How to choose the best time for a newborn photoshoot
When is the best time for a newborn photoshoot? It’s a question I get asked all the time as a lifestyle photographer. And don’t hate me when I tell you this, but it honestly depends. But the simple answer is that it’s a decision that should feel right for you.
In lifestyle photography, there is no right or wrong time to book your newborn shoot. It’s all about capturing your family just as they are, whenever that may be. Don’t think I’ll leave you hanging without a few tips for choosing when to book your newborn session though.
So really, how do you choose the best time for a newborn photoshoot? Here are some questions to ask yourself before deciding when the best time is for your family.
How are we feeling as a family?
How is the entire family adjusting to home life? Is the baby settling in? Is mama feeling okay? Adjustment is no easy feat and the mental, emotional and physical well-being of your family is always your first priority.
How were labor and delivery? The experience ranges widely from quick deliveries to long, complicated labor. Mamas who undergo a c-section often need a bit more time to recover and therefore, often feel more comfortable waiting a little longer for their session.
What are we envisioning for our newborn session? This is often a big factor, as the age of your baby can greatly affect the activity level. If your Pinterest inspiration board is filled with sleepy babies, so tiny and curled up, you want to have a newborn session sooner rather than later. If you want your babe to have their eyes open, smiling, and interacting with you, maybe wait a bit longer. Oftentimes, this means they are a little fussier as well. But we roll with it, no matter your babe's mood!
And because I’m a photographer and a visual person, I couldn’t leave you without some examples. A newborn session case study, if you will. These three families, for a variety of reasons, chose to have their newborn sessions at different times.
The Passinet family chose to have their session very early on. Their newborn session was a gift from friends, which is honestly the greatest idea! Their sweet baby was as sleepy as could be. The session was easy, breezy - a reason so many love to have newborn sessions within the first week or so. I can’t promise that every baby will be this calm, but earlier sessions seem to be less fussy.
However, the Le family chose to have their session around three weeks old. His eyes are open in some of the photos, but overall, he was pretty calm! Again, every baby and family is different. I’ve been working with this family since baby number one! This little one is the third child and it’s been a joy to capture their family over the years.
But sometimes families choose to wait a while! The Moore family waited until their newborn was about three months old. Outside factors were at play, as she was born at the height of a pandemic. But it’s a great example of booking a newborn session that feels right to you!
Which session is what you are envisioning? Hopefully, those three examples guide your thoughts and make the decision an easy one. And now I know you are asking yourself, okay, but when do we contact you? It’s best to book your session as soon as possible to make sure I have enough availability for your session. I put all my newborn session in my calendar as their due date, some come weeks early (like my daughter!) some come later. Then my advice is to contact me soon after the baby is born. We can book a date for when exactly feels right for you, whether that is a few days or a few months away. And how should you contact me? Start with my contact form and we’ll go from there!
