One of the most common questions I get from expecting parents is, “When should we take newborn photos?” The newborn stage changes so quickly, and the first few weeks are such a special time to capture all those tiny details you’ll want to remember.
When Should You Book Your Newborn Session?
Since we never know exactly when baby will arrive, I have parents put down a deposit based around their due date. I pencil that date into my calendar, and once baby arrives, you simply send me a text to let me know. From there, I’ll get you scheduled as soon as possible based on my availability.
For my longer, posed newborn sessions, I recommend coming in before baby turns 12 days old. This is when babies are typically sleepier and more comfortable with the gentle posing needed for those classic newborn images. These sessions take a little longer because we allow plenty of time for feeding, soothing and getting baby settled.
What If Baby Is Older?
If your baby is already past those first couple of weeks, you can still have beautiful newborn photos! My newborn mini sessions are available for babies up to one month old. These sessions are shorter and are a great option for capturing those sweet little newborn details without doing an extended posed session.
Another option for older babies is a family session, where parents can be photographed holding and interacting with their baby. A simple Mommy & Me session is also a beautiful way to capture those early moments together.
There really is no wrong time to photograph your baby. Whether you’re looking for a full posed newborn session, a newborn mini, or sweet family photos, the most important thing is capturing this stage before it changes again.
If you’re expecting and looking for newborn photography in Chicago, I’d love to help you plan your session!