When is the Best Time to Schedule Newborn Photos?

When is the Best Time to Schedule Newborn Photos?

When to Schedule Newborn Photos

Are you wondering when to schedule newborn photos? I bet you have no idea how long that ‘newborn’ stage lasts exactly?! Some newborn photographers will put a two week or 15 days age limit on newborn photo sessions. While we strongly suggest holding your newborn shoot at the 5-10 day mark, I say there’s no reason why you can’t have a baby’s newborn photoshoot up to around three or four weeks old. It’s never too late! Plus, life gets in the way. You may have had a bit of a stay in the hospital after birth, and having a new baby at home is exhausting. Scheduling a session with a photographer may not sound enticing right away. 

Fear not! Read on for my tips on the best age to have a newborn shoot. Plus how to book one when you have no idea what date the baby will arrive. (Because isn’t that exactly how it goes? haha) Let me put your mind at rest at how easy it is to have beautiful new family memories captured that will last a lifetime. Most parents really enjoy the experience, and it’s much more relaxing and stress-free than you might think!

newborn photos

Babies Younger Than Two Weeks Old (When Possible!)

You should try to schedule newborn photos typically around two weeks after your due date. The most ideal time is between 5-10 days old. Babies at this age tend to be pretty chilled, curled up and sleepy, making posing easier!

This age is great for capturing all those gorgeous curled-up sleeping shots, snuggles with parents, photos of baby feeding (if you want them) and close up shots of baby’s eyelashes, lips, and feet. This is also a great time to capture some beautiful photos of the baby with their siblings. The baby may not be actively smiling yet, but at even the earliest newborn photoshoots we can capture a few adorable grins.

According to data, only 5% of newborns arrive on their actual due date. Around a third of the rest arrive early, and about two-thirds arrive past the date. So it’s a pretty safe bet, with a first baby at least, that your little one won’t be in any huge rush to come out on time! So two weeks after your due date tends to work pretty well as a tentative date for your booking. If the timing is just a little off, no worries. Most newborn photographers are happy to work with you to schedule a better time. We completely understand that the baby comes when they are ready and it’s not always easy to predict.

newborn photos

A quick note…

If you’re looking for those adorable curled up in a basket/hammock/bucket or posed like a frog photo for your newborn photoshoot, the ideal age is more like 5-10 days and rarely older. This style of newborn photography tends to be more about posed shots of the baby. These poses can only be achieved before the baby’s tiny bones fuse together and they’re still really curled up and ‘malleable’!

newborn photos
newborn photos

Newborn Photos with Older Babies Age

Babies older than two weeks are not quite so curled up and weeny any more! They also start to lose some of that gorgeous wrinkly skin and downy hair. Around 2-3 weeks old baby acne can begin to appear and cradle cap is common from 1-2 months old. Some parents don’t mind these small blemishes, however. Baby is still perfect in every way. Because of this many parents and photographers think this is not when to schedule newborn photos.

Every baby is unique and it is more than possible for a GOOD newborn photographer to get amazing shots of your new baby at 3-4 weeks old. No matter when you get around to it, a photo session with your new baby is always a great idea! But if you can it’s best to get a few shots of your little one captured because they grow quickly. The newborn stage passes by in the blink of an eye. 

Slightly older babies are likely to be more alert and aware of their surroundings. So photo sessions with older babies can result in more ‘eyes open’ shots than sleepy ones. Who doesn’t love a bright-eyed, curious baby? You’re also more likely to capture those sweet little grins.

newborn photos

C-section Births

Having a c-section birth can be both a positive and a negative. On the plus side, you may know exactly when you’re scheduled making it easier to plan for a newborn photos. On the other hand, if you weren’t prepared you may have feelings of deflation. Or, you may be worried that your photographer asks you to move around when you’re not ready to or to hold the newborn in a position that’s not comfortable for you. Our photo sessions, however, are flexible. We understand that the baby’s comfort comes first with mom and dad being a close second. We can capture memorable shots of you with your baby in whatever position is comfortable for you, whether sitting, propped up on pillows or standing.

Most parents are happy for me to move the baby around for photos myself, meaning that for shots of the baby on their own you can just sit back with a cup of tea and watch the magic happen! 😉 We work in pairs so the shooter is always free to position the camera while our assistant is there to be helpful with the newborn. 

If you feel you’d like to wait a bit after having a c-section, by all means, wait. Once again your comfort is most important.

Premature Births

If your baby came well before the anticipated due date it’s safer and better to wait until closer to their “adjusted age”. Premature babies are more delicate and need a bit more time to be ready for things such as photoshoots.

newborn photography

Best Age for a Newborn Photos

So, when to schedule newborn photos then? When possible I recommend scheduling a session before the baby is two weeks old, to capture him o/her in all their wrinkly and scrunched-up newness. I’d also recommend scheduling sessions throughout that first year about once a quarter (3, 6, 9, and 12 months old) to capture the growth and change in your child. 

In fact, we’ll work with you to create a custom FIRST YEAR Package that will allow you to schedule those photo sessions in advance with a discount in price.

newborn photos

Get Yourself in the newborn photos!

When you choose to book your newborn session, it’s really important to me to capture photos of the parent(s) with the baby, along with any siblings or pets where possible! You may not feel particularly photogenic just weeks after giving birth, but believe me, it would be such a shame to miss out on capturing those all-important shots of you with your baby that your little one will just love to look back on in years to come. Our team will work carefully to make sure you look your best in those photos no matter how tired or off you feel.

Make the best of your newborn photos by being prepared and ready to go. Check out: Tips for the BEST Newborn Photos!

Book Your Newborn Photography Session

Celebrate your baby with an adorable newborn photo shoot! Capture this fleeting moment in time and create memories to treasure for years to come. Don’t let this once-in-a-lifetime chance pass you by – contact us now to book a session for your newborn photos!

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Our team is available for your next project.

Erie Photography is a world-renowned production studio that offers a wide variety of photo and video services. We are proud to be the biggest photography studio in our region, and we can help you with your next project. We have been operating in Erie PA  or 12+ years, and we have a lot of experience in Photography & Videography Services We offer a wide variety of services, including photo shooting and video production. Check out our other Services for more information!

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Wedding Photographers

Portraits

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Business Branding Photography

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814-246-2149 | info@erie-pics.com | www.erie-pics.com

SEVEN Tips for the Best Newborn Photography Session

SEVEN Tips for the Best Newborn Photography Session

Sit Still: Newborn Photography Tips

During the first six months of life, average newborns grow at a rate of about a half to one full inch per month. Almost every day they appear different as they put on weight and outgrow each little stage of being.

For this reason, you should get in your newborn photos as soon as possible to capture them in all their newness. Photo sessions with little ones pose obvious challenges as they do not always cooperate the way we want them to.

This absolutely does not mean that you should forgo the photo op. Follow these seven newborn photography session tips that will help you get the perfect picture.

newborn photography

Mom & Dad taking part of the newborn photograpy session preserves these fleeting moments. 

1. Book Early On

Schedule your newborn photography session prior to giving birth. This will ensure that your photographer is available when you need them. Try to make your session right before or at the baby’s two-week mark. This allows you time to adjust to bringing your new family member home.

Not only will you make sure to get them tiny and new at this point, but they will most likely make the photo session easy. At this age, newborns mostly sleep. A sleeping baby makes for a precious photograph. It also allows you to indulge in capturing just about any adorable pose you can think of.

A professional photographer can also advise you on When to schedule newborn photography so baby is sleepy and flexible.

2. Schedule Around Naptime

While you need to book your appointment early on, see if your photographer can wait until your little one comes into the world to solidify the time. After the first few days, you should get a feel of when your baby sleeps.

Adjusting to their schedule will work much better than making them adhere to yours. This is one of the best tips for newborn photography.

newborn photography
newborn photography

3. Diaper Them Prior

Nobody feels comfy with a wet bottom. Make sure your baby has a fresh diaper for the photoshoot. Also make sure you leave it very loose this will keep the marks and red lines from the diaper appearing in the newborn photography.

Change them about a half-hour prior to the session. If they dirty the diaper again, then simply clean them up. If you try to save time by keeping them in a dirty diaper, you may not get the results you want.

4. Have a Backup Plan

Many parents go into a photoshoot with a very specific plan. Pencil those plans in and leave room for adaptations. Prepare for anything that can go wrong to happen. Bring extra diapers and outfits in case of a blowout or spit-up situation. This will keep them comfortable and cute for the pictures. Also, know that they may not cooperate for the exact picture you wanted. Stay open for alternative pictures during your newborn photography session.

newborn photography
newborn photography

5. Practice That Cute Pose

If you think of a picture-perfect position for your little one, test it out ahead of time. See whether or not they find comfort in the pose before you get disappointed during your newborn photography.

If you absolutely want something specific, try putting them in that position often during the days leading up to your session. This will get them used to it’s it feels comforting to them.

6. Use Practical Props Creatively

When choosing props, think in terms of practicality. What will make your baby most comfortable so they enjoy the session or sleep through it?

Swaddle them up in a blanket so they feel secure. Try keeping one of mom’s shirts close by for comfort during newborn photography. Babies have a terrific sense of smell.

newborn photography
newborn photography

7. Feed Your Baby

Try to feed your baby on-site, right before your session begins. This will make it less likely that they will get hungry and cranky while your newborn photographer works their magic. Feeding infants milk releases a hormone called cholecystokinin. This causes drowsiness, making them much more likely to sleep through getting photographed. What if they still get hungry again? Simply feed them. Come completely prepared with anything you may need, like an extra bottle or a nursing cover.

 Remember Your Newborn Photography Tips

Bringing a new baby home can create a little bit of chaos at first. Make sure you review your newborn photography tips ahead of time so that you properly plan and prepare for your session. As long as you prepare, let the baby lead, and remain flexible, you will leave with unforgettable keepsakes.

Book Your Newborn Photography Session

Celebrate your baby with an adorable newborn photo shoot! Capture this fleeting moment in time and create memories to treasure for years to come. Don’t let this once-in-a-lifetime chance pass you by – contact us now to book a session for your newborn photos!

When is the Best Time to Schedule Newborn Photos?

When to Schedule Newborn Photos Are you wondering when to schedule newborn photos? I bet you have no idea how long that ‘newborn’ stage lasts exactly?! Some newborn photographers will put a two week...

SEVEN Tips for the Best Newborn Photography Session

Sit Still: Newborn Photography Tips During the first six months of life, average newborns grow at a rate of about a half to one full inch per month. Almost every day they appear different as they...

How Much is a Maternity Photographer Near Me?

How Much is a Maternity Photographer Near Me? When asking how much a Maternity Photographer Near Me is, there are a few thing to consider. Every photographer is different and every area of the...

The Best Tips on When to Book Your Maternity Photography Session

When Should You Book Maternity Photography? When it comes to maternity photography, timing is everything. The best time for maternity photography is generally considered to be around 28-35 weeks,...

Erie Photography Services

Other Services We Offer

Our team is available for your next project.

Erie Photography is a world-renowned production studio that offers a wide variety of photo and video services. We are proud to be the biggest photography studio in our region, and we can help you with your next project. We have been operating in Erie PA  or 12+ years, and we have a lot of experience in Photography & Videography Services We offer a wide variety of services, including photo shooting and video production. Check out our other Services for more information!

Weddings

Wedding Photographers

Portraits

Senior Portraits Photography

Commercial

Business Branding Photography

Video

Wedding Videography

Photo Booths

Wedding Photo Booth Rentals

Book Erie Photo & Video Services to Capture YOUR Unique Story. 

Erie Photography™

Erie Wedding & Event Services
Wedding Planning | Wedding Disc Jockey | Erie Wedding Photography | Wedding Photo Booth | Wedding Videography
1001 State Street, Erie, PA 16501
814-246-2149 | info@erie-pics.com | www.erie-pics.com

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