Not sure when to schedule a newborn photographer?
Allow me to simplify it for you!
1. Start as soon as you can
Even if you're still in the early trimesters of your pregancy, go ahead and google "newborn baby photographers in my area".
Browse each photographers website and their gallery to see if how they photograph is a style that you're drawn to. Those first few weeks of your newborn's life are precious ones, and you want to make sure you're investing in what you love!
Choose 2-3 photographers that you like (to have a backup just in case one of them is booked)
2. Give them a call/send an email
Photographer's tend to book several months out, so it's a good idea to call as soon as possible to find out their availability.
"But what if I don't know the specific date my baby will actually be born? All I have is a calculated due date."
Not a problem! Your photographer will ask you when your due date is, and schedule about 2 weeks around that. We know babies tend to have their own agenda for their birth. So we plan around it.
3. What do I do right after my baby is born?
First, take in all that wonderful, newborn baby goodness. It's magical, therapeutic, chaotic and so many emotions all felt at once!
Second, send your photographer a text, email, Facebook message or however they prefer to stay in contact with you. Let them know what day baby was born and when you plan on leaving the hospital or birth center. Or if you're already at home from a home-birth.
(We photographers may not say so, but we're JUST AS GIDDY when a client's baby is born! We're doing our own little happy dance of joy right along with you!)
From this initial contact, after your little one arrives, your photographer will schedule a day and time that works with you to carry out your session. This will usually be within the first 6-10 days from birth.
4. Why is a session so soon after birth?
Babies are their most cuddly, sleepy and snuggly selves within those first 2 weeks. It's amazing how FAST they grow and change in a matter of days. As they get closer to 1 month they become more aware, more awake, and less likely to want to be swaddled and wrapped up. Even the physical features of their face begin to change after that first week or 2.
"What if I'm not able to have my newborn photographed so soon?"
Sometimes health issues arise, or babies are born early and need to stay in the hospital longer than the average few days.
THAT'S OK!
Your newborn session can be just as perfect if baby is closer to 4-6 weeks. I've even photographed close to 8 weeks. It can be done!
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