Capturing the journey of motherhood through maternity and newborn photos is a meaningful way to preserve these life-changing moments. Knowing when to schedule each session is key to ensuring you feel your best and your baby’s earliest days are captured perfectly. In this post, we’ll explore the ideal timing for both maternity and newborn photos, and why combining these sessions into a package can make the experience even more special.
The Best Time for Maternity Photos
The ideal time to take maternity photos is between 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy, usually in your 7th or 8th month. At this stage, your pregnancy is visibly well-progressed, and you’re likely to still feel comfortable and energetic enough for a relaxed photo session. Here’s why this timing is best:
- Well-Defined Pregnancy: By the third trimester, your body is showing the beautiful changes of pregnancy, making it the perfect time to capture this special moment.
- Comfort and Mobility: Scheduling a session earlier may not provide the visual impact of a fully progressed pregnancy, while waiting too late can lead to physical discomfort. Around the 7th or 8th month, you’re likely to have the energy for posing without feeling overly tired.
- Plan Ahead: This timeframe helps avoid any last-minute complications or the risk of missing your session due to an early delivery.
Maternity photos celebrate this unique time in your life, allowing you to capture the anticipation and joy of expecting a new addition to your family.
The Best Time for Newborn Photos
When it comes to newborn photography, timing is crucial to capture your baby in their earliest, most delicate stage. The best time for a newborn session is when your baby is between 5 to 14 days old. This period allows for those classic, peaceful poses that are treasured for a lifetime. Here’s why this window works best:
- Calm and Sleepy: During their first two weeks, newborns tend to sleep soundly, which makes it easier to position them for those adorable, curled-up shots.
- Capturing Early Details: At this stage, babies are still very small, and their features, like tiny hands and feet, are ideal for creating memorable, detailed images.
- Avoiding Skin Changes: After the two-week mark, babies often develop newborn acne or experience changes in their skin, so capturing them in this early period ensures smooth and clear photos.
Booking your newborn session ahead of your due date is recommended to secure a spot during this brief window.
Combine Maternity and Newborn Sessions
For a seamless experience that tells the full story of your journey, consider combining maternity and newborn photo sessions. At Shawn Keller Photography, we offer packages that include both sessions, making it easy to capture the transition from pregnancy to your baby’s first days. Bundling these sessions not only ensures you document both significant moments, but it also provides a convenient and cost-effective way to work with one photographer throughout the process.
With a maternity and newborn package, you’ll benefit from a cohesive photography experience, ensuring that both milestones are beautifully captured without any added stress.
Conclusion
For maternity photos, aim for the 28 to 36 week mark of your pregnancy, and for newborn photos, schedule the session within the first two weeks after birth. By planning ahead and bundling these sessions, you’ll be able to cherish every moment from pregnancy through your baby’s earliest days.
Contact Shawn Keller Photography today to learn more about our maternity and newborn photography packages. We’re excited to help you capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments!
