Knowing when to take newborn photos is a relatively simple answer. During the first 1-2 weeks is a prime time to have your session. The reasoning behind this is that babies are really sleepy during this time frame. They typically are able to be swaddled easily, and have the sweetest disposition- which makes the session go smoothly for parents and baby. Not only does this sleepiness allow for an easy session, but newborns grow like weeds! They can look drastically different from the day they are born to when they are 12 weeks old.
Choosing when to take newborn photos should be easy!
Those first days home from the hospital can all be a blur, especially if you are a first time mom. However, if you are pregnant and reading this- these are the things that I would do to make the booking your newborn photos on time as easy as possible…
Book your photographer ahead of time.
Nothing is worse than being covered in spit up and in a sleep deprived fog, and having to try and find the right photographer. This can lead to you relying on a friends experience or a quick website check- or even settling with who had last minute availability. Often times- newborn photographers will block out room for only a certain number of newborns a month so booking even as early as your first trimester is not unheard of. This is where knowing when to book newborn photos is key. However- a rule of thumb would be to book your photographer for baby photos during your second trimester.
Plan your outfits in advance
Planning outfits ahead of your session so that way you can be relaxed and at ease is crucial. Speaking from my own experience, I waited until the morning of for my first newborn session. I tried on all my clothes and absolutely nothing fit the way it used to. I was scrambling and put on something that would have been absolutely unflattering. Knowing what I know now, for my second baby- I had my outfit picked out before I even gave birth. I knew I would want something flowy that covered my arms. Luckily- my client closet is full of these and I was able to have something totally beautiful and flattering. 10/10 recommend. See the dresses here.
Schedule Hair & Make-up to come to your house
This is another game changer. I would find a make up artist BEFORE you give birth to ensure that they are someone that comes to the house and has day time hours available. Having someone come to your house and doing a full hair and makeup look will really give you the confidence you need in a time where you might not be feeling your best. I know I had some dark circles that I needed covered up, especially the second time around! This also makes you feel incredibly pampered, loved and relaxed- which is how I want all my mamas to feel during their sessions. With my latest newborn session, I started my morning with a shower, and some under-eye rescue patches– these were a savior for my puffy newborn baby eyes.
Snuggle Up & Relax
If you have a session with me, we are going to take it easy. I will wrap up your baby, and try and keep things simple and light. Baby will be passed minimally from mom and dad, and your comfort is my top priority. So snuggle up with your newborn, and I will take care of the rest. Knowing when to book newborn photos is key to this, as nothing is more cuddly than a 1-2 week old newborn baby.
I know when to book newborn photos, but I am too late! Can you book newborn photos after this timeframe?
Absolutely you can. There are definitely some pros to having them done during the first two weeks, however- I think the most important thing is getting them done. I know being a mom can be overwhelming, and just capturing them at all is truly a gift. I have done newborn photos for babies from 1 week old to 4 months old.
My preparation level for the photos from my first to my second was so different, because I knew what to expect and when to take my newborn photos. This made such a difference in how I treat my clients as I want my clients to have the perfect experience.
Deborah, the heart behind Oak & Lore Studios, is a Connecticut-based photographer specializing in maternity, newborn, and family portraiture with over three years of experience crafting luxury, meaningful sessions. She serves families throughout Westport, Stamford, Fairfield, and all of Connecticut with a simple mission: to make her clients feel seen, cherished, and celebrated while documenting the soft, delicate moments of motherhood that become treasured heirlooms.
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