As a lifestyle newborn photographer, I understand the importance of capturing the delicate moments that mark the beginning of your journey as a family. However, when it comes to scheduling a newborn photo shoot, there's no need to feel overwhelmed by the timing.

The Myth of the "Perfect" Time

There's a common belief that the optimal time for newborn photography is within the 5-10 day mark when babies are often more inclined to sleep soundly and curl up into those adorable little positions. While these early days can produce some incredibly sweet images, it's essential to recognize that every baby is unique. That means there's no guarantee of how they’ll behave during a session, regardless of their age. 

Every Baby is Unique

In my 10+ years doing newborn photography, I've come across all kinds of little personalities during sessions. Some babies, even within that narrow window of 5-10 days old, are wide awake and restless the whole session. On the flip side, I've photographed six-week-old babies who snooze peacefully the entire time I’m there (making my job a breeze).

It's become very clear to me that there's no one-size-fits-all rule for timing newborn photography. Each baby has their own unique rhythm, which keeps things interesting and always surprises me!

Finding Your Family's Timing

Instead of fixating on finding the "perfect" time, I encourage you to consider what feels right for your family! If you want to capture those early, super fresh days and preserve how life felt during this huge change, aim to schedule your newborn photo session for the first week after birth!

However, if you’d rather wait until things have calmed a bit and you feel more settled into your new family dynamic, there's no rush. Waiting a few weeks can offer an equally meaningful perspective. This time to settle in can allow your family's unique bond to really shine in photos.

Planning Amid Uncertainty

Now I bet you’re wondering, “How do you book a newborn session when a baby’s arrival can be so unpredictable?” To accommodate the uncertainty of your baby's arrival date, I always reserve multiple spots (of your choice) around your due date. This ensures that we have flexibility and can adjust the date of the session based on when your little one decides to make their debut.

Whether they arrive early, right on time, or fashionably late, rest assured that we'll have a spot reserved for you whenever you're ready.

Prioritizing Comfort for an Authentic Experience

Ultimately, what matters most is creating a comfortable and relaxed environment in your home where you and your baby can feel at ease. If that means waiting 5 weeks to settle in, that’s totally fine! There's no pressure to adhere to a strict timeline—trust your instincts and choose a time that aligns with your family's needs and preferences.

As your newborn photographer, my goal is to capture the authenticity and tenderness of your family's bond, regardless of when we schedule the session. So please, take your time, breathe deeply, and know that whenever you're ready, I'll be here to preserve these precious moments for you to cherish for years to come.

Learn more about Family, Maternity, and Newborn sessions today!

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