Tiny fingers, precious little features, adorable newborn wrinkles - these are all the things we fall in love with when we bring a new baby home. Yet babies grow and change so fast. In just a few weeks they become more alert. Fast forward a few months and they are sitting, crawling, walking and talking.

The newborn stage is probably the most fleeting one. That's one of the reasons newborn photography has become extremely popular in the last several years with parents wanting to capture those first weeks of their new baby’s life.

If you are expecting, here are a few suggestions to help you make the most out of your newborn photo session.

Timing is everything
It is very important to make sure that the baby is photographed within the first few weeks of life, the younger the better. Most newborn photographers will advise you get the session done before the baby is two weeks old. That is because most babies are still in their sleepy stage during this time and are much easier to pose. They still act like they are in the womb and have all those adorable newborn features that will fade quickly as one month mark approaches.

Choosing a photographer
Start researching photographers in your area to find the one you love well before the baby arrives. Look through photographers’ portfolios to find a style that fits with what you like. Once you book your session, continue to keep in touch with your photographer throughout the pregnancy. Let him/her know as soon as the baby arrives to adjust the session date if needed.

Selecting a style
Do you prefer more formal images or do you like a candid approach to photography?  Do you like props? Do you want your session to take place in a studio or at your home? Do you have older children you want to participate in the session? All those are important questions to ask.

Some photographers will do a session in the comfort of your home, others hold sessions in a studio. Many offer both. Some photographers will pose your baby and use a variety of props, others take a more lifestyle approach to images. Some use artificial lights when photographing newborns, others use strictly natural light. There is no right or wrong - it’s simply about what appeals to you most.

Safety first
Finally, make sure that the photographer you choose specializes in working with newborns. You want someone who knows how to handle new babies safely and has done it many times before. An experienced newborn photographer will know how to pose your baby, get your baby to sleep and, most importantly, keep your baby safe and comfortable during the session.