When to book your newborn session
When Should You Book Your Newborn Photography Session? A Calgary Mother’s Guide
If you’re expecting a baby, you probably have a growing list of things to do before your little one arrives. Somewhere between preparing the nursery, buying tiny sleepers and getting ready for those first few weeks at home, you may also be wondering, when should I book my photography session? Or perhaps you havent been thinking about it at all, after all there is so much to prepare for!
As a Calgary newborn photographer, this is a question I hear often. Let’s chat about it.
When is the best time to book newborn photos?
I recommend reaching out during your second or third trimester if possible.
Newborn photographers can only take a limited number of sessions each month because babies rarely arrive exactly on their due dates. Booking while you’re pregnant allows me to reserve space around your expected due date and then finalize your session date once your baby arrives. You would book on or close to your due date and then contact me the day baby arrives to book the session for when baby is 7-14 days old.
Booking early is especially helpful if you have your heart set on a particular photographer or style but also to get something off your to-do list.
When are newborn photos usually taken?
Most newborn sessions take place during the first two weeks after birth when babies are still very sleepy, curly and content being wrapped and posed. However, I have photographed babies at 4 weeks and gotten the same results.
Every baby is different. Some babies are sleepy at three weeks old, while others are wide awake at ten days. Babies born early may also benefit from waiting a little longer.
The goal is always to work with your baby rather than expecting your baby to follow a rigid schedule.
What if my baby is already a few weeks old?
Please don’t assume you’ve missed your chance!
If your baby has already arrived and you didn’t book newborn photography while you were pregnant, reach out anyway. If I have availability, I’m happy to discuss what kind of session would work best for your baby's age. For example, for a 6 week old baby, family photos will still work wonderfully. Sleeping and posed photos may be a trickier at this age. Older newborns may be more alert and may not curl into every traditional newborn pose, but that can also mean capturing beautiful eye contact, expressions and personality while they are resting on their back.
What happens if my baby comes early or late?
This is exactly why newborn sessions are generally booked using your due date rather than your baby's actual birth date.
Babies have their own schedules! Once your baby arrives, we can arrange the session based on their birth date, recovery, feeding and how everyone is doing.
There is no need to worry about predicting the exact day your baby will arrive when you book.
What should I look for in a newborn photographer?
Newborn photography is different from most other types of photography. Your photographer isn't simply taking pictures, they are also handling, soothing, wrapping and posing your brand-new baby.
When choosing a newborn photographer, look at:
Their newborn portfolio and photography style (my instagram is great reflection of my style so you know what to expect)
Experience working with newborn babies
Safety and posing practices
Reviews from other parents
What is included with the session
Whether props, wraps and outfits are provided
Most importantly, choose someone whose work you genuinely love and with whom you feel comfortable.
My Calgary newborn photography sessions
My newborn sessions are photographed in my cozy Calgary studio in Somerset and are designed to create beautiful images of your baby during this short season.
I provide a selection of newborn wraps, props and headbands. We take our time and allow plenty of room for feeding, soothing and cuddling whenever your baby needs it. That is why sessions can take 1.5-4 hours!
I love including parents and siblings when appropriate. Although your baby may be the smallest member of your family, newborn photography is really about documenting the beginning of a whole new chapter for everyone.
These photographs become more valuable with time
When you're in the newborn stage, the days can feel very long. You're feeding, changing diapers, waking throughout the night and adjusting to an entirely new rhythm. Then somehow, that tiny newborn is suddenly smiling, sitting, crawling and celebrating a first birthday.
Photographs give you something tangible from a stage of your child's life that is almost impossible to fully remember later…the tiny fingers, curled-up legs, sleepy expressions and the way your baby fit into your arms.
That's why I believe newborn photography isn't simply about having beautiful photographs today.
It's about creating something your family will still treasure years from now.
If you're expecting a baby and looking for a newborn photographer in Calgary, I would love to photograph this special time for your family. Click learn more below to see my prices and packages!
