One of the things I love best about being a lifestyle newborn photographer is that I am not concerned about getting baby into unnatural or awkward poses and therefore don’t need baby to be a certain age for your session.
Lifestyle newborn photos can take place any time within the first 6 weeks (or even after, if you don’t care) after baby is born. Moms love this because you don’t have to worry about feeling newly postpartum or uncomfortable right after birth. This gives you time to get used to your new baby and get to know him or her!
I recommend inquiring about newborn photos during your third trimester so that you have enough time to find the photographer you like and get a date on their calendar. During our initial emails, we’ll decide if you want to book your session closer to your due date or are okay waiting until your baby is around 4-6 weeks old.
Of course, ultimately this is up to you but here are some reasons to choose one or the other:
Schedule your newborn session around your due date if:
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You’re okay with being newly postpartum during photos (don’t worry, I’m still mindful to make sure you look and feel beautiful
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You are okay with baby sleeping through most of the session
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You want photos of your baby right when they’re itty bitty
Schedule your newborn session around baby’s 4-6 week mark if:
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You’d like to have time to get to know your baby
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You want more of baby’s personality in the photos and are okay with baby being a little bigger
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You care about baby being awake more during the session (although there is no guarantee)
I schedule newborn sessions during the morning hours before lunch time and sessions usually last around 2 hours. I usually spend some time getting to know your other kids and assessing the lighting in your home before I start and I aim to get the most important photos within the first 45 minutes. Setting aside 2 hours, though, allows us to take breaks for diaper changes, nursing sessions or snacks without feeling rushed.
I can’t wait to capture this beautiful and special time in your family’s life and photograph you and your newborn in your home.
