This is the one question I probably get asked most often, "When is the best time to take newborn photos?" The answer can vary depending on what kind of moments you want to capture, but each stage of a baby's early life has its own unique charm and beauty and is WELL worth documenting. Here's a breakdown of the best times to photograph your little one and what you can expect during each phase.
The First Two Weeks of Newborn Life: Sleepy, Squishy, and Adorable
The first two weeks of a baby's life are magical for newborn photography. During this period, babies are typically very sleepy and still in that curled-up, womb-like position. This makes them incredibly squishy and easy to pose.
Here are some of the reasons why this is a great time for photos:
- Sleepiness: Babies sleep a lot during the first two weeks and while they are sleeping they are still (generally), making it easier to capture those peaceful, serene moments.
- Posing: They are easy to manoeuvre, put down on my newborn pillow and just generally work with.
- Wrinkles and Rolls: The characteristic newborn wrinkles and rolls are more pronounced, adding to the cuteness factor. I even love photographing their crusty skin. It's only like that for a very small amount of time.
6 Week Old Newborns: Smiles and Personality
Around six weeks old, babies start to become more alert and responsive. This is when you might catch their first real smiles, and their emerging personalities begin to shine through.
Here’s why six weeks is also a fantastic time for photos:
- Smiles: Those precious early smiles can be heartwarming and make for beautiful, joyful images.
- Interaction: Babies start to interact more with their environment, making for more engaging and dynamic photos.
-They're awake for longer: While this seems counter-productive for most newborn photography, having their eyes open makes for lots of really beautiful soulful images.
- Expression: With increased alertness, you can capture a wider range of expressions and moods.
4-9 Month Old Newborns: Personality in Full Bloom
By the time babies reach 4-9 months, their personalities are really starting to develop. They’re sitting up, maybe even crawling, and their curiosity is at its peak. They're also a lot more hardy by this age meaning an outdoor location is also a great option!
Here’s what makes this age perfect for photos:
- Expressions: Babies at this age have a wide range of expressions and can communicate joy, curiosity, and surprise. They're easy to make giggle at this stage which is just magic for photos.
- Movement: They’re more mobile and active, allowing for more candid, action-filled shots.
- Interaction: Their interaction with toys, family members, and their surroundings can create heartwarming, story-telling images.
-Routine: They're often in a very solid routine by this age making it easy to plan for awake windows around naps and to predict when they are happiest and most playful in the day.
- Location: One of the biggest benefits of waiting till your baby is a little older is that
outdoor locations become much more appealing for most families. While outdoor locations are always an option if the weather allows, even with a new newborn, by 4 months bub is more predictable, has a layer of flubber to keep them warm and is just generally easier to manage outdoors. Plus Mum is in a bit of a rhythm by now making an outdoor location less daunting.
Every Stage of Newborn Life Has Its Magic!
In my opinion, there is no wrong time to photograph your baby. Each stage of their early life offers unique opportunities to capture their growth and personality. Whether it’s the sleepy, squishy days of the first two weeks, the smiles and giggles at six weeks, or the lively curiosity at 6-9 months, every moment is precious and worth documenting.
As a photographer, my goal is to help you preserve these fleeting moments (it is literally once in a lifetime opportunity) in beautiful, timeless images. No matter when you choose to schedule your newborn session, I’ll be there to capture the magic of your baby’s early days.Â
I’m here to help you create lasting memories that you’ll treasure for years to come.
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