We get a lot of enquiries from expecting mums in their final trimester, and recently quite a few from mums who already had their dinky ones and are enjoying the first couple of months of being parents.
The best time to book your newborn photography session is during your pregnancy, ideally in the second trimester or early in the third trimester. Here are a few reasons why booking in advance is recommended:
1. Availability: Newborn photographers often have limited availability due to the nature of their work. By booking early, you increase your chances of securing a session at a time that suits you and the photographer's schedule. Due to the unpredictable nature of our models’ arrivals to this world, we usually only book a limited number of newborn sessions each month, to make sure that no matter when your little one arrives, we will always be able to accommodate you.
2. Planning and Preparation: Booking in advance allows both you and the photographer to plan and prepare for the session. This includes discussing your vision, selecting props and themes, and coordinating schedules. Some of the props, for very specific themes, may have to be hand-made and this usually takes around 4-6 weeks.
We also want to make sure we have enough time for a thorough consultation, to know exactly what your expectations and desires are.
Adequate time ensures a smoother and more personalised experience.
3. Timing Considerations: Newborn photography sessions are typically scheduled within the first two weeks of the baby's life. This timeframe is ideal as newborns tend to be sleepier and more easily posed during this period. By booking early, you can reserve a session during this optimal window of time. If we need to arrange your session after the two week window, you will still get stunning photos, but they may just be a bit more “lifestyle” and unposed, rather than perfectly positioned, whilst your dinky one is in a deep sleep.
4. Flexibility: Sometimes, babies arrive earlier or later than expected. By booking ahead, you have flexibility in adjusting the session date based on your baby's actual arrival. Photographers are generally understanding of these circumstances and can accommodate changes within reason. This extends to working with the midwives, and around any hospital visits you may have.
5. Peace of Mind: Booking your newborn photography session early gives you peace of mind, knowing that this important milestone is already planned and scheduled. It allows you to focus on other aspects of welcoming your baby without the added stress of last-minute arrangements. Maybe wallpaper that nursery or go shopping for some dinky clothes! And obviously having your session booked gives you something else to look forward to!
There are many reasons why booking a newborn shoot in the first two weeks is so important. From capturing those precious, sleepy and curled-up poses, to taking advantage of their delicate, wrinkle-free skin, this is the window of time when newborns are at their sleepiest and “cooperative”.
We have the opportunity to create stunning images for you, providing you with treasured memories of your baby to last a lifetime. So take note of this magical time and book your session accordingly!
Majority of our bookings come from parents who had their first scan and have their due date already. We then pencil you in for around a week after that day, and confirm our sessions again upon the delivery, in case our model is with us sooner or later than expected.
It's important to research and select a newborn photographer whose style and approach align with your preferences. Once you've chosen a photographer, reach out to them as soon as possible to discuss availability and secure a session date.
By booking early, you ensure that you have a professional capturing those precious early moments of your baby's life, and that the date we choose falls into the ultimate window of time for the curled up, sleepy photos that we all love. Let's schedule a consultation by submitting our contact form and see what we can do for you and your family and how our studio could make this first photoshoot that extra bit more special.
Thankyou for reading, Amber xo - Panda Creative Photography. Worthing, West Sussex. 07450706677. Newborn & Baby Specialist Photographer.