Hey there, pregnant Mama! I'm Leigh Ann, a professional newborn lifestyle photographer covering Walnut Creek, CA. Like most soon-to-be parents, you may be starting to consider booking your newborn's first photography session. This article will help you with that process by providing tips for scheduling your session. By the end, you'll have a clearer idea of how to go about scheduling your newborn's lifestyle photography session. Choose a Photographer you Trust and Connect With Trust your instincts when choosing a photographer for your newborn's first photo session. You want to ensure you feel comfortable with the person in your home photographing your baby. Do some research and find someone whom you can connect with on a personal level. I can be that person for you! Book Your Session Early, Preferably Before Baby is Born The next step is to book your session. You should book as soon as possible and plan it for a few weeks after your due date. This will allow plenty of time to discuss the session in detail and allow enough time to prepare for the shoot. Schedule the Session to be Within 1-12 Weeks After Birth When scheduling the session, I recommend keeping it within 1-12 weeks after your baby's birth. We can capture different aspects of your little one depending on the timing of the session. Sessions scheduled in the first few weeks of life are likely to capture your newborn sleeping, while sessions done a little later might capture them wide awake and looking around. Consider the Time of Day for the Best Light and Comfort for Baby Another thing to consider is the time of day for your session. Morning and afternoon light works best for newborn lifestyle sessions due to its softness and natural glow. I tend to start sessions at 10:00 as I’ve found that babies are less fussy in the morning. If your baby is on a different schedule, let me know beforehand so I may accommodate you ! Make Sure to Feed Baby Right Before the Session Finally, make sure to feed your baby right before the session starts. This will help ensure they are content and relaxed during the shoot and give you plenty of time for cuddles! But don't worry if the little one wants to eat again during the session. Images of mom or dad feeding baby are some of my favorites! I hope this has been helpful in providing tips for scheduling your newborn's lifestyle photography session. If you have more questions or want to book your session, please don't hesitate to reach out! Together, we'll create beautiful memories and art that will last a lifetime. Happy parenting! Leigh Ann – Your Oakland, CA, Family and Newborn Photographer serving perfectly imperfect families. And remember, I serve families throughout the Bay Area. P.S. -- Be sure to signup below for my monthly newsletter, where you can get tips and tricks for capturing your own adventures with your family and early access to my shoot dates.