Why Newborn Photoshoots Matter Sooner Than Later
Meet little Thase, her proud mommy Kelebogile, daddy Lugisani, and her adorable big brother Lufuno. At just 2 years and 9 months old, Lufuno is already taking his big brother role very seriously. This was a special newborn session for their family, but it didn’t come without a bit of a challenge.
The Nefale family had quite a busy day before they made it to the studio. Between a doctor’s visit and a stop at the clinic, by the time they arrived, they were understandably running a bit behind schedule. Lufuno, as many toddlers would be after such a long day, was feeling a little tired. Despite all that, baby Thase was a superstar, and we managed to get through the family part of the photoshoot effortlessly. I was especially impressed by Lufuno. At his age, many older siblings are a bit hesitant or uninterested when it comes to interacting with a newborn, but not Lufuno! He was loving, gentle, and protective, and we got some truly special moments between him and his baby sister.
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Why It’s Important to Schedule Newborn Photoshoots Sooner
Newborn sessions are all about capturing those precious early days when your baby is still tiny, sleepy, and so fresh. Ideally, the best time to schedule a newborn shoot is within the first 7-14 days after birth. This window is key because babies tend to be more relaxed and easier to pose during this time. After two weeks, they start becoming more alert, and some of those sweet, sleepy newborn poses can become more difficult to achieve.
In Thase’s case, because we were able to schedule the session early, we captured her in that perfect newborn stage. It’s moments like these that freeze time, allowing you to look back years from now and remember just how small and delicate your little one was.
Advice for Parents Feeling Overwhelmed
For new parents, scheduling a newborn photoshoot can feel like a daunting task. Between the sleepless nights, recovery from birth, and caring for your baby, it’s easy to feel too overwhelmed, too tired, or even not camera-ready. Many moms tell me they don’t feel up for being in photos during those first few weeks. Some feel too exhausted, and others don’t feel beautiful or think they’re “too big” after just having a baby.
But here’s the thing: it’s so important to exist in photographs. Your children will treasure having photos of you with them, even when you’re not feeling your best. Years from now, Thase and Lufuno won’t care if Kelebogile was tired or if she didn’t feel like she looked perfect. What they will care about is that their mom was present in those moments with them. They’ll cherish seeing those photos where they’re snuggled up in their mother’s arms, full of love and warmth.
Your baby doesn’t care if your hair isn’t perfect or if you haven’t lost all the baby weight. What matters most is that you’re in the frame, creating memories and being a part of their story.
Why Early Newborn Sessions Are Ideal
If you’re still feeling hesitant, here are some additional reasons why it’s important to book your newborn session as soon as possible:
- Easier to capture those peaceful moments: In the first two weeks, newborns are typically sleepier and more cooperative during shoots. After that, they become more alert and may be more difficult to settle into poses.
- Documenting the details: Newborns change so quickly! From their tiny fingers and toes to their delicate features, capturing them early preserves these fleeting moments forever.
- Family memories: Newborn photoshoots aren’t just about the baby. It’s about capturing the family together in those first days. It’s about freezing those first sibling interactions, like Lufuno’s gentle cuddles with Thase. These moments are priceless.
- It’s a celebration: You’ve just brought a new life into the world! This is a moment worth celebrating and documenting, no matter how you’re feeling physically.
Take the Time to Be in the Photos
Even if you’re not feeling your best, I encourage every parent to take part in the photoshoot. One day, you’ll be glad you did. It’s easy to think that you’ll have more energy or look better later on, but these first moments with your newborn will pass quickly, and it’s something you can never get back.
So when you’re looking at your photos years from now, you’ll see not just how small your baby was, but how much love and connection you all shared in those first few weeks.
To all the parents out there feeling tired or overwhelmed, remember this: your child will always appreciate having you in the photos more than having just photos of themselves. They want to see their connection with you, their protector, and their greatest source of comfort. These are the memories that will last a lifetime, for both of you.
Jenna D Photography is based in Waverley Pretoria, Our sessions are Monday to Saturday.
We have all the props you do not need to bring anything
All our sessions are done in our Studio – we do not travel