So you have a new family member on the way, or maybe they are already here. It is a cause for celebration, and no celebration is complete without photographs.

Babies grow so quickly, but taking their photos every month or so allows you to take note of each milestone that they reach, and these can act as a visual reminder of their growth. Documenting your family life using photographs not only allows you to capture special moments, but studies show that it also promotes well-being, mindfulness, social interaction, and therapeutic healing.

One good option when it comes to having artistic photos of you and your family is to hire a professional photographer. On the other hand, if you’re more into DIY, you can find inspiration in fabulous photography blogs online. No matter which option you choose, here are some tips on how you and your newest family member can be camera-ready.

Timing is Everything

When it comes to pregnancy and your baby, things tend to progress quickly. This is why you only have a small window of time to schedule certain activities, and this applies to booking your photo sessions, too. Ideally, you would want to have your photos taken when you are around 30 to 36 weeks pregnant because, at this point, your belly will be large enough to be the focal point of your photos.

Meanwhile, most professional photographers would only do photography sessions for infants who are between 7 to 10 days old. At two weeks old, newborns can have skin and digestive issues, so doing a photo session at this point can be difficult. As well, your baby at two weeks becomes more receptive to their surroundings, so they tend to cry a lot, making photoshoot sessions more challenging.

Preparedness for Photo Sessions

Whether you’re taking maternity or baby photos, one thing that is always a must is to be prepared. If you’re taking maternity photos, you’re mostly focusing on yourself since this is, after all, a celebration of your journey as a mom-to-be. While waiting for your scheduled photography session, you can then think of your theme and prepare your outfit. Invest in hair and make-up, too, and don’t forget to get a manicure and pedicure as well. This way, you can look just as fabulous as you feel.

Meanwhile, when it comes to your baby’s photoshoot, you need to prioritize their comfort. As such, make sure that you bring at least one change of clothing, along with everything you need for changing and feeding your baby, including special creams and products that you use. You can also try to feed your baby at least 30 minutes before the shoot itself so that there would be less crying and fussing during the session. This way, you will make sure that your baby is comfortable enough, which then ensures the success of the photoshoot.

Be a Pro at Props

Aside from getting yourself and your baby ready, another thing that you can also consider using for your photo sessions are props. Using props helps in setting the mood for your maternity or baby photos, making them more memorable and touching. For maternity photo shoots, the most common props used are baby stuff such as clothes, tiny shoes, and toys.

You can also choose to use your sonogram, as this denotes your “first meeting” with your baby. Don’t limit yourself to these props, however, as you can also go and use your baby shower as an extension of your maternity photoshoot. Play games with your guests during your baby shower, and just let your photographer take the reins in documenting the entire thing. At the end of the day, you not only celebrate the wait for your new baby, but you also have the photos to show for it.

Meanwhile, when it comes to baby photos, safety is the key. Most photographers that specialize in newborn photography should already have readily available props, but if you’re looking to personalize, there are some things that you should look out for. First, make sure that your props are baby-friendly. This means that the props you use should not have rough edges or small parts that your baby can accidentally swallow.

Items like baby hammocks, stuffed toys, headbands, and playful outfits should do wonders in making your baby photo stand out. Meanwhile, furniture designed for babies, such as boxes and small beds, can also work, as long as they are lined with something soft that your baby can comfortably lie on.

Leave It to the Pros

One common convention when it comes to maternity and baby photos, just like on any special occasion, is whether or not you should hire a professional photographer. After all, taking photos seem easy, and there are so many readily available, not to mention free photo-editing tools and filters online. Why, then, should you hire a professional photographer when you have all these tools at your disposal?

While you may have the tools and skills as an amateur photographer, hiring a professional should have tons of benefits. For one, a professional photographer has enough experience to understand the concepts that work for a maternity photoshoot. With this experience comes their proper gear, as well as their expertise when it comes to lighting, location, image composition, and editing.

When it comes to baby photos, professional photographers also know how to help your baby pose for the camera. This might seem easy, but there are safety issues that a non-professional might not know how to handle. Perhaps the most important benefit of hiring a professional photographer is that it also ensures that you get to enjoy the entire experience, too.

The Location Matters

Choosing an ideal location for your maternity and baby photo session is critical. The venue that you choose can help in setting the entire vibe of your photo session, as well as emphasize the feeling that you want your photos to capture.

Maternity photos can be done outdoors, as this allows you to use nature as your backdrop for gorgeous-looking photos. However, when choosing an outdoor location, you need to make sure that the terrain is even, so you minimize the risks of falling. You should also take into consideration the distance that you have to travel.

Most picturesque views are located far from cities, so only consider outdoor shoots if you have an ideal location near you or if you are capable and willing to travel. Meanwhile, you can also opt for a studio or in-home photoshoot, where it is more comfortable, and props are more readily available.

As for your baby’s photo session, you can opt to do it in your photographer’s studio or in your home. Both of these locations have their own advantages and disadvantages that you need to consider when choosing a location for your baby photo session. In a studio environment, your photographer basically knows the ins and outs of every tool at their disposal, which means that your baby photo sessions can be done more quickly and efficiently.

You also have access to professional lighting, as well as props and outfits for your baby. However, some photographers tend to have restrictions, especially when it comes to the baby’s age. Meanwhile, a home environment is more comfortable for your baby, and you also get to take advantage of natural lighting. However, in-home baby photography can also be time-consuming, as your photographer may also want to move things around to avoid distracting elements.

Some Final Reminders

All things considered, having maternity or baby photo sessions can seem daunting. After all, there seem to be too many things to prepare and take note of, and without proper preparation, you might end up being overwhelmed.

However, this experience does not have to be stressful. One way to minimize the stress that these photo sessions can entail is to schedule ahead of time. This gives you enough time to prepare everything without rushing into things.

Your photographer can also provide you with a checklist that will help guide you when it comes to preparing for your photo session. Don’t forget to talk with your photographer as well, especially when it comes to things that make you uncomfortable. This is because while they may have the expertise when it comes to the technical aspects of the shoot, it’s still you who get to decide on what the outcome of the photos should be.

Finally, make sure that you enjoy the entire experience. Maternity and baby photo sessions are meant to document your joy in carrying and welcoming your child, so it only makes sense that you are happy during these photo sessions as well.

Documenting yourself and your baby with maternity and baby photos should be a wonderful experience, one that provides you a visual reminder of some of the most important moments of your and your family’s life.

When the time comes that your child towers over you, or when you send them off to school, you can show them these photos to remind them how everything started and how far you’ve come as a family.