When to take newborn photos

I recently talked to a mom who didn’t do newborn photos because she was just so overwhelmed. I get it! The first few months of having a baby (or a baby and older kids) are a fog. So many tears – from me and the littles. But some of my favorite pictures are of those fresh sleepy baby days, where they can’t stretch out all the way.

When should you take newborn photos? I recommend booking your photographer before baby is here, when you’re in your second trimester, so that we have time to plan and you aren’t overwhelmed with a list of things to do.

When do you suggest newborn photos?

I try to schedule my newborn sessions between 5 – 10 days after birth. It’s important that you have a feeding system (bottle, breast, combination) so that you’re able to soothe your baby during the session. Typically mom’s milk has come in by this time or you’ve found a bottle that baby will latch onto. In this window baby is still very sleepy and new!

What if I want to wait longer?

Don’t think it’s too late if you miss that first week or just aren’t ready! The first few months are called the fourth trimester for a reason. Your 2 month old may seem giant to you, but trust me they are still a sweet little newborn. It’s not too late! We can still get great newborn photos, just know that baby will be more awake for their photos and not as scrunched up.

I waited too long, is it too late?

It’s past 3 months and you still haven’t gotten around to pictures. Guess what? Still not too late. They may be starting to round out, but trust me when I say they are still tiny and precious. Maybe instead of sleeping we catch smiles, them connecting with you while you feed them, little hands trying to hold onto you, and did I mention the rolls?

In my opinion, it’s never too late to take pictures of your baby. You see them everyday and the changes happen so slowly you don’t notice, but having the pictures to look back on really marks how quickly they grow.

How can you make sure you get the pictures?

Schedule a photographer when you’re in your 2nd trimester (if you’re doing maternity pictures, this is a great time to get both sessions on the calendar). When you start looking for daycare or a nanny, look for a photographer too!

Schedule a photographer who will pamper you. I make sure my moms know what to expect with their sessions and have all the outfits planned well in advance. I do most of my newborn sessions at your home so that you don’t have to try to pack up and drive somewhere (Atlanta traffic is no joke). You are able to sit in your comfy chair for feedings and have a safe place for older siblings to play while I focus on the baby for a few pictures.

My galleries are delivered within 10 days of our session. I design your album, order your printed artwork, and make sure it’s hung. So many times we stop once we have the digital files and never do anything with them. I want to make sure that your hard work getting ready for pictures is on display!

Find out more about my newborn sessions here!