When should you book your newborn photography session?
When should you book your newborn photography session?
One of the most common responses when chatting to an expectant mum is ‘great, I’ll be in touch as soon as the baby is here’. Of course, this is absolutely fine – however I cannot guarantee I will be able to fit you in by then. I am currently fully booked 2-3 months in advance. So when should you book? Short answer; as early as possible.
Quite frankly, if you would like your newborn photographic experience to be carried out by a specialist newborn photographer, in a cosy boutique photography studio by the river, you’ve got to get in there quick! Most of my clients book my services as soon as they have had their 20 week scan. (I also have an early bird discount if you secure your session before you reach 28 weeks of pregnancy!) The life of a newborn photographer relies on being flexible, and not knowing what your following week’s diary will include! In order for me to provide such a service that is fully flexible around you and your newborn baby, I can only take on 12 newborn bookings per month, and the rest of my diary is filled with sitter and first birthday sessions.
Step one: Do your research before you book
First things first, as soon as you have decided you would like a newborn photography session, start researching. There are a huge number of photographers out there nowadays and it is important that you find the right one for you in terms of their style of work (have a look online at their photos – are they what you would like of your baby?), whether you feel comfortable around them and trust them, and of course your budget. Portrait photography services, and with newborn photography in particular, is very much a case of ‘you get what you pay for’. Newborn photography requires a lot of expertise, safety training and patience. It is a luxury service and an investment, for you and your family for years to come. When did you last think twice about spending £600+ on a new phone that may last a couple of years? Your photographs in print, will span the generations of your family, and the newborn window is very small – you only get one chance!
Once you have a shortlist of local photographers, make contact as early as you can to ask any questions you might have about their services, experience, training and products they offer. Then, when you have decided who you would like to use, get booked in to secure your space!
This first step is generic when looking for any photographer…I will continue this blog on the assumption that you have chosen me as your newborn photographer…
Step two: Confirm your booking
You have chosen me as your newborn photographer and I am absolutely delighted and over the moon that you have decided to put your trust in me to capture this very special time in this amazing journey! The first thing I will ask you to do is to complete a booking form, sign a contract and pay your session fee. This guarantees that once your baby has arrived and you have got in touch (within 48 hours) I will work with you to find a time and date within the first 14 days of your little one’s arrival, for you to visit the studio and create some memories.
You will notice on the booking form that I will have picked a date that is 7-10 days after your due date. This simply blocks out one of the 12 guaranteed spaces that month and is not a concrete date.
Step three: Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy, and keep in touch!
Once your session is confirmed with me, I like to keep in touch throughout the remainder of your pregnancy. A little email here, text message there and small gifts in the post; just to see how you are, let you know I am thinking of you, and that I am genuinely as excited for your new arrival as you are!
Step four: Your little one has arrived
Congratulations! Hopefully all went well and Mummy and Baby are recovering nicely – do let me know as soon as possible – preferably within 48 hours of arrival. We can then confirm a time and date for you to visit the studio for your photography session.
For many, your visit to my studio is the first trip out since arriving home from hospital, and can be very daunting! Please don’t worry if you are running a few minutes late and aren’t ready for your pre-pregnancy jeans yet! I fully understand and will be waiting for you with a fully stocked biscuit tin and plenty of hot and cold drinks on tap so you can sit back and relax for a couple of hours while I work with your little one to take the photos and create your stunning gallery of memories.
Are you ready to find out more? I’d love to have a chat!
