Let’s face it, babies can be pretty unpredictable when it comes to making their grand entrance into the world. Early, late, right on time – how do I possibly schedule a newborn photoshoot??? In the past few months I’ve been so surprised to meet so many second-time parents who missed newborn portraits for their first child simply because baby came early and scheduling seemed impossible. Newborn photographers have so many rules – why does this have to be so hard???
Honestly, it doesn’t! Most newborn photographers don’t book a photoshoot date – they book your due date. Once you’ve decided to book a session with me, we put your due date in my calendar and start planning all the little details of your new baby’s first photoshoot. Most moms book their newborn portraits around 20 weeks, and I try to be as flexible as I can for those booking later in their pregnancy. Once baby is born parents notify me via text or email/messenger — then we book the photoshoot date. Ideally newborn portraits are taken within the first two weeks of baby’s life when baby is still sleepy and curly from being in the womb. We often photograph newborns older than this, so if baby’s been born already or you were too busy the first couple weeks to even think about portraits, definitely don’t let that stop you from contacting us for newborn photos. Older newborns may not be as easily coaxed into certain poses, but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve beautiful portraits of your new baby.
So what happens if baby comes early? Like, really early? I’m with you every step of the way when it comes to planning, completing and delivering your newborn portraits. Every pregnancy and baby is it’s own miracle. For those babies who may need time in the NICU, with oxygen or other birth trauma, let’s talk about it. We’ve worked with many NICU babies after their release and work closely with parents to determine the best time for portraits and what special considerations may need to be taken.
I hope this message reaches you and helps other Colorado families who may be looking to schedule a newborn photographer here. If you have any questions or just want to chat, send us a message or drop us a line – we’d love to talk to you about documenting your growing family.
