The Best time to Schedule Your Newborn Photoshoot
Having a child is something incredible and exciting for so many families and can feel like a new beginning. One of the best ways to memorialize this is to capture it in photos. Newborn photoshoots have become incredibly popular in recent years, with many families going out of their way to get the perfect shots.
But when are you supposed to schedule this?
These are the answers to this and many other common questions parents ask when scheduling this awesome photoshoot.
How Soon Does it Have to Be?
Most photographers only consider a photoshoot a ‘newborn’ shoot if the child is less than two weeks old. The issue many new parents run into is this is an extremely hectic and busy time in life, so trying to schedule a photo shoot during these two weeks can be a stressful extra plan having to be made.
Instead of waiting until your child is already born, try to schedule your photoshoot while you're still pregnant, at least a month before you'd want to do the shoot. If your child comes early or stays later than expected, make sure to contact your photographer immediately, they'll usually work with you to make sure you can still get a great photoshoot.
What Time of Day is Best?
Infants have a different schedule than the average person, so there aren't any waking hours that they all stick to or sleeping hours you can be prepared for before they're even born. The time of day, and the specific day you do it, should be based on your availability.
If you plan on having many family members take part, beyond just the parents, consider booking two different newborn photo shoots so that you can catch as much of the magic as possible.
How Do You Prepare for It?
When preparing for a newborn photoshoot, it's a good idea to feed your child about thirty minutes before the shoot and keep them awake until you arrive. It can be hard to keep them up and awake during the drive over, but it's worth it to ensure you can have at least a couple of hours of picture taking before they wake up and get fussy.
What Should You Avoid Doing?
You can ask your newborn photographer about anything they need you to do: but there are many things you should avoid. These include forgetting to bring soft blankets and extra clothes, being loud or fussy around your child during the shoot, or trying to micromanage the photographer while they're doing their job. This professional is trying to help you make magical memories; remember to keep it light and fun.
What Should You Bring?
When you're going to your appointment, make sure to bring extra clothes, soft blankets, any props you want to be included, and of course, food and a diaper bag. A studio can get cold, so the extra clothes and blankets can keep your baby comfortable in between shots.
Your Newborn Photoshoot Should be Magical
Whether this is your first child or your third, every birth deserves to be celebrated! Take the time to schedule your newborn photoshoot and make sure you get pictures of this magical short window of time!
