during the first weeks.
As a mom myself, I wanted my baby to "get a little cuter" before I took photos of her at around 4 weeks, but babies change so quickly, so it's all up to what you want to remember as parents!
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY NEWBORN PHOTOSHOOT?
It's best to inquire while you are still pregnant, ideally before you're 7 months along. This is because any good newborn photographer is likely to require you to book at least 2 months in advance.
Newborn sessions are special because Photographers will keep openings during the weeks surrounding your due date because babies rarely come when expected! Then we just wait for you to email the news that baby has arrived! We will secure a date at that time that works best for you.
I don't want to discourage you from inquiring about a newborn photoshoot if your baby is already born, however. It's always worth checking for any last minute openings and we are happy to do newborn sessions for older babies too!