When to schedule your Chatham-Kent newborn photoshoot is a hot topic, and can be a matter of opinion if you ask any photographer. If you’re planning an-home lifestyle newborn session, you have some flexibility. The truth is there really is no wrong answer! Having 10+ years experience photographing newborns and families, I have compiled a few pros and cons of photographing newborns at 2 weeks vs 2 months. Let’s have a look!
Booking your Newborn Lifestyle Session at 2 weeks
When scheduling your newborn session for around the 10-day to 3-week mark, there are a few things to consider. Typically babies at this age are very sleepy and will be happy to be swaddled. Photographing newborns in this time period can allow for more variety in terms of baby on their own, and light posing can be accomplished much easier. Their skin is often still wrinkly and sometimes dry (which is the cutest, IMO!). The don’t typically cry as much, and they are perfectly content to be snuggled the whole time.
Conversely, this may not be the best or most comfortable time for mom. Everyone handles that first few weeks of sleep deprivation and hormone crashes differently, and if you don’t feel physically or emotionally ready yet, you may want to consider taking a few extra weeks to get to know each other. There is absolutely no shame in wanting to wait a few extra weeks to bond with baby, or to feel more like yourself again.
Lastly, if you are introducing a new baby into your family and you have young children or toddlers, those first few weeks might be touchy. Big changes can come with big emotions for those toddlers, so if things are off to a shaky start, feel free to take your time. This can be hard to plan for, but keeping your expectations open will be helpful!
Booking your Newborn Lifestyle Session at 2 months
Most studio newborn photographers require babies as soon as possible, and after this 2 or 3 week window, posed newborn sessions become quite difficult. With lifestyle on the other hand, there is always flexibility.
At the 2 month mark, babies have grown into their personality a little bit. Although they may not be sleepy (or at all during the session), we are more likely to catch a little smile and some eye contact. They are usually eating and sleeping on a schedule, and can go longer stretches between meals, making scheduling your session a little easier. They can often hold their head up a little and can engage with parents or siblings with their gaze.
By this time, parents might be getting a little more quality sleep, toddlers/siblings will have warmed up to their sibling, and there may be more of a day to day routine at home.
Some things to consider when deciding on a date for your newborn photoshoot
Keep in mind the following when deciding what timeline is right for you and your family:
- Will your partner be taking any time off work to be home with you and baby?
- Baby acne often sets in around 3-4 weeks and can last a few weeks or months. If you’re planning to wait for your newborn session and your baby is experiencing acne, I recommend waiting until the inflammation has gone down
- How do you anticipate your toddler/child will react to a new sibling?
- Are sleepy baby photos a priority for you? If you prefer an awake and engaged baby, you may want to book a little later!
- How has your pregnancy progressed and what do you anticipate for the birth? I know “birth plans” don’t always go the way we expect them to, but consider how your pregnancy has been physically and emotionally for you, and how you expect to feel after giving birth.
In summary, there is no wrong time to book your Chatham-Kent newborn photoshoot. I have photographed 2 week old babies who refused to sleep, and 2 month old babies who slept the whole session away. I have even photographed babies at 4-6 months! The timeline is totally up to you and what you feel comfortable with. No matter what you decide, I can guarantee the photos will be something you treasure. Those baby years go by so fast, and they are worth documenting.
Ready to get your Chatham-Kent newborn photoshoot booked? Reach out today to get in my calendar and start planning!
Want to see more examples of my newborn work? You can check out a few more blog posts here or follow me on Instagram for the latest!
