“When should I schedule newborn photos?” is one of my most-asked questions by expectant moms and dads. My typical answer is to book your newborn photography session 2 weeks after your due date using my online scheduler. I’d say 80% of the time we keep that original appointment. However, if baby arrives early or late, we can reschedule. No biggie! Just text me with updates and we’ll find a new date that works for you.
WHERE DO YOU TAKE NEWBORN PHOTOS?
Most of my lifestyle newborn shoots are taken in the client’s home, but my bright and cozy studio in downtown Seattle is available if you’d prefer. Clients will choose the studio if they prefer that aesthetic, if their home is too dark or being remodeled, or if they’re in the middle of a move. My studio has a big bed for baby’s portraits, a dressing area, and a couch for comfy nursing and feedings.
HOW EARLY CAN WE BOOK?
You can schedule your newborn shoot as soon as you see those 2 pink lines, or wait until baby has arrived to commit to a photography session. It’s completely up to you! I will say booking in advance gives you a larger range of appointment options, and allows you to plan outfits and work with me on any prep you’d like. I can also help with styling if you’d like some custom feedback. If you want to add professional hair and makeup (an upgrade I offer!), I definitely recommend booking at least a month out to make sure they’re available.
Some variables might change when you do your session. Here are some common ones:
BABY OR MOM REQUIRE MORE RECOVERY AFTER BIRTH
Giving birth and being born is no walk in the park! It’s not uncommon for baby and/or mom to have some complications and need a longer stay in the hospital, or recovery at home, before they’re photo-shoot ready. Health absolutely comes first. We can push out as long as you need, and take photos when you’re well and up for it. Or I can come to the hospital and do your session there if you’re comfortable, and with approval from the medical staff.
THIS IS A SURROGATE PREGNANCY AND TRAVEL IS REQUIRED
If you’re having your baby via surrogate, and will be traveling to another state to meet your new addition, we just schedule for when you’re back home and settled. That might be when baby is 3 or 4 weeks. Totally fine!
YOU CAN’T IMAGINE DOING A PHOTO SHOOT RIGHT AFTER BIRTH / NEED MORE TIME
I hear this most often from second and third-time parents. They did a newborn session right after their first baby was born and looking back, it feels overwhelming. They’re less concerned with capturing a brand new baby this go-around, so they opt to shoot a little later. While I typically photograph newborns in the first two weeks, I consider any infant under 3 months a “newborn”. Because I’m not a posed or prop photographer, I don’t require baby to be super sleepy and malleable as they are in the first few days, so we have a larger window to take pictures. My style is natural, relaxed poses. The closer we get to 2 or 3 months, the more likely we are to get baby smiles too!
YOU WANT TO WAIT UNTIL GRANDPARENTS ARE IN TOWN TO INCLUDE THEM
Say no more! It’s very common to want to include visiting family members. If you’d rather wait until grandparents are in town, even if baby is 3 or 4 weeks old, that’s just fine!
YOU’VE SUFFERED A LOSS AND WANT TO WAIT TO SCHEDULE WHEN BABY’S HERE
Many parents have suffered a miscarriage, pregnancy loss, or stillbirth with a previous child and don’t feel comfortable booking a newborn photo shoot until this baby is here and healthy. The pregnancy is filled with worry and trauma, and parents hold their breath until delivery day. I get it. Because my newborn sessions are held on weekdays, I can often fit you in on short notice (weekends book farther in advance). So if baby is born today and you’d like a newborn session next week, just email me! I’ll can often get you in! Your baby deserves to be celebrated. I’m happy to accommodate the circumstances, so you have the easiest and most supported experience.
WHAT IF WE’RE SCHEDULING TWIN OR MULTIPLES NEWBORN PHOTOS?
Schedule as usual! There’s no additional charge for twins. We might just need a little more time to get the additional shots. Typically newborn sessions are 45-90 minutes. We’d probably be closer to 90 minutes with two babies. For triplets there is a $150 surcharge for the additional shots and editing time involved.
WHAT ABOUT MATERNITY PHOTOS?
If you’d like to add a maternity session, check out my First Year and Belly to Baby packages! I recommend scheduling pregnancy photos between 28 and 36 weeks, whenever you’ll feel best in front of the camera. Some moms want to shoot earlier, when they’re a little smaller (or with a particular season). Other moms want to wait and shoot closer to the end of pregnancy, when their belly is at its peak. It’s completely up to you. The only reason I advise against shoots after 36 weeks is baby might arrive early and we miss our chance to shoot! I once did maternity photos for a client and they went to the hospital that night to deliver their baby. Maternity photos can be taken outdoors, at home, or in my studio.
AND MILESTONE PHOTOS?
A baby milestone can be anytime in the first year! That said, I’d say the most popular milestone shoots are 6 months and 1 year. At 6 months (maybe closer to 7), baby is sitting up, smiling, and usually very Botticelli chubby! So cute! If you want to wait and do a 1 year session, we can capture family photos, baby’s portrait, and a little cake smash too. It’s very common for families to book a milestone session in Fall, when they can get family photos for the holiday card too. All my milestone sessions (Petite Session) include baby’s portrait, baby with each parent, and lots of family photos too. Siblings are welcome!
ARE YOU EXPECTING AND READY TO SCHEDULE MATERNITY OR NEWBORN PHOTOS?
If you’d like to schedule a maternity session, milestone shoot, or lifestyle newborn photography, use my online scheduler or email me with questions. If you’d like to book a package with multiple shoots, you can see that page here. I’d love to work with you!