When Should I Take My Main Line Newborn Photos?
I’m often asked about the best time to have your Main Line newborn photo session. The short answer: whenever you are ready. After having three c-sections, I completely understand birth, exhaustion, and pain. You want to make sure you are feeling up to a session. We can take it as slow as needed. We can take breaks, you can sit, you can have a snack – you just do what you need to do! It took me a long time after my firstborn to feel ready for anything (I’m just talking about life – not even photos!). I was supposed to be induced and then it turned into an emergency c-section after 19 hours of labor, so it was completely exhausted and not ready for much for a couple of months afterward.
Is There An Ideal Window For Main Line Newborn Photos?
I do recommend 2 weeks or less if you’re up for it! Newborns change so fast so it’s great if we can capture some of that newborn squish. You won’t feel it in the moment – at that point you’re just trying to survive feedings, diaper changes, bottles, pumping, breastfeeding, naps – you name it! But when you look back at photos and compare, you’ll see how quickly they change! At the beginning they will be sleepier, which helps, too. I can take photos whether they are sleeping or not, so that doesn’t affect me too much, but I know that makes it easier for you!
What If My Baby Doesn’t Sleep For My Main Line Newborn Photos?
I think it’s a misconception that babies have to be asleep for newborn photos. Does it make it a little easier? Perhaps if that baby’s not crying (though I can work with that too!), but asleep is not required. I recommend feeding your baby 30 minutes before our sessions starts, and we can try things like rocking or using white noise – but there is no rule that we have to wait to shoot our photos until your baby falls asleep! Often, if the baby is still awake when I arrive, we begin shooting with mom or dad holding them and as we move around the baby generally falls asleep. I actually prefer a mix of asleep and awake, because they we are able to get some cute yawns and see their little eyes!
When I had my daughter, I felt really rough for a couple of months afterward. We didn’t take newborn photos with her and I regret it! I know you’ll be exhausted, trying to juggle newborn life, hoping to squeeze in a quick shower before I come over – but let me tell you – it will all be 100% worth it!
When I gave birth to my daughter (she is my firstborn), I ended up with an emergency c-section. For about 3 months, I felt like I had been run over by a dump truck. After being in labor for 19 hours, pushing for 3 and then ending up in a c-section, I was exhausted. Around the 2.5 month mark, I ended up taking a couple of photos on my camera with the timer. I love those photos – even though the composition is terrible and I had a lot of images that were out of focus. At that point though, she wasn’t a newborn anymore! I SO wish I had decided to take the plunge and go for newborn photos.
When my son was born 2 years later – I made it a top priority! Those are some of the most precious images to me. Even though I was exhausted and sporting dry shampoo, I LOVE those photos. They were 100% worth every ounce of effort.
When I come to your house to take newborn photos – I promise that I’m also super easy – no need to clean everything for me:) If we just have a small spot to work in, that’s good enough for me. I recommend your bed, the nursery or couch. Anywhere you have some windows and good light!
You’re a rockstar, mama. My goal is capture this sweet and fleeting season. I know how hard it is, but you’ll be so glad we did.
