Having a baby is so utterly joyful as well as being quite overwhelming! You are getting to know your bundle of joy, there’s so much for you both to learn, that it’s impossible to contemplate a time when you won’t remember exactly what’s happening!

When I am asked about the best time for a newborn shoot, I like to reframe this question and think about what memories and moments you want to capture during the newborn year.

My first question is always this. What moments in the first year blur do you want to always remember? In ten years' time, when your little one is asking what they were like as a baby, what do you want to show them? Those little details that time eradicates are so important as it makes them who they are today.

 Below is a little guide to those moments we can capture together and when.

Weeks 1 -3

This is when your little bundle of joy is teeny tiny and very sleepy. Mum and Dad are getting used to the newest member of the family, and I love these pictures to show that. There is baby paraphernalia everywhere, a quiet haze across the house and the start of the most incredible story unfolding.  The baby can’t do anything yet, so a lot of the images will be taken in Mum and Dad's arms or in their cot. Remember I like to capture your life just how it is, and how you want to remember it. These first few weeks FLY past, and you’ll never have those moments again. I love the story that a newborn brings, and looking back, it’s those small details you’ll want to remember too. The nappy changes, the feeding, the tiny little finger holding yours.

Weeks 6 plus

At this point, we may be seeing a little smile and more awareness of the world. Your little baby can see a bit more, and so these pictures have more of your baby’s personality in them. They’re still very small but there will be more pictures with their eyes open and engaging with Mum and Dad. At this age and onwards, your baby will become more engaged in its surroundings, and be able to hold onto objects, smile at you and make all those amazing first noises.

 

6 months plus

Although I’m not sure this falls into a newborn category anymore, this is when your baby is finding their feet in the world. They may be sitting up, they’ll be laughing, and you may be starting to wean them. There are lots of fun things going on at this time, and certain things you won’t want to forget.

My shoots are relaxed and natural and fit entirely around your baby and their schedule. This is why my most common feedback from clients on a shoot is how fun they are! Becoming a parent is extraordinary, so I always advise booking in with a photographer before the baby comes along so you can forget all about it and concentrate on the miraculous new life. Let someone else worry about your memories for you.

 

Want to have chat about what I can do for you and your memories? Email me here or head to www.thegingercollective.co.uk