Imagine this: you’re expecting a new baby… you’ve seen the Instagram posts and artwork throughout your friends’ homes of their sweet newborn babies… and you’re wanting that for your newest addition! Who wouldn’t?! The newborn season comes and goes in the blink of an eye: the tiny features and big emotions that come with welcoming your babe. They will never be this small, ever again. Take. The. Pictures.
As a mother myself, I get it. I understand the overwhelm of finding, booking, planning, and prepping for a newborn photoshoot.. wondering if all of the fuss is worth it. This is exactly why I have taken special care and intention to build an experience that relieves you of all the stress while curating connection and memories that are treasured through every year that your babies grow bigger. This is the first read in my new blog series outlining the Alicia Nicole Photos Newborn Experience where I share with you exactly what it will look like to book a Newborn Experience with me. Below we are talking about when to schedule your newborn session.
The Sweet Spot: 6-14 Days After Birth
This surprises most mommas! The ‘sweet spot’ for newborn photography happens between 6 to 14 days after birth. This seems quick? I understand! Here is why: in order to capture the true essence of your newborn, it is crucial that the photoshoot happen within the first two weeks of life. There are a few reasons for this…
During this two week period, the newborns are most cooperative in that we are able to swaddle and adjust the placement of their hands, feet, head and such to lay in a manner that is most suitable to showcasing their tiny features. Within the first two weeks, baby is sleepy and easily soothed with a feeding or swaddling. Around 3+ weeks, babies experience a growth spurt where they are more alert and can be more stubborn with their limbs (understandably so). Also worth noting, baby’s skin experiences some changes after 14 days like baby acne, peeling, and redness (so it’s best to capture babe before these changes occur!).
Why Early Booking During Pregnancy Matters
Second trimester booking advantages
It is crucial to plan ahead for your newborn photoshoot. Waiting until the last minute, or even until after baby is born, leaves you with added stress that is not ideal during this fragile time for both mom and babe! The Alicia Nicole Photos Newborn Experience is carefully curated to pamper mom and prepare the family for the photoshoot that it just simply cannot be booked at the last minute. By booking in your second trimester there are some advantages:
- Securing your dream photographer (my newborn calendar typically books several months in advance)
- Gives us time to plan and prepare
- We will schedule a Planning Appointment to discuss the details like wardrobe, in-home or in-studio, and artwork interest
- Schedule hair and make-up
- Prep the rest of the family
Check “Book Newborn Photographer” off of your to-do list and enjoy your final months of pregnancy.
Due date flexibility planning
I think I might launch a petition to change “due date” to “guess date”… we all know the due date is notoriously off! That said, we pencil in a tentative date for our session based on your expected due date. Knowing that every pregnancy and delivery is so unique, we will be in touch throughout those final weeks and connect shortly after baby is born (clients usually shoot me a “Yay he/she’s here!” text) and then we will either confirm or adjust our session date accordingly.
Factors That Influence Timing
C-section vs. natural birth considerations
Typically the method by which your baby is born does not affect our session date, with the exception of extreme cases like NICU visits and such. I approach those scenarios on a case-by-case basis. However, I do like to be thoughtful of mom’s recovery as we are shooting the session so it can be helpful for me to be aware of these details at the time of the session.
Baby’s sleep patterns and comfort
At 6-14 weeks old, baby does not yet have a pattern that largely influences the timing of our session. So, I will usually recommend a session time that is best for lighting and does not put too much pressure on preparation time like hair and make-up. This is usually mid to late morning. The Alicia Nicole Photos Newborn Experience is scheduled for a minimum of two hours to give us time to take some breaks and allow baby to sooth and nurse when desired.
Scottsdale’s Premier Newborn Photography Experience
Momma, it is my desire to provide you an experience that feels like a warm hug and deep breath. From inquiry through artwork, I am here to make sure we touch every detail and leave nothing left to be desired when it comes to your prep, session, and final results. Together we will memorialize every sweet detail of your babe and growing family, while bringing the artwork to life in a way that lives on your wall or in a legacy album. By booking your newborn session in advance, say goodbye to stress and hello to pampered bliss. My goal through this experience is to add to the well-deserved oxytocin high through a little pampering and timeless imagery that will evoke emotion for generations to come.
