You’ve found out you are expecting – you’ll be bringing a new life (lives?) into this world – how exciting! You’ve prepped and planned, gone to doctor appointments and sorted through page after page of nursery decor. But, have you thought about how you will capture baby’s first memories? What style of newborn photos do you like, and when should you book these?

Newborns change so very fast – week by week they become more alert. They find their little voices. They stretch out, no longer wanting to be curled up tight as they were in the womb – they’ve got a whole world to explore! Their skin peels and little bits of acne may appear as their hormones shift away from mom’s. They change so fast that there’s a short window for the best newborn photos – and often, when parents come back to view their photos with me just a few weeks later, they can’t get over how much their baby has changed already.

close up details of newborn baby in black and white, lips, nose, eyelashes, and toes

There are different styles of newborn photography:

– lifestyle in home – these sessions capture baby in your home environment. These are great for a more documentary feel, and when you have a fresh baby it’s always nice to not have to leave the house! Most photographers who specialize in this are great at finding the little nooks of beautiful light and pretty settings, so that you don’t have to worry about your whole house looking magazine-worthy (again, fresh baby!)

– posed studio sessions – these are what I specialize in, taking a more fine art/portrait approach to documenting baby’s first days. There’s such a short time when baby will fit into all of the little props, it really helps you remember just how little baby was when they were born. These studio sessions ideally take place about 5-15 days after birth. I have a really excellent workflow and can definitely create a beautiful gallery with babies up to 4 or even 6 weeks old – but there’s a chance they won’t be sleepy, or as squishy – if you have your heart set on some of those usual newborn poses you see, there’s a slight chance we won’t get them.

Once you’ve decided what kind of newborn photography you like, it’s time to find a photographer who meets that style for you. Whether that turns out to be me in my Escanaba studio, or another photographer, booking early will ensure that they can fit your due date on their calendar. I do get inquiries every now and then for parents whose babies are a week and a half old, and sometimes we are able to fit them in soon enough – but if newborn photos are something you’d like, it’s best to book early and not leave it to chance.

As soon as you know you’re due date, you can book! Booking early has lots of benefits:

-ensures your date is saved on your photographer’s calendar. Busy seasons fluctuate and life is busy in general. For instance, this year I know that I’ll be out of town for two weeks in June, so I’m limiting my newborns during that time. Getting on your photographer’s calendar ensures you will get the photos you dream of!

-allows your photographer time to plan and personalize your session – this isn’t always necessary but I always enjoy getting to know my client a little more, and being able to order something that will make the session unique to them. For instance I had a client who loved bumblebees, so I was able to find some tiny felted bees to include in her session!

-gives you time to plan for the investment – a deposit is required to book, and then you choose your package once your photos are edited – about 30 days after your session. If you book early, your deposit and package purchase are spread out nicely, and you can plan for the package you think you’d like to purchase

-allows you to direct baby shower attendees to purchase gift cards toward your package – your baby is only little once, but your newborn session will always remind you of that time. Your friends and family will love helping you document these memories for years to come!

newborn baby posed in a yellow wrap with tiny felted bumble bee props

So, remember to keep newborn photos in mind as you navigate all the excitement of pregnancy! Look at different styles, find out what you love, and then book a photographer you know will deliver something you will cherish forever! I’ve had clients tell me that I’m the first person they’ve told about their pregnancy, just so they could be sure to book me. Of course, if you do wait until your baby is already here, don’t let it keep you from reaching out! These moments are too important – if you have your heart set on documenting them, I’ll do my best to either fit you in or help you find another photographer that fits your needs.