Documenting Baby’s First Year
A question I’m often asked by first-time parents is “when is the best time to have baby photographed?”
Should it be when they’re a tiny newborn or wait a few months till they can sit up? As much as most families would love to have someone beautifully document each tiny step of the way, this is not a realistic option. Hence, it is such an important decision for you as you will certainly treasure these photos forever.
And the answer is:
There is no right answer. Whatever works for your personal situation, and the photographs captured the day of your shoot will be your time capsule of that moment.
However, there are stages along the way that I think make great guide markers for the journey through the first year of parenthood.
1. Your pregnancy: Honouring the incredible transformation of your body. I love to photograph women around the 32-34 weeks mark. You’ll have a beautifully pronounced tummy and enough of a “safe zone” to reschedule for weather or other circumstance if need be.
2. Birth: If having a birth photographer present is an option to you, it is one of the most impactful ways to remember and chronicle your baby’s entry to the world.
3. Fresh 48: An alternative to birth photography is a Fresh 48 session. Generally, this is a session in the first day or 2 of bubs arrival; either in hospital or home depending on where you birth. These sessions concentrate on all the incredibly fresh details of your baby and the subtle moments of connection you have as you get to know each other.
4. Newborn: My favourite. Newborn sessions are usually held when baby is 1 – 3 weeks old. These can be in studio, or lifestyle at home depending on your photographer. Again, concentrating on really capturing the uniqueness of your brand-new baby and the love you have for them is the aim. Never again will they fit so snuggly into your arms, or curl into those peaceful womb-like positions.
5. Sitter session: These sessions are for babies around 7 months old. Or when they can sit steadily, but before the can crawl away. Think chubby legs and tummy, big eyes, soft kissy lips, and dimples on the back of the knuckles. All these delicious details typical of this age. There is more of a focus on their personality and usually lots of smiles and funny faces are captured.
6. One year old: Finally one lap around the sun and what a journey! You could celebrate with a family session, or a cake smash, or a simple session just for bub. Whatever your heart desires, there’ll be a photographer that suits what is important for you to have documented. And for all the in-between, snap away with your phone to your hearts content. You cannot possibly ever have too many memories documented.
* If you would like a list of “50 first year photos” to capture, jump over to my website and download the PDF *
Megan Willis is an award winning professional photographer specialising in newborn, maternity and family photography. Inspired by your brand new little person, and the love you have for them, she'll capture their first days; a moment in time which passes too soon. www.meganwillisphotography.com.au