When to Book a Newborn Photoshoot?

So you have just found out the exciting news that you are expecting a baby!

Congratulations – you are over the moon with joy but also a little daunted about all the preparations you need to make before the little one arrives.

You are probably wondering what foods can I eat when pregnant? Should I bottle or breastfeed? Which pram is best to buy? You may also be asking yourself when should I book a Newborn photoshoot?

When booking a photoshoot there can be a lot of confusion and uncertainty about what a session will involve. It is an important part of my job as your photographer to prepare parents every step of the way so they can truly enjoy their experience. I often get asked the same questions time and again by clients. What should I wear to my photoshoot? What if my baby doesn’t sleep? Which package should I choose? However one of the most common questions that leave clients pondering is actually when should they book their Newborn Photoshoot? This is a very important question and actually needs answering before a client contacts me for the first time.

When should I book my Newborn Photoshoot?

Some mums will contact me as soon as they know they are expecting – they have always dreamed of their maternity or newborn photoshoot and its the first thing they think to do. Other parents are delay booking as they are unsure as to what a newborn photoshoot consists of. Then there are parents that decide spare of the moment that they cannot miss out on this special moment and would love to book a session.

Either way with morning sickness, baby shopping, trying to juggle work and school runs – booking your newborn photoshoot is probably not at the top of your to-do list.

Parents often feel confused as when to book – after all they don’t actually know exactly when their little one will arrive. So to help parents know when to contact their newborn photographer I have put a little guide to together to help you better understand the booking process.

Understanding your Newborn Baby’s Development

As a Newborn Photographer I am trained to understand your baby’s development from the day they are born. By understanding your newborn I can read and adapt the session for a smooth, relaxed and safe experience for both baby and parents. It also gives me the ability to create gorgeous posed Newborn Photos for you to treasure.

To achieve gorgeous posed Newborn Photos it is important to schedule a newborn session for when your baby is between 7-21 days old. There are two reasons that this time frame is essential to the success of a newborn shoot.

At this age babies are still naturally very sleepy. The longer little one naps for throughout the session the better chance we have of achieving some beautiful sleepy photographs as I can gently pose your baby safely and comfortably whilst sleeping. As babies get older they tend to stay awake for longer periods of time. 

The second reason is that in the first couple of weeks your newborn is already naturally curled and flexible from being inside the womb. As babies develop their limbs tend to stretch out and become less flexible.

Another reason to make sure that we book a session with this time frame is because as a parent you are booking a newborn photoshoot to remember those first details of your baby, little hands and toes and that fresh flakey skin. This precious Newborn stage is only for a brief couple of weeks and before you know it you have a 1 month old baby!

How to book a Newborn Photoshoot

So now you know exactly when your baby needs to be photographed, but you still don’t know when your baby will be here? What if your baby arrives late or early?

Don’t worry! When you book a Newborn Photoshoot I don’t actually schedule a date for your session. Instead I pencil your due date into my diary and as soon as baby is born we will then arrange a suitable date for your session within the 7-21 day period. 

I am only able to take a few bookings each month for Newborns so that I can  remain flexible with early or late arrivals.  This way I can always make sure that every baby’s photoshoot will be scheduled within 7 -21 days window and we can enjoy a relaxed session and create some beautiful first images of your baby. 

With all this in mind I would say a good time to contact Newborn Photographer would be after your 12 week scan. The first trimester of morning sickness has (hopefully!) passed and your baby is healthy. You can now start to relax and enjoy the start of your second trimester and the rest your pregnancy. It also means that you can secure your session whilst I may still have good availability for the time of your due date. 

What if my little one is already here?

Some parents dont realise how much they want those important first memories captured until they are holding their little ones in their arms for the first time. If you find yourself in this situation please do still get in touch as their may be a chance for late availability. Alternatively I may still be able to schedule an older and awake session, these sessions are super cute and are suitable for babies up to 8 weeks.

Are you ready to book?

If you are expecting a baby and would love to book a Newborn Photoshoot with Laughing Image Corner Photography, please get in touch – I would love to help you welcome your little one into the world.

Megan

Specialist Newborn Photographer at Laughing Image Corner Photography