Scheduling the unknown

Babies definitely like to keep us on our toes—always guessing exactly when they’ll arrive and make their big debut! While it can be fun exciting and unpredictable, it can unfortunately make finding a date to capture their newborn photography session feel near-impossible. 


The good news: There’s a certain science behind reserving a date for your newborn photography session. After photographing newborns for three years, I have created a calculated method for choosing a session date! With a little bit of math, a lot of help from your doctor, and plenty of keeping in touch towards the end of your pregnancy, we can secure the optimal window of time! Here’s how… 



to start

First, I feel it’s important to note that newborn photos are best captured 5-10 days after baby is born.  Many times, expecting parents assume they’ll have to wait until the baby arrives to start scheduling planning a newborn session. But not only is this not the case, but it can set you up for photography failure. In reality, you should be reserving your newborn photography session during the second trimester so you don’t miss this precious 5-to-10-day window. Scheduling early gets this task off your to do list and lets you focus on getting ready for your new family member!



math and medicine

Here is where a little bit of math kicks in: During my initial call with you, I will find out your exact due date.Then, I will use that date to calculate your newborn photography session by actually place a hold on two tentative dates. Using your exact due for when your baby will actually arrive, giving you a couple days in the hospital and a couple days at home to recoup, I place a hold in my calendar for seven days after your expected due date and the second hold on 10 days after your due date. This way, if your baby arrives on time, or even a little late, we are covered. 


Here is where help from your doctor kicks in: Once you start your weekly doctor's appointments, from 36 weeks on, it is important to confirm your due date. Each doctor is different. Some will just measure you through the end of your pregnancy, while others will actually check to see if you’re dilated. Regardless of their chosen method, we will use the information your doctor provides and see if the tentative dates we selected need to move. Each week, we will adjust the dates if need be. 




don't lose touch

Here is where the keeping in touch comes into play: As you pre-pack your bags for the hospital, you should also decide who to have on your first-to-contact list when your baby arrives—and your photographer (aka me!) is a must add! It’s important for me to know your babies actually birth date. This way, I can select one of the two tentative dates we reserved for your newborn photography session and even determine a time while you relax and enjoy your little one!

By working together alongside your doctor, it’s easy to reserve your newborn photography session! Capturing your beginning moments with your little one only happens in a short window! Something this important is worth planning for! Rest assured, I will help you every step of the way, from scheduling and what to wear and bring with you, to picking the perfect print for your wall.





Working with Nicole Openshaw Photography will artfully create portraits that will create memories you can cherish for a lifetime!! 


If you’re interested in a newborn session. I would love to hear all about your pregnancy! Please take a moment to fill out the contact form below so I can reach out and say hi!