Is It Too Late For A Newborn Photoshoot?

Parents should schedule newborn photo sessions in the second or third trimester to ensure they are on the photographer’s agenda. Weeks 1-8 of newborn life are ideal for capturing tiny babies. Pre-Week 6 is, to be honest, even better. Most of my best sleeping poses were captured around week 5 and earlier. You never know what you might get.

From a theoretical standpoint, it’s never too early to schedule professional photography sessions for older infants or young toddlers. However, each stage in a baby’s development brings with it different considerations.

Instead of looking at your newborn photography session through a “how late is angle”, it’s better to look at prospective sessions through the lens of “what does each Week-or Month- bring to this experience?”

Week 1 and Week 2: The Ideal Window To Hold A Newborn Session

It’s worth noting that You will want to book your session well before your baby is born in order to get this perfect window. You can rest assured that you will get a slot on the calendar of your chosen photographer.

What you can expect. are more predictable in their sleeping patterns. This means that they will sleep most of the time, except when they want to sleep. The newborns born between weeks 1 and 2 are still in the womb, so it is easy to recreate those familiar, tightly bundled poses.

Baby acne is less common in newborns and tends to appear after three weeks. If your ultimate goal is to capture the soft-skinned, ultra-snuggly newborn you should schedule a session before week 2.

Multiplets, Preemies, And Twins Are All Exceptions

Preemies may not be able to leave the hospital until they are more advanced in their development. Similar to twins, multiples are often born earlier than full-term singleton babies and are smaller. In these cases, you might have a longer window of opportunity – such as up to 5 weeks – to capture beautiful newborn shots.

Weeks 3-5: Great, Especially For Preemies And Twins

Special Note: Some babies can be extremely sensitive to external stimuli, such as touch, light, sounds, movement, or handling by anyone other than their mother/immediate caregivers. They are unable to be photographed professionally after week 8. Safety and comfort are paramount to your baby during the session. It’s worth scheduling a reschedule for a later date if your baby seems to be extra sensitive.

What to Expect Weeks 3 through 5 are still sweet times – it all depends on the baby. Preemies and twins, for example, will still be born as newborns, but they can adjust to life in the Neonatal Ward. Photographs of babies who spent more time in the NICU will be taken during Week 3 through Week 5. They are also happier.

This is a great way for you to have a rollercoaster ride with your full-term baby. You will find your infant flexible and easy to pose. Most babies are awake at this stage and may not be able to hold certain props or pose. Wrapping the baby is one of the best newborn poses. Babies between 3 and 5 weeks old may be lusty enough to say “No thank You!”

Weeks 6-8: Less Ideal, But Still Beautiful Photos

Noteworthy: You should let go of any expectations about the poses between Weeks 6-8, because you can’t know what your infant will like.

What to expect: This is not the best window, especially if you want that newborn look. Your two-month-old, who is active and alert, will require a customized approach unless your infant is remarkably calm and compliant.

This window will show that s/he will not fit in the majority of our newborn outfits, nor can s/he comfortably lay/rest on our props. We’ll be focusing more on the bright eye contact and the many sweet (and funny) facial expressions.

Week 9 to Four Months:

What you can expect: Most newborn photographers will say “hold on, we’ll see ya in Month 4 or 6”. Your baby is too large and awake to look newborn, but still can’t hold his/her own head or sit by himself. We, photographers, find this a bit confusing so we recommend waiting to book professional sessions for a later date.

You will capture many memorable photos by yourself during this time. I recommend printing them and displaying them with pride.

4 To 6 Months: The Milestone Session

It’s Worth Noting That If your baby doesn’t make the cut for a newborn session or you missed the 8-week window, then we recommend rescheduling to the next month. To discuss the possibilities, contact a newborn photographer.

What To Expect: Your 3-month-old or 6-month-old baby is enormous compared to their newborn self. Yet, s/he seems remarkably small compared to the time s/he will start kindergarten or as a college graduate. If you look at babyhood from a lifelong perspective, photos of older babies are exceptional because they highlight an inexplicable phase in your child’s life.

Between Months 4 and 6, we’ll be able to capture some of those exciting milestones – big gummy (or single/double-toothed) smiles, sitting up, getting up on all fours, making more intentional and engaging facial expressions, and so on. Your little one might have a favorite lovey or stuffy at this stage, which you should capture before it gets worse. Maybe long-distance grandparents or other family members can finally visit.

This post was written by a photographer at Christina Louise Photos. Christina ​​specializes in Newborn Photography In Lakeland FL capturing the intimate moments of maternity, motherhood, and childhood. As visual storytellers, we turn your most intimate moments into lasting memories. Contact us today to learn more about scheduling a photo shoot!