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One of the questions I get asked most often is, “When should we schedule our newborn photos?” As a Clifton NJ Newborn Photographer, I’m excited to help guide families through this special time.
The short answer is that it depends on the type of newborn photography session you’re planning. Of course, it also depends on your baby.
I recommend reaching out to book your newborn session in your second trimester or as soon as possible. This will help make sure I have availability for your newborn photos. Things also get hectic once the baby is born. Therefore, checking this off your to-do list beforehand can alleviate a lot of stress.
We will book your session around your due date. Then, once baby arrives, we’ll find a specific date that works for everyone.
For a studio newborn session, I generally recommend having your session within the first two weeks after birth. This is often when newborns are still very sleepy and naturally curl into those sweet, cozy newborn poses. As a Clifton NJ Newborn Photographer, I find this timing is best for those adorable poses you see in portfolios.
That said, I don’t believe there is a magic deadline where you suddenly miss your chance.
Every baby is different, and sometimes things don’t go exactly according to plan. Babies arrive early, babies arrive late, and sometimes parents simply don’t get around to booking their session before baby is born.
If your baby is already a few weeks old, don’t assume you’ve missed your opportunity to have newborn photos taken. Reach out anyway!
You can learn more about my NJ newborn photography sessions here.
What If Your Baby Is Born Early? What This Means for Newborn Photos
Premature babies can sometimes give us a little more flexibility with timing. Since they are born early, their developmental stage may be closer to that of a younger newborn. This may be true even though their actual age suggests otherwise.
That means they may still be sleepy, more comfortable being wrapped, and naturally curl into those sweet newborn poses a little longer. Because of this, they can be a great fit for a studio newborn session. This remains true even if they’re technically a few weeks old.
For example, I recently photographed a baby who was already 4 weeks old when his dad reached out to book a session. He had been born about 2 weeks early, and he was still very much in that sleepy newborn stage. The timing ended up working beautifully for his studio newborn session. Moreover, we were still able to capture all of those sweet, sleepy newborn photos his parents were hoping for.
This is one of the reasons why I don’t like to make parents feel like there is a strict cutoff. I’d much rather hear from you and talk through your baby’s situation than have you assume it’s too late. Additionally, having a trusted Clifton NJ Newborn Photographer can help take the stress out of scheduling.
Lifestyle Newborn Photography Sessions Offer Even More Flexibility
If you’re worried about scheduling around the newborn stage, a lifestyle newborn session can be an especially great option.
Lifestyle newborn photography sessions are more relaxed and don’t depend as much on baby being sleepy or settling into posed positions.
We can photograph your baby awake, being held, feeding, stretching, looking around, or simply hanging out with you at home.
Because of that, there is a lot more flexibility with when we schedule the session. A lifestyle newborn session can be a beautiful choice for families who didn’t book early or have a baby who is already a little older. It is also a great fit if you simply prefer a more natural and candid style of newborn photography. Working with a Clifton NJ Newborn Photographer ensures your session style matches your vision.
So When Should You Book Your Newborn Photos?
My recommendation is to reach out during pregnancy and get your session on the calendar before baby arrives. That gives us the most options for choosing a date. It also makes one less thing for you to think about once you’re home with a brand-new baby.
But life happens. If your baby is already here and you haven’t booked anything yet, don’t panic.
Send me a message and let me know how old your baby is. We can talk through where your baby is at and figure out which type of newborn session makes the most sense for your family.
Looking for a Clifton, NJ Newborn Photographer?
Whether you’re dreaming of sleepy studio portraits or a more relaxed lifestyle newborn session at home, I would love to help you capture this fleeting stage in a way that feels natural and beautiful to your family. As a Clifton, NJ newborn photographer and family photographer, I love creating images that document not just your new baby. I capture the connection between everyone who has been waiting to meet them.
Planning your newborn photos? Contact me to tell me about your baby and let’s talk about the best session option for your family.
