Do You Really Need Newborn Photos? A Mom and Photographer's Honest Answer
If you're expecting a baby, you're likely planning your perfect nursery. Picking out your baby's going home outfit. Preparing your birth plan.
I remember how exciting and stressful that time felt. Not knowing exactly when the baby would come. Thinking about everything that needs to be done to get ready. It definitely made me feel like I had a lot on my plate.
Then before I knew it, my baby was here. Getting used to new routines as a new mom (and then as a new mom of two) had me in a newborn cocoon of bliss and exhaustion.
I definitely thought about newborn photos. But like you, I wondered: Do I really need newborn photos? Do I need to add one more thing to my list?
So instead of hiring a photographer, I took my own newborn photos. I tried a more posed style since I wasn't confident doing self portraits with a newborn. And while I love the details I captured and am so grateful for those photos, they aren't the same as having professional photos of me holding my babies.
So as both a photographer and a mom, my answer is yes. You need newborn photos.
Here's why.
The Newborn Stage is Fleeting (Your Baby Will Change Faster Than You Realize)
A baby is only considered a newborn until they're four weeks old. Four weeks. In a normal season of life, that goes by in a snap. When you're in the trenches of dirty diapers, trying to read feeding cues, and running on no sleep? That time goes by even faster.
I remember trying so hard to slow down and soak in all those little things I knew would change. Especially with my second baby. But it's incredibly hard when there are so many other things competing for your attention.
Those tiny features that are smaller than you ever thought possible just don't keep. The way your baby naturally scrunches up and squirms in that newborn way. All of that changes so fast.
You blink and they're sitting up. Then walking. Then running. And you don't even know how it happened.
As the days and years pass, it gets harder to remember what those tiny features looked like. That's where newborn photos come in. So you can look back in 10, 20, 50 years and remember exactly what it was like to look at your precious newborn baby.
This is why newborn photos matter.
Your Newborn is Going to Love Seeing Photos of Themselves When They Get Older
Photos help us connect with our past and our families. Studies have shown that looking at positive photos of yourself and with those you love can help improve self-esteem and help you feel connected.
I know my kids LOVE looking at photos of themselves. They often ask to see themselves "as a baby." They squeal with delight when they see how tiny they were. How my husband and I held them.
When we look at the albums I've created for them or other photos we've printed from when they were newborns, it's such a special time. We talk about how excited we were to meet them. How they fit easily in our hands. The silly noises and movements they made. There's so much love and connection during those viewing sessions.
I hope as they continue to get older, looking at these photos continues to remind them of how loved they are.
So newborn photos matter, not just for you to remember those special early days together. They also matter for your kids to look back at those moments and see that love they experienced (and still feel) but don't really remember the details of.
The Real Value of Newborn Photography
Newborn photos allow you to take a time that can feel overwhelming and turn it into something beautiful to look back on.
Learning new things. Not sleeping. Trying to create a new normal for yourself and your family. It's a lot in the moment.
But with beautiful newborn photos, you'll be able to look back at those days with rose colored glasses. The memories of the chaos will fade. What you'll remember is the slow feedings. The contact naps. The sleepy newborn yawns.
The value of newborn photography isn't just about pretty pictures. It's about preserving how it felt to be in those early days with your baby. The exhaustion, yes. But also the overwhelming love.
Common Questions About Newborn Photography
Are newborn photos worth the investment?
Yes. These photos preserve a fleeting moment you can never get back. Your baby will only be this tiny once. Years from now, you won't remember the cost. You'll only treasure having these memories captured.
What if I take my own newborn photos?
You absolutely can (I did with my own babies!). But having professional photos means you're actually IN the pictures. Your baby will want to see photos of you holding them. Photos of how you looked at them with so much love.
When should I book newborn photos?
The best time to book is during your second trimester. This ensures you get your preferred photographer and have one less thing to worry about when baby arrives. But it's never too late to reach out.
How long does the newborn stage last?
Babies are technically considered newborns until four weeks old. Those first two to three weeks are when they're sleepiest and have those fresh newborn features. But lifestyle newborn sessions can beautifully capture babies up to six weeks old.
What if my baby doesn't cooperate during the session?
With lifestyle newborn photography, there's no pressure for your baby to "perform." Sessions are baby-led. If they need to eat, we pause. If they're fussy, we adjust. The goal is capturing real connection, not forced poses.
So, Do You Really Need Newborn Photos?
If you're pregnant (or just had a baby) and you want to make sure you can remember how all these moments felt, reach out to me to book your newborn photo session.
Because years from now, you won't regret having these photos. You'll only wish you had more.
Ready to book your newborn session?
Want more info on when to schedule your newborn photos? Check out this guide: When to Book Your Newborn Photo Session
Looking for tips on choosing the perfect newborn photographer? Read this: How to Choose Your Newborn Photographer
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