Help! Did I wait too long to book my newborn session?!
Help! Did I wait too long to book my newborn session?!
If there is one thing I have learned about babies after photographing them since 2014, it is that life is unpredictable and sometimes you have to be flexible.
Here are six things to consider when booking a newborn session with older babies:
Is my baby too old for a newborn photography session?
How is this session different from a younger baby's session?
Can we still get pictures of parents and siblings with the baby?
What can I expect during my older newborn photography session?
What to do when babies are over three months old.
When is the ideal time to schedule my newborn session with my photographer?
Is my baby too old for a newborn session?
The simple answer is, maybe. No matter how old your baby is, it is important to capture this important part of your life! I get calls all the time from people who have been told by other photographers that their baby is too old for newborn photos. While it’s true that an older baby has their challenges, it also comes with lots of rewards, such as being alert and having more smiles! Babies under three months can still get newborn-style photos. We may have to make some adjustments to meet them where they are. These changes may include keeping them wrapped, clothed, and using different props and poses.
A special note for preemie babies - I have found that working from their adjusted age is just fine. While they may not be as scrunched up still, most poses can still be achieved. Be sure to tell your photographer in advance if any special accommodations need to be made for things like feeding tubes and oxygen.
How is this session different from a younger babies session?
Young newborns under 14 days old are naturally more sleepy and curly, allowing the photographer to capture some of those unwrapped poses. Besides things like baby acne, cluster feeding, and the three-week sleep regression, your older baby will be more alert. Because of this, some poses may no longer be safe. A trained photographer will navigate these changes without any problems.
Can we still get pictures of parents and siblings with an older newborn?
When your family grows, it is a big change for everyone involved. I suggest including siblings and parents during every newborn session, no matter how old they are. As the baby gets bigger, we will change how we swaddle the baby.
Special note for parents with toddlers - We are used to toddlers being unpredictable! Some kiddos LOVE that they have a baby brother or sister around, while some toddlers want nothing to do with them. A seasoned photographer knows all the tips and tricks to make sure you have the perfect photo, even if we have to use a bit of Photoshop witchcraft.
What can I expect during my session with an older newborn?
Your session will begin like all our others. We will feed the baby and strip them down to a clean diaper. The studio will be warm and cozy. After I get to know your little one, we will either start your session with just your baby or family photos. Every baby is different and we are always flexible. If you have small children, we typically do family photos right away. We don’t want to waste the small amount of patience they have! You can expect to be at the studio for two to three hours depending on how many times your baby needs to eat.
What to do when babies are over three months old.
Babies over three months old are no longer considered newborns, but that does not mean that they do not deserve a photo shoot! These sessions are called milestone photography sessions and are traditionally done at three, six and 9 months of age. If your little one is on the younger side of the spectrum, you can expect overhead shots, tummy-time shots and cuddles with the parents. As your little one gets a little bigger and can sit, you will have the option for more variety.
When is the ideal time to schedule my newborn session with my photographer?
While there are some photographers that you need to book 9 months in advance, most of my clients reach out to me while booking their maternity session. Having this relationship while my client is still pregnant allows us to not only get them on the calendar with a tentative date but to plan their session in terms of styling.
I strongly advise scheduling your newborn session before you have your baby so that your photographer can plan for your session - especially if you are expecting twins. Besides crossing this task off of your list, your photographer may also offer packages for maternity, fresh 48, and newborn sessions.
Looking to schedule a session for your baby? My name is Amanda. I run a brick-and-mortar studio in Muncie, Indiana called Betty and Bobby Photography. I am fully insured and have designed my business around babies, maternity, and family. It is my goal to make your experience as easy as possible, no matter where you are on your motherhood journey.
Call or email today to for more information.
765-748-4246
bettyandbobbyphotography@gmail.com