One of the most commonly asked questions is, “When should i book my newborn session?” The short answer is NOW!   It may seem like your due date is never going to arrive, its so far in the distant future even trying to fathom choosing a date hurts your head.  But the truth is before you know it your due date will be fast approaching, and most newborn photographers are booked at least 2-3 months in advanced.  So if you wait to long you might end up without an experienced newborn photographer and don’t even get me started on that subject!

• The best time to book your session is NOW (or at least by your 2nd trimester) 
• Session should be scheduled 3-10days after your due date
• Your session date should be tentative, make sure your contract states that!
• Call your photographer from the hospital so they can start making the proper adjustments to their Schedule.
• Don’t wait until the last minute, most seasoned newborn photographers are booked 2-3 months in advance.

Most newborn photographers will book your date in advance usually when you are in the 2nd trimester. They will hold your date with the expectation that you will not deliver on your actual due date.  Only about 10% of women do actually deliver when expected.  The truth is baby will come when he or she is ready. It could be 2 weeks early or it could be late.

Photographers who run their business geared toward newborns will know that and will fill their schedules accordingly.  I only take 1-2 newborns a week. I will not over book because I know how important it is that I have a flexible schedule for my unpredictable clients.  Thats good for the parents who were prepared and booked in advanced. But, not so great for those last minute mama’s.

When I get a inquiry from client who has already delivered it breaks my heart.  They are left scrambling to find a photographer. The sad truth is that if I cant squeezed them in they may have to go to a subpar photographer or even worse miss their opportunity to have their newborn photographed altogether.

• Younger babies photograph better
• They enjoy being all wrapped up and snuggled
• Younger newborns settle more easily into squishy baby poses
• Between ages 3-10 days babies are more likely to sleep through their sessions (Which is exactly what we want)

“When should I have my newborn photographed?”  Well, that is a great question I am so glad you asked! Your newborn should be photographed between 3-10days old.  My personal sweet spot is 5-7 days.  That is why you have to contact your photographer early! You have a tiny window of time to get your beautiful baby in front of your photographers lens.

“Can you have your newborn photographed after 10 days?” Of course, but the longer you wait the more likely it is that your baby will not sleep through their session. Older babies will be less likely to fall into those perfect squishy baby poses that parents know and love.  (Disclaimer: All babies are different, I have had newborns in the studio who behave like a 5month old and I have had 4 monthers sleep like a 3day old.) But, from experience babies under 10 days photograph best, they tend to like being all curled up because it reminds them of the womb.

“So, what if i deliver early?”  After you come down from cloud nine, contact your photographer! Or better yet assign that task to your partner or loved one.  The sooner your photographer knows what to expect the better.  Now remember your photographer should be expecting to make adjustments that is why we only except a limited number of clients during the week.  But, they do need to set up the studio for your newborn, which takes a lot more time than you think.  They also need to secure their assistant for the day of your session.

Together you will arrange the perfect date and time.  Trust me you will be so glad you chose to take care of your session before hand and all you will have to worry about is cuddling that gorgeous new bundle of Joy.  In the end you be will left with the most beautiful and cherished images you have ever invested in.