How do I reserve a newborn session date if I never know when the baby will arrive?
Babies definitely like to keep us on our toes—always guessing exactly when they’ll arrive and make their big debut! While it can be fun to place bets on the big day, it can unfortunately make the process of choosing the perfect date to capture their very newborn photography session feel near-impossible.
Many newborn photographers book sessions several months in advance, so it’s important to start shopping for a photographer early on in your pregnancy. This will give you plenty of time to find the photographer that’s right for you, and to get on their calendar. Many photographers only take a limited number of newborn sessions each month. This assures that when the client’s little one arrives that they’ll be able to get them in. While many photographers do try to keep a few last-minute newborn session spots open, many times the only time slot available is outside of the typical time frame that photographers prefer to photograph newborns (I prefer to photograph newborns 7-14 days after they’re born). This is ideal because babies tend to be most sleepy, snuggly, and flexible in the first few weeks of life. Photographing newborns as close to their actual birth date as possible has other benefits too!
Another reason to book your newborn photos early is that many photographers offer special offers and perks for booking sessions before your due date! At Shelly Morgan Photography, I like to offer a discounted maternity session fee when a newborn photo session is also booked.
If you’re not sure when your baby will arrive, don’t worry! Most photographers offer a “guarantee date” or a window of time in which they can photograph your newborn. Newborn sessions are typically booked by “Due Dates.” While we typically don’t know when your little one will make their grand entrance, reserving your spot on your photographer’s calendar ensures that they’ll get you in for your newborn photo session during the ideal time they like to photograph their newborn clients. Once your baby arrives you’ll notify your photographer and finalize your session date.
Another benefit to booking your newborn photo session early is that it allows you and your photographer ample amount of time to plan your session. You can discuss colors, props, and other details to create a session that’s unique and personal. You won’t always be able to do this if you wait until after your baby is born to look for a newborn photographer.
My baby is already here. Is it too late to book?
Lots of families first start to think about a newborn shoot once their baby is born. And if you find yourself in this position you’re certainly not alone.
If your baby has already been born please get in touch to check last-minute availability. I may be able to squeeze you in if other babies have arrived a little earlier or later than planned.
If your baby is already past the ‘two week window’ you don’t have to miss out. I regularly photograph ‘older newborn’ babies and also offer an Older Newborn Session which focusses on the newborn photographs that are suitable for babies aged up to 8 weeks.
Ready to Book? Here is what happens next…
To book your newborn session please fill in this form letting me know you’d like to book and your estimated due date or your baby’s birth date if they’ve already been born.
I’ll get back to you within 24 hours to confirm availability.
Once we’ve checked availability I’ll send you a booking form and an invoice for the session fee. You can complete the form and pay the session fee online – by credit or debit card or bank transfer.
Once you return the form and pay the session fee your booking is confirmed.
Between then and your session I’ll send you lots of information to help you prepare for a relaxed, enjoyable session. And closer to the date we’ll speak on the phone to run through all the final details.
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