Well, I’ve done it again. LOL. I have waited excruciatingly long to blog. But just like the prodigal son, I return HAHAHA!! What?! Too mom jokey for ya? Have we even MET?
When Veronica’s mom contacted me, she had already been born. In fact, she was close to a month old! But hey, I am always up for a challenge. Did you know that most newborn photographers schedule their newborns for 7-10 days after birth? Did you know that some photographers will actually TURN AWAY a newborn that has missed this magical window? Yes, it is true. And while it is coming from a place of love, a place where we know that babies that age will be more sleepy and flexible, it can be heartbreaking for a new momma to be turned away. Imagine you JUST had a baby and are already being made to feel like you’re FAILING?!? That you might have missed out on something that you can never get back because…TIME?!?!
I’m a mom. I suck at scheduling. People will tell you that I will be late for my own funeral. I planned on having my kids around 2 years apart. Then my second STOLE my 2 year old’s Birthday. The GUILT! I actually lived in GUILT for too long to admit feeling like I did this to him. Moms don’t need anymore pressure, stress, guilt or shame. Believe me, we give ourselves enough of it unfortunately. As does this society we live it.
So obviously, I said absolutely! Of course I set realistic expectations, but also promised we would end up with amazing art. Because making art from my newborn experience is just as important to me as it is to the parents who trust me with their investment. And this lil’ girl did NOT disappoint! <3
So yes, some newborn photographers will turn you away, some will tell you your baby is too old. It’s not their fault either. It is usually that they don’t think they will be able to get the images you hope they can capture. So they shouldn’t be faulted either. At the end of the day, we all strive to deliver what we promise. We all want to perform our jobs to the best of our abilities. If they say your baby is too old, it means that they do not think they will be able to deliver the images that best represents their work. That while they are confident they can capture the poses and images they can with a 7-10 day old, they aren’t sure they can get them with an “older” baby. HAHA, “older baby”…sounds ridiculous, but you know what I mean.
But also, lots of Newborn Photographers have Newborns booked MONTHS in advance! So sometimes it’s just a matter of not having availability! So there’s that too…
In any case, if a newborn photographer turns you away for missing the window, just call around. We live in a very saturated market of newborn photographers. And I am sure you will find someone who you connect with, click with, whose work moves you and who will welcome your month old baby with open arms! Maybe that photographer is me? 😉