When should you book your baby’s newborn photography session?

When you’re expecting a baby, there are so many things to be thinking about. Chances are you’re so busy caring for yourself and the growing baby in your tummy, you may not be thinking too much about life as a new mum!

But if you and your partner would like to have professional baby photos taken once your little one arrives, then you DO need to book your baby’s newborn photography session as soon as possible.

Why book your baby's newborn photography session during pregnancy?

Many mums-to-be I speak to are surprised when I tell them that they should be booking their baby’s newborn photography session during pregnancy. (I actually recommend booking as early as around the time of your 12-week pregnancy scan).

I realise that this is still the very early stages of your pregnancy. I know that there are still six months to go until you’ll be holding your newborn in your arms! But, planning ahead is definitely a good move!

Here's why...

Reasons to book your newborn photography session early

#1: Reputable newborn photographers get booked up well in advance

An important reason to book early is that other parents-to-be do get organised well in advance. So, you'll want to book early to secure the photographer of your choice.

Personally, I get booked up for newborn photoshoots usually at least 4-6 weeks in advance, and sometimes long before that!

#2: Availability is limited

Another reason to book your baby photoshoot early is that most newborn photography professionals are only able to offer limited slots each week. That's because a newborn photo session lasts several hours and possibly up to half a day.

Since most photographers can, therefore, only run one session per day, this obviously limits how many slots they have available in a typical week and month.

So, if you book too late, there may not be availability in their diary in the days or weeks after your baby is born. This is a crucial window of opportunity for newborn photos!

The optimum time for newborn photos

Yes, newborn photography is best done within the first two weeks of your baby’s life. This is when they are still very sleepy and are curled up, as there were inside your womb.

If you’d love me to capture the popular ‘sleeping baby’ style newborn photos, then you must come to see me within this precious early stage.

‘Sleeping-baby’ photography

Even just a couple of weeks after they are born, babies start to grow quite rapidly! They begin to stretch out their tiny limbs and they start spending more time wide awake!

Baby photos with eyes open are adorable, so it’s not a problem to me if they are not sleeping the entire time. But, if they are sleeping for most of the session, then I can potentially create you a larger variety of sleeping baby portraits.

You’ll then have more adorable images to choose from when it’s time to view your newborn photo gallery and to decide on which to buy.

 

Having them so sleepy and newborn-like can make all the difference when it comes to creating beautiful newborn portraits for you to treasure.

Because they are in a deep sleep for much of the day, newborn babies up to a couple of weeks old are less perceptive to touch. They are happy and content being handled.

This means that we are more likely to get those beautiful curly poses that capture the essence of your newborn bundle.

What if my baby arrives early or late? Can we change the date of our baby's newborn photography session?

Yes, absolutely! A due date gives us an idea of when your baby may arrive. But, of course, nothing is guaranteed!

Since we’ll never really know when your little one is certain to arrive, the best we can do is pencil your due date in the studio diary. Then, when your baby is born, you simply let me know the wonderful news.

We will reschedule your appointment if necessary.

If your baby comes early or late please don’t panic! I will always do my best to squeeze newborns into the schedule. This applies even if your baby has already been born by the time you’re reading this, and you haven’t yet booked in with me.

I make sure that I always leave enough flexibility into my calendar to allow for changes. After all, I’ve come to expect them during my many years as a newborn photographer!

Portrait photography for older babies and children

If you aren’t able to come for newborn photos though, whatever the reason, remember that I can also capture beautiful portraits of older babies and children! So, even if you do miss the newborn stage, I can still help.

Older babies are the prime age for sitter sessions and cake smashes. Find out more about those here on the website and blog.

Book your baby's newborn photography session today

If you love what you’ve seen of my work in the newborn photo gallery and would like me to be your baby photographer, please call me today to schedule your newborn photoshoot.

Let me assure you. Whatever stage you are at in your pregnancy, booking now will not be a day too soon!

I look forward to hearing from you and to meeting you and your little one! In the meantime, take care!

Ashleigh x