The best time to schedule your newborn session

This is one of the most frequently asked question: when is the best time to book my newborn pictures? 

Best time to make the booking

As a starting point I will advise to leave yourself plenty of time to prepare for the session, so the best time to make the booking is while still pregnant/have details about your future baby’s adoption date or birth.

What do I mean by 'prepare for the session'? I mean picking the outfits to make sure you are happy with what you choose or take the time to go shopping for what you desire to wear. Time to quietly read through my session planning guide and learn more about the different printed products to make sure all your questions are answered, know what to expect before during and after the session; but also start to think about what you want to do with your images in your home. Time to select and book a hair and make-up artist if you want to pamper yourself and make the day even more special.

 

Best time to have the newborn session

My answer will defer from what I call the traditional newborn photographer who poses newborns.

As a lifestyle newborn photographer, I do not put my newborns in anything (I do not use any props during my sessions) and I do not pose my newborns. My newborns stay in their parents arms pretty much the whole session, besides when I let them unfold themselves on their parents bed.

For that reason, I do not need to have the session scheduled in the first days following birth. I don't need the baby to sleep or to be able to curl up into certain positions. 

For me, I find that two weeks after birth is usually the best time for newborn pictures. By then, your baby will still be sleepy enough to allow for a smoother session; and the brand new parents had time to settle in with their new tiny human. Mum is also starting to heal and has more energy for the session. As I said earlier, my newborns stay in their parents arms, and as a motherhood photographer mum is a big part of my sessions.

After the first two weeks, your baby will sleep less which means that chances are they will be awake for a good part of the session; which is not an issue at all but will ask for more time for breaks to feed and sooth your little bundle of joy.

 

Conclusion

In summary, make the booking while still pregnant and two weeks of age is the ideal time to schedule the newborn session, however it can happen before or after; it is all a question of availabilities and priorities. If you hope for your baby to be asleep in the photographs then the first week is your best chance, taking the time to plan your session ahead to avoid getting overwhelmed. If you'd rather have some time to settle in before the session then take that time, knowing your session might be a bit longer to allow for breaks.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns!

Take care

Helene xo

Lifestyle newborn and maternity photographer