When should you schedule your newborn photo session? | Columbia MO Newborn Photography

New mom? First child, second child, or even the fifth? Still a little ways from the due date? Having your newborn photos taken is very exciting regardless where you are at in your motherhood. There are some many things happening all at once, that you may be wondering when you should schedule your newborn photo session.

I want to answer a few common questions I hear to help you along with the process.

How old does my baby need to be for their newborn photo session?


Some photographers want you to have the photos taken in the first two weeks of life, I’m open to that, but we can still capture beautiful moments weeks or even months later.

My style of newborn photography is called, Lifestyle Photography. This means I will be doing very little posing, which means that the baby does not need to be super sleepy, as they are in the first two weeks, for their photos.

I think babies are perfect just the way they are and I am happy to do a newborn style session at any age. That being said, they do change and grow very quickly in the first weeks of life. I recommend trying to get the session scheduled before the baby is three months old, just to capture that newborn sweetness.

When should I schedule my newborn photo session?


Most of my expecting parents inquire while they are still pregnant. I then place your due date on my calendar and wait for you to email me after the baby is born. At that time we pick a date that works best for you. However, it is never too late to reach out. So, if baby is already born, simply contact me and I will get you booked.

To me, perfect newborn poses and specific ages aren’t important. Newborns are beautiful just the way they are. The process of hiring a newborn photographer should be pleasant and seamless. I can’t wait to capture your family during this special time.

Here are some sample photos of one of my session sweet baby Levi just a little over a week old.

What Is Lifestyle Photography? | Columbia MO Family Lifestyle Photographer

The term “lifestyle”

When asked what kind of photography that I do, I typically say, “I’m a lifestyle photographer.” I want to talk a little bit about the term “Lifestyle” since it is one that is quite often thrown around in the world of photography, if you’re not a photographer, you might not have any idea what this even means. As I mentioned, this is what I use to describe my work, so I’m going to break it down for you and explain what exactly is lifestyle photography!

What is “lifestyle Photography”?

Lifestyle photography falls somewhere in between traditional portrait photography, which is more staged and posed, and documentary photography which isn’t posed at all.

Lifestyle photographs typically captures the essence of the people you are photographing, really capturing a little piece of their humanity. It often includes movement, loving gestures, and often environmental storytelling.

Lifestyle photography means that you are going beyond stiff and boring portraiture to capture the true personality behind the humans you are capturing. The subjects are allowed to be themselves which helps tell their story, and shows people who they are.

Why should you hire a Lifestyle Photographer?

  • If you’re looking for photos that tell the story of your family and life,
  • If cuddling with your family and having photos that show your relationships with each of your family members sounds like something you would love to display in your home,
  • Or, if you crave photos that show genuine laughter, fun, and interaction between your family…

then lifestyle photography is going to be right for you.

Ready to book your lifestyle session?

I love doing lifestyle photography, especially with open windows or out in a nice sunset. If you’ve read this post, then you probably have a good idea if my personality is going to fit with your family or not. If I’m the lifestyle photographer you’ve been looking for, then I would love to photograph your family! Head on over to my pricing page. I hope to see you soon!