Every mom wants to capture those special moments of their newborn baby. After all, those first few weeks pass by so quickly!
If you’re thinking of getting professional photos taken of your little one, it’s important to know when the perfect time is to do a newborn photoshoot.
It is recommended that you wait until the baby is at least 7-10 days old to do a newborn photoshoot to achieve those classic newborn poses.
Let’s take a look at when to do a newborn photoshoot to capture beautiful memories of your bundle of joy. This post will discuss all elements of planning the perfect newborn photo shoot and creating tangible memories.
When Do Newborn Photoshoots Take Place?
Newborn photoshoots typically take place between five and ten days after birth—this is when babies are typically most sleepy and content, making them easier to pose during the shoot.
After two weeks, babies tend to become more alert and active, making them harder to settle for long periods of time. In addition, their skin has also had time to adjust from being in the womb and any signs of birth such as bruising or jaundice can also be gone by this point.
If you opt to take newborn photos at the one month mark, it may be a little late for those precious curled up newborn poses. Their personality will start to show and their facial expressions are easier to catch.
You can still get some beautiful posed shots of your baby in addition to some fun lifestyle images documenting the special early days of infancy.
Scheduling The Newborn Photo Shoot
At this stage, your baby does not have a defined sleep schedule so the answer to what is the best time to actually schedule the photoshoot generally depends on the parent’s schedule and availability.
If you’re ready to plan the perfect newborn photo shoot, the best thing to do is to find a reputable photographer and book your session in advance. They can help provide guidance on when the ideal time would be for your photo shoot, depending on what type of images you are looking for.
It can be easy to overlook booking the photographer until it’s too late, but booking during your pregnancy is the best practice. Try to schedule the photo shoot two months in advance of your baby’s expected arrival date. This way you and the photographer have ample time to plan.
How Long Does It Take?
A newborn photoshoot usually takes around three hours from start to finish; however, this can vary depending on how settled your baby is and how many changes you require throughout the session.
Most photographers will allow plenty of extra time for breaks for feeding and diaper changes and these should not be rushed as it’s important that your baby remains comfortable throughout the shoot.
Where Do Newborn Photoshoots Usually Take Place?
A lot of photographers come to your home for these types of photos but you could also have a photo shoot in a studio if you prefer.
Cost
The cost of these photoshoots can vary depending on the photographer, packages available, and the location of the session. However, typically the prices range from around $200 to several thousand dollars.
Photography studio chains like JC Penney or The Picture People may offer more affordable rates, but it’s best to shop around and consider the quality of the images you will receive.
Professional photographers set their own rates so this can vary greatly, but they can also provide a variety of packages to suit your budget.
Choosing A Photographer
There are plenty of talented newborn photographers available who understand how to handle delicate babies and capture stunning images. Research is key so take some time to look through portfolios and read reviews before booking with any photographer. Asking for referrals from friends and family or checking social media is also a good way to go.
Once you have decided on a photographer, be sure to discuss all your expectations with them prior to the session. Share ideas together and make sure they understand your vision. This will help ensure that they can create beautiful memories of this special time in your life.
What Should I Wear?
Newborn photographers are skilled in taking these types of photographs and will generally bring along or have a wardrobe or props. They wrap babies in soft blankets, wraps, and swaddles that complement the style of photos you are after.
If you are going to be included in the newborn photoshoot, neutral colors work best—such as whites and creams—as they won’t distract from the focus which should be on your baby in each frame.
Avoid anything too loud or busy that could take away from the overall shot; instead, opt for gentle tones like pastels or muted colors which will keep all eyes on your little one!
Don’t wear anything you’ll have to keep adjusting or clothing with busy graphics or words.
Do You Really Need Newborn Photos?
Newborn photo sessions offer a chance to capture those first moments of your little one’s life. While you don’t need newborn photos, they may be something you regret not having down the road.
It can be as special as picking out their first outfit, or simply dressing them in something more timeless. Newborn photos capture the tiny details that change so quickly and can provide sweet memories to look back on years from now.
As a bonus, many photographers offer special digital packages with several poses so that you don’t have to pay for each image individually. So whether it’s scheduling in advance or taking advantage of a special deal, newborn photography is an experience that many families are glad to have for years to come.
Capturing special moments with professional photographs is a great way to remember those precious early days with your newborn baby! By understanding when the best time is for a newborn photoshoot—typically five to ten days after birth—you can ensure that you get beautiful images that capture all that sweet innocence forever! With this knowledge in hand, you can now start planning the perfect photo session for your little one!