When to schedule your Newborn Photos at home
Seattle Lifestyle Newborn Photographer
May 23rd, 2023
CAPTURING LASTING MEMORIES
Capturing the essence of your newborn's early days through photography is a precious and memorable experience. As a lifestyle photographer specializing in newborns, I understand that organizing such a session can feel overwhelming, especially with the arrival of a new baby and the need to establish personal boundaries. Many expecting parents often ask me, "When should we schedule our newborn photographs?"
My response to this question is simple yet profound: "Schedule your session when you feel comfortable having me in your space." This is a pivotal time in your lives, a delicate and beautiful transition as you embrace the joys of parenthood. If you're considering documenting your family's journey in the days and weeks following your baby's birth, I encourage you to reach out to me before the arrival of your little one to ensure you secure the photographer who resonates with your vision.
When it comes to timing, I've had the privilege of being present in various stages of a newborn's early life. From capturing the miraculous moment of birth in the delivery room to joining families as early as six hours after their baby's arrival, and even documenting the precious milestones two months postpartum. The style of newborn photography I offer is intimate and immersive. I spend time with you in your own space, familiarizing myself with your routines and observing your home and family life through a unique lens. These timeless images can be achieved at any point in your journey.
HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC PHASE OF YOUR BABY’S DEVELOPMENT THAT YOU’D LIKE TO CAPTURE, THERE ARE CERTAIN TIMELINES TO CONSIDER BETWEEN YOUR BABY’S BIRTH DATE AND THROUGH YOUR 4TH TRIMESTER.
"The photos and memories from the shoot were beyond my expectations. Alec somehow takes ordinary moments in ordinary spaces and transforms them into magic. I was apprehensive about such a close-quartered shoot being the awkward penguin that I am in photos. She documented our most carefree selves as well as our natural family dynamic. We are so happy with the results and the care Alec took with our family!"
- Tanya
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING TIMELINES:
WEEKS 1-2:
During this period, your newborn baby still retains the natural instinct to curl up, mimicking the position they were in while in the womb. They spend the majority of their time sleeping, which creates an ideal opportunity to capture the earliest and most tender images of your little one. The curled-up posture and tiny fingers and toes (maybe with skin pealing a little) beautifully represents this stage of your baby's life. And getting their eyes open and clear is rare, but beautiful.
If you desire to have your newborn captured within the 1-2 weeks after birth, reach out to get on your newborn photographer’s calendar as soon as you know you want to book them. This will ensure you get the timeframe you want and the photographer you want.
Picking an appointment that is about two weeks after your "expected due/guess date." This timeframe allows us to plan ahead while remaining flexible in case your baby arrives later than anticipated or if you need additional recovery time after delivery.
IMAGES OF 1-2 WEEK OLD BABIES BELOW
WEEKS 3-4:
Your baby is still very new, but during this time, they may not curl up or sleep as frequently as they did in the first two weeks. This stage is particularly suitable for parents who need a little more time to recover from the postpartum period. At this stage, babies start to become more awake and alert, allowing their personalities to shine through. You can anticipate capturing a range of expressions and gestures that reflect their blossoming individuality. These photographs capture the transition from the serene sleepiness of the first few weeks to the growing awareness and engagement of your baby.
IMAGES OF 3-4 WEEK OLD BABIES BELOW
1 MONTH:
At the one-month mark, your baby is still considered a newborn, but they are likely to be more awake and responsive. This is an exciting time as your little one may even grace you with their first smiles. The one-month milestone presents an opportunity to showcase your baby's emerging personality and their ability to engage with their surroundings. Additionally, if desired, we can conduct the photography session outdoors during this period. Your baby will have grown a bit and developed more resilience, making it feasible for them to spend a little more time outside. Outdoor sessions can add a touch of natural beauty and variety to your newborn photo collection.
IMAGES OF 1 MONTH OLD BABIES BELOW
2 + Months:
Even though your baby has surpassed the newborn phase, they are still changing daily before your eyes. By this time, you will have settled into a routine and become more accustomed to your new life with the baby. The photography session at this stage captures the beauty of your evolving relationship and the unique dynamics of your daily life together. While there may be fewer opportunities to capture those serene sleeping baby moments, your little one will display more of their personality and spend more time awake. This allows for capturing endearing and engaging photographs that showcase their developing character and interaction with the world around them.
Each stage of your baby's early life carries its own charm and significance. By choosing the timing that aligns with your preferences and needs, we can create a collection of photographs that beautifully documents the journey of your growing family.
IMAGES OF 2+ MONTH OLD BABIES BELOW
Scheduling your Newborn Photography Session
When it comes to scheduling your newborn photography session at home, I typically recommend selecting an appointment approximately two weeks after your "expected due/guess date." Getting a spot on my calendar allows you to check this off your “before baby arrives” to-do list, and provides us with a balance between planning ahead and allowing for flexibility. This timeframe ensures that we can make necessary arrangements while remaining adaptable in case your baby arrives later than expected or if you require additional recovery time after delivery. Your comfort and well-being are paramount, and I'm here to accommodate any adjustments needed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable newborn photography session.
I understand that the arrival of your little one is unpredictable and babies have their own sense of timing, and it's important to prioritize your well-being and ensure you feel ready for having a photographer in your space. I'm here to support you throughout the process and make any necessary adjustments to accommodate your needs. I keep a weekday morning open each week for rescheduling newborns, for this very reason.
I hope that these photos have touched your heart and provided a glimpse into the heartfelt moments we can create together. Your newborn session will be a collaborative effort, capturing the unique essence of your family and the love that surrounds your little one.
Thank you for considering me as your newborn lifestyle photographer. I'm excited to be part of your journey and create intimate and timeless images that will bring joy and nostalgia for years to come.
