Choosing when to have family photos made can be tough. Newborn sessions are popular for good reason. Those first weeks are fleeting and details are lost in a sleep-deprived haze. But when there are siblings to consider too, many families consider holding off on a photo session until baby is older so that everyone can be more involved in taking photos and the focus isn't just on the newborn. Some families want to wait until baby is older and has more "personality." But after photographing numerous newborn sessions (and three babies of my own), I say don't wait.
NEWBORN DAYS ARE BRIEF: PHOTOS MAKE THEM UNFORGETTABLE
The newborn days, even with siblings involved, exist in a sort of bubble. They truly are special. One or both parents are home from work. Competing priorities are put to the side. If you're lucky, you have extra hands of family or friends to entertain toddlers, cook meals, or hold a baby so you can shower (or eat a meal yourself!). This bubble pops eventually and life starts to develop a new normal. But those first days and weeks are unforgettable. It's especially sweet to look back on a brief period of time where your only real "to-do" is simply love and be loved.
With documentary family sessions, the focus is on relationships, so a session can capture both the wonder and joy of those first newborn days and the exuberant energy of an older sibling (hey, he's not the one losing sleep!). Sessions are relaxed and flexible, so there's no need to worry about toddler meltdowns or newborn fussiness and no need to coax everyone to smile or perform for the camera (though siblings often do this willingly).
It's even possible to capture a bigger story when grandparents are part of a session. Their hands can be such a welcome addition when bringing home a newborn, especially with an older brother or sister at home. Capturing the bond with grandparents is an important part of the family story which can be lost when a session is put off until baby is older and family has departed.
Films are also a wonderful way to preserve the newborn days. Here's one new mom on the value of a newborn photo and film session.
Nicole Sanchez Photography works with busy parents in Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland to create stress-free photo sessions that take all the loving, fun, and chaotic moments of family life to make beautiful photos and films that families will love looking at year after year. Contact me today to start planning a custom photography experience that's perfect for your family.