Why You Need to Book Your Sessions Way Before Your Baby’s Birth
Question: When’s the best time to book your baby’s newborn photo session?
Answer: Right after you see the + on the pregnancy test stick…
Okay, so I admit that perhaps the first calls you’ll make after you see that joyful “positive!” on the pregnancy stick should be reserved for your spouse, family, OB or midwife. But, it still holds that it’s always best to book your newborn photo session during the second trimester of your pregnancy.
You aren’t the only one with a due date in 8-ish months
The large majority of my clients book their session with me within the first few months after learning they’re pregnant because they’re repeat clients who know how challenging it is to find the best newborn photographers in a short span of time. And the truth is, those months will pass faster than you think, so why not tackle it now?
By contacting the newborn photographer right away, you’re almost guaranteed to get your session on the books. Waiting too long could mean the very disappointing fact that we simply can’t squeeze you in - and that’s heartbreaking for all of us.
Look for a maternity and newborn photographer who:
● Has a gallery you’d be proud to be a part of
● Is experienced, certified and a member of industry-recognized organizations
Never put your well-being or the wellbeing of your baby at risk by hiring someone who is inexperienced or who takes risks in order to get a “perfect” picture.
We’ll book your maternity session, too
Professional newborn photos are exquisite, but so are the images captured by an exceptional maternity session. Pictures of you and your beautiful belly, wearing a gorgeous flowing gown and set in front of a stunning backdrop - that’s not an opportunity you want to pass up.
Contacting the photographer early enough gives us the opportunity to book your maternity session as well - and will also save you money. For example, here at Lemonshoots, I offer the Bump to Baby, which is a better deal than booking maternity and newborn sessions separately.
Develop a comfortable rapport with the photographer
One of the best ways to create beautiful, natural images of you and your newborn is to have a comfortable, trusting and fluid relationship with the photographer. Scheduling your photo sessions in advance gives us time to get to know one another, discuss which images are your favorite from my portfolio and talk about ideas for potential poses or backdrops.
There is no doubt that babies are energetic sponges so the more comfortable you are with the photographer, the more comfortable your baby will be with him/her, too - and that makes for better images.
Spread the word for Baby Shower gifts
Did you know most professional maternity and newborn photographers offer gift certificate options? Once you’ve booked your session, you can share that information and appropriate links or contact information with friends, family and baby shower attendees. Odds are you’ll wind up with a free or mostly-paid-for session, and maybe even some additional credit to print the amazing images we’re going to create together.
Spare yourself the disappointment of DIY newborn shots
I can’t tell you how many clients I’ve had who come in with Baby #2 mourning the fact they didn’t honor their instincts and get professional newborn photos of their first child.
First-time pregnancy is a glorious but stressful time - because you simply don’t know exactly what you’ll want or need until you want or need it. Thus, these unknowing parents who skipped the urge to book a professional photo session wind up regretting it when they see the albums, frames and canvases adorning the homes of their new parent friends.
Fair warning: gallery-worthy newborn photos very rarely happen in the average DIY photo session. So, while I offer resources such as my, Tips & Tricks for Stunning Newborn Photography because I want every parent to have newborn photos they love, I also know there is no DIY photo that holds a candle to a well-choreographed, artistically rendered image by a pro who has devoted hours and hours in training and practice.
Give grandparents a date to look forward to
Newborn photos are made that much more special when grandparents are brought into the mix. Most of us have pretty full calendars at any given time of the year, so scheduling your session well in advance gives those special chosen ones time to make any necessary travel arrangements.
Are you caught up in the exciting swirl of impending parenthood? Take a moment or two to contact me online at Lemonshoots, or give me a call at (510) 747-9019. I can’t wait to design the ultimate photo session for you and your newborn, resulting in invaluable images that serve as moving reminders of one of the most precious times in your life.
