January 10, 2025
When Should We Book a Newborn Photo Session? 3 Reasons to Book Early
Table of Contents
When to Book a Newborn Photo Session -3 Reasons to book early
1. Babies arrive early, on time, or late
A question photographers often hear is, “When should we book a newborn photo session?” Booking your newborn photo session during your second or third trimester is recommended. That way you aren’t adding more work for yourself after your baby is born, when you are busy caring for your new little one. You’ll have your photographer all set and your space will be reserved on the photographer’s calendar.
Whether your baby arrives early, on time, or late, you know your photography session will be accounted for and scheduled when the time is convenient for you. If this is your first pregnancy, you may want to know a little more about what is considered full term aside from the 40 weeks. I found the book, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” helpful for many topics during pregnancy.
Rebecca Leigh Photography takes a limited number of photo sessions each month. I keep white space each week on my calendar to ensure my booked newborn clients can schedule their session within 2 weeks of birth. If for any reason you need more time after your baby arrives, that is totally fine. Every birth experience is different and if you prefer to schedule your photo session several weeks after birth, then I will support you!
2. You will be caring for your newborn around the clock
Another benefit of booking in advance is in the case your baby arrives earlier than expected, you have finding a photographer already checked off your “to-do” list. When babies are born early, it may come as a surprise, especially if you have a normal pregnancy and everything is fine.
In my case, with my own second baby, I went into labor 9 days before my due date, and he was born very early the next morning. My family still teases me about my disbelief as I ran around my house getting things together, pointing out that my slippers that I had washed “ahead of time” for my hospital bag were still in the dryer. And I really wanted to eat some meatballs that my husband was cooking before we headed to the hospital.
Once you’re at the hospital, you only get to have ice chips. This is for good reason. But I remembered that from my first baby, and I was so hungry after a long labor. So this time I wanted to eat before going.
Once your baby is born you’ll be keeping track of feedings and your baby’s stools…and yours too. 😉 Just some things to think about that you never thought about before. Don’t worry, they’ll tell you all about this when you need to know. If you are breastfeeding, you might feel like the time between finishing a feeding and starting the next feeding isn’t very much time. It can fly by. So I highly recommend not putting off your photography session planning until right before your baby’s due date, just in case your baby arrives sooner.
If you are reading this after your baby has already arrived, don’t worry! I love it when potential clients contact me for a newborn session at any time! So don’t hesitate to reach out if your baby has already arrived. I will be happy to schedule a session with you if I have the space on my calendar. I think most photographers would feel the same. Many of my wonderful clients have contacted me for the first time after their baby was already born. It’s okay! This post is for those who happen to read this sooner.
3. You’ll have more time to find the style of photography that suits you
There are many different types of photography genres. Finding a photographer that specializes in the newborn photography genre is important for safety and quality of photos. You want someone that knows how to safely handle babies. The level of experience is important so you feel comfortable with your photographer holding and posing your baby. Newborn photos are somewhat time sensitive. Maybe not as time sensitive as a wedding, but it is good to get it right the first time.
Make sure to look at the photos on the photographer’s website and see if that is the style you want. Some photographers do very posed, some do more natural posing, and some do a combination of both. Find what inspires you and also think about what you want to do with your photos. While many photographers offer digital files, I’m sure your goal isn’t just to download the photos and never print them.
Technology changes and eventually those images may get lost. If you would like to print your photos in an album, or frame them on your wall, then find a photographer that can help you achieve that. Photographers that offer design services will get those tangible artworks back to you in a timely fashion. Digital files are awesome as they allow you to instantly access to your images for sharing with family and friends. But, digital files are like homework, when it comes to printing. Knowing you have digital files makes it easy to get complacent with printing. Hire the expert to do this homework for you!
During my photography sessions, I enjoy talking with my clients about their experiences as a new parent. I have 3 children of my own, and I’ve always loved babies. I’m always happy to listen and sometimes I can help you with some tips that worked for me. My website shows the work that I do and tells a little bit about me, but if we chat on the phone before you book then we can connect and see if what I offer is the right fit for you.
Booking your newborn photo session in the Howard County area? To schedule your newborn session with Rebecca Leigh Photography, send me a message. I’d love to hear about your new baby on the way. Talking about babies is my thing. So tell me all about it. I’m a friend to lend an ear.
