When should I get newborn photos taken
Ask any newborn photographer when you should have newborn pictures taken, and they’ll probably tell you somewhere within the first 2 weeks of baby being born.
This might feel overwhelming – maybe your baby has already been born and you weren’t booked in with a photographer. Maybe you’re thinking of how much you’ll already be adjusting to, and the thought of adding a photo session is one more thing to worry about. Why is it so important to photograph a baby so soon after birth? And is it as overwhelming as it sounds?
their bodies are still curled up like they were in your belly
This is my favorite reason to get newborn photos. This is the smallest your child will ever be outside of your womb – it is the closest you get to seeing what they were like when you could feel them kicking.
They are still so used to being curled up in a tiny space – once you see them, you realize how amazing it is that they even fit in your belly at all! Newborn posing takes advantage of that curliness, that wanting to be swaddled tight and kept safe.
As the weeks go on, your baby will feel more secure in this world and stretch out to take it all in. They will not want to be so contained by wraps, and the window for these poses closes as the weeks go on.
baby’s skin changes at the one month mark
Not always, but often at about 4-6 weeks babies will start to experience baby acne. Some babies get it sooner, some not at all, but that 4-6 week time is a common one.
If your baby does have acne, scratches, jaundice, or redness, I absolutely do edit it – but this is generally easier to do before that 4 week mark.
baby is awake more after the first few weeks
This is something that I’ve definitely relaxed over the years. In my almost 10 years experience, I’ve learned that babies make the rules. I’ve had 7 day old babies be awake for hours, and 5 week old babies sleep the whole session.
Generally speaking though, babies are sleepiest within the first few weeks. After that, just as they learn to stretch out, they also are awake more often and for longer periods of time.
I have a great workflow and lots of patience. Whether your baby is sleeping or awake, we will have a beautiful gallery at the end.
What if I don’t feel ready to be photographed?
Aah, I get it! And honestly, I never feel ready to be photographed.
But I still think it’s really, really important.
I keep my parent poses very up close and connected. I want to focus on the connection you and your partner have with your new little baby. It doesn’t have to be dressy (though it can be), it doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be honest. That’s where the real beauty is.
I will pose you every step of the way, and I’ll make sure you feel comfortable. I’m here not only for your baby, but for you too.
will it be hard to fit in a session so early after birth?
Most of the time this is very doable. This is my sole job, so I’m able to keep my schedule flexible for you.
The studio is a very relaxing place to be, with a comfy couch for you to sit on, snacks and drinks available, and *me* to do all the hard work. You just sit back and relax. I’ve even had parents take a nap!
Booking in early makes sure that you have a spot on my calendar, but I try not to turn anyone away. If you wait until baby is born and I’m not available, I’ll help you find someone who is. I wouldn’t want you to miss these moments.
If you do find yourself, at 4 or 5 or 6 weeks, wishing you had booked a session – it’s never too late! Your baby is still as small as she will ever be. My workflow and the warm, cozy studio ensures that your baby will be super comfortable, and whether we get her to sleep or embrace those awake shots – either way you will have memories to cherish years down the road.
If you have questions about newborn sessions, or are interested in booking in, contact me here. I can’t wait to hear from you ❤️
