As a photographer specializing in capturing this delicate moments of newborns, it’s natural to wonder if there’s an ideal timeframe for newborn photography sessions. Many parents often ask whether their baby is too old for newborn pictures. In this blog post, I’ll explore this question and provide insights to help you make informed decisions about getting those cherished memories captured.
The Definition of “Newborn”:
Typically, newborns are considered to be babies who are in their first two weeks of life. During this period, babies are still adjusting to the outside world, and they exhibit unique characteristics that make for adorable and delicate photographs. However, it’s important to remember that every baby is different, and the timeframe for capturing newborn pictures can vary. Babies born prematurely will have a different timeframe since they will be in the process of getting stronger, healthier and gaining weight and that depends on how early they were born. As a mom of twin premie babies, I didn’t get my newborn pictures taken till my girls were 4 months old. Babies that are not born prematurely and are under 3 months old can still be considered newborn.
The Importance of Timing:
While it’s true that the first two weeks are often preferred for newborn photography, it doesn’t mean older babies can’t have beautiful pictures taken. Babies grow and change rapidly during their early months, and each stage holds its own charm and beauty. Newborn babies under two weeks tend to be more sleepy therefore making it easier to put them to sleep and staying asleep throughout the photo session. They can also be more calm and manageable because they are very sleepy. As babies get older, their sleep patterns and flexibility change, which can affect certain poses and setups typically associated with newborn sessions.
The Difference in Timing:
For my style of photography which is very natural and lightly posed, it’s perfectly fine if the baby is over two weeks old. As your baby grows, the focus of the session may shift to capturing their unique personality, expressions and interactions rather than exclusively focusing on sleepy poses. Babies that are older than two weeks could be awake a lot of the time for pictures, and I think that is super cute! I get to capture your baby’s eyes and face and all their unique expressions. Although babies love to be wrapped, it could also make it more challenging to wrap them as they get older and bigger and they may not be as fond of it the older they get. But that is perfectly fine because you can have your baby in a onesie or any cute little outfit you choose for them.
Milestone Sessions:
If you missed the opportunity for traditional newborn pictures, I suggest milestone sessions instead. These sessions can capture important developmental stages such as when the baby starts to hold their head up, sit unassisted, or take their first steps. These moments are just as important and can be a great way to document the growth and development of your little one.
Tailoring the Experience:
So is 3 weeks too old for newborn pictures? The answer is no! Regardless of your baby’s age, I can create a comfortable and safe environment during the session. I will adjust my approach to accommodate older babies, focusing on creating a fun and engaging experience to capture their unique personalities and expressions.
While the first two weeks of a baby’s life are often considered the ideal time for newborn pictures for most photographers, it’s important to remember that capturing your child’s precious moments can happen at any age.
As a newborn and family photographer I can provide a delightful and memorable photography session at any stage or your baby’s life that you will cherish for years to come. Remember, every stage is filled with unique beauty, and it’s never too late to create lifelong memories.
If you are interested in getting your newborn pictures taken at any stage or a milestone session, you can contact me here and I will be in touch soon. I look forward to hearing from you!
