How Do I Pre-Book Newborn Photography | Northern Ireland

Being a Belfast Newborn photographer means I’m flexible, sometimes changing my week around as so much of my business is last minute. I get it… you’re pregnant and thinking how do I pre-book Newborn Photography Northern Ireland session date if you never know when the Baby will arrive? Simply put… Babies will arrive when they are good and ready and as a newborn photographer, I understand this. Bare with me and I will explain…

I am often booked three months in advance. However, I do, quite frequently have to turn people away due to being fully booked! Something I have no pleasure in doing whatsoever. And the response is always the same, ‘I didn’t want to book before as I didn’t know when the baby was going to arrive’. I get it.. after all, if you’re not entirely sure when your baby will arrive, how can you book a photo shoot for them? 

There’s a certain science behind reserving a date for your newborn photography session. After photographing newborns for 5 years, I have created a calculated method for choosing a date that works like a charm almost every time! With a little bit of calculation, a teeny bit of medicine, and plenty of keeping in touch towards the end of your pregnancy, we can secure the perfect date months before your baby even arrives! Read on to find out how…

newborn and maternity photographer Belfast in newborn photography Northern Ireland

Newborn Photography Sessions capture moments you'll cherish forever

As the vast majority of babies aren’t born on their due date, you might be wondering how on earth you can book your shoot before your baby is born. How can you know when the 14 day window will be? How do I reserve a Newborn Photography session?

When you book we won’t actually set a date for your session, unless you do know exactly when your baby will be born – for example if you’re having a planned c-section. When you book, you guarantee a slot in my diary. I book a limited amount of sessions per month which means I can be totally flexible around due dates and arrival dates.

Upon booking I will ask for your due date, knowing full well that you could give birth within a 5-week time frame around that date. Then all I ask is that you let me know as soon as you can after your baby’s birth. I then invite you for your session. Doing it this way means you have one less thing to worry about when you’ve got your new arrival in your arms and believe me, most things go straight out of the window organisation wise. Let’s face it you’re only getting a couple of hours sleep a day and you’re feeding all the time. 

I do of course have lots of last minute enquiries, and if I can fit in a session, then, of course, I will! But unfortunately it’s not always possible.

Why do you have to schedule newborn sessions when the babies are so young?

Every photographer has a different “sweet spot” for newborn ages that they prefer to photograph, and many photographers will refuse to book a posed newborn session after a certain age. I promise, we are not doing this to try to make your life more difficult! There are several reasons why this “perfect window for newborn photos” exists.

  • First, the younger babies are, the sleepier they are, and sleepier babies are much more likely to cooperate when getting them into the perfect poses.
  • Also, as babies spend more time outside the womb, the sensory nerves in their skin begin to develop rapidly, which means that “older” newborns are much more receptive to touch and likely to wake from slight pose adjustments.
  • Finally, the longer they spend outside the womb, the less ‘curly’ babies get, so if you really love the poses that capture how flexible and curled up babies can be, those poses will be more uncomfortable for babies as they approach the 1-month-old mark.
We were with Jade this morning for a photoshoot and it was the best experience. Jade made us feel so welcome and at ease, and was amazing with our daughter. She was so patient getting her settled and even fed her! Will definitely be back and would highly recommend to anybody thinking of getting photos done.

My baby's already arrived, am I too late?

Most definitely not!

When I started this business 5 years ago, I was told and believed that newborn sessions must take place in the first 14 days only for best results of those sleepy images.
 
But as time went on… I realise, quite frankly – every baby is different and it’s really not the case.
 
The younger the little one, they often fall into the deeper sleep so those nude squishy images that mummy loves oh so much – are more possible. As baby reaches four weeks old+ they become more aware of their surroundings and don’t fall into this deep sleep as much.
 
Nevertheless, Newborn photo sessions can actually take place right up to six weeks old. They ideally take place in the FIRST 4 WEEKS OF BABY’S LIFE.
 
I’m certainly not the photographer that will push you to have your session in the first week when you’re just fresh out of hospital and still navigating your new role. I like to ask how you are all doing so it gives mummy the chance to let me know if she needs longer to recover from the birth or simply they are not ready to leave the house in those first two weeks. And that’s completely ok!
 
As long as you prebooked your newborn slot during the pregnancy, you won’t miss out on those precious photos. Please take all the time you need ❤️ I’d much rather you sit on the sofa comfortable and enjoy the experience of your first photo-session than be in pain or discomfort.
 
If your baby was early by more than a week.. that usually extends our window even more. So don’t panic if you need to stay in hospital longer, just keep me updated so we can have you at the studio as soon as you’re ready ❤️
 
If you are prebooked for a newborn session, please still contact me within 48 hours of baby’s arrival. It will give you a much greater choice of dates and times and mean I’m not having to ‘squeeze’ you in at super short notice ❤️ It’s so important to pre-book your newborn session to fit into my diary, I only have a handful of dates left for 2022!
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