When should I schedule my newborn session?

Welcoming a new baby is an exciting time, and many parents want to capture those precious first moments with a newborn photography session. But when is the best time to schedule it?  As soon as you can!  But it also depends on what type of session you'd like to book.

For the sweetest, sleepiest poses, the ideal window for newborn photography is between 5-14 days old. During this time, babies are still very sleepy and naturally curl up into those adorable womb-like positions, making it easier to capture peaceful, dreamy photos.  I am easily able to wrap the baby in various stretchy swaddles, specialty wraps for newborn photography.  These are my wrapped in-studio sessions.

After two weeks, babies start to stretch out more, become more alert, and may develop baby acne or peeling skin. While beautiful photos can still be taken, it might be harder to achieve those classic curled-up newborn poses.  I always recommend going with a newborn lifestyle session if you've missed the first two week window.  I'm still able to capture your baby's tiny details, but now in your home, as you and your family interact with the baby.  The lifestyle sessions help capture the essence of having a newborn at home.  Lifestyle sessions can be scheduled for any time after the baby is born.

A third option is my unwrapped session, to capture the raw moments, details and interactions with the baby.  We simply keep baby in a diaper, or lightly swaddle baby to still show the baby's features.  The tiny details and interactions are captured with care and love, and the moments are raw.  The baby doesn't get wrapped up or bundled up, there are no props or poses--just the raw innocence of a newborn baby. The unwrapped session can be scheduled for any time after the baby is born.

To make sure you secure a date and I'm available, it’s best to book your session before your baby arrives—usually in your second or third trimester. I’ll pencil in your due date and adjust the session as needed once your little one is here.  Please, try to schedule a wrapped in-studio session at least 3 months before baby arrives, so I can be sure to schedule you onto my calendar.  I only do a handful of newborn sessions per month.  

Whether you prefer a posed studio-style shoot or a relaxed lifestyle session, capturing your newborn in their earliest days will give you timeless memories to cherish forever. They are never this little again, so be sure to capture those tiny details before the newborn becomes a toddler!  When the childbirth and new mama fog lifts, you'll cherish these details and moments with your baby.