What is a Newborn?
When I Google ‘what age is a newborn’, the answer is ‘up to age 2 months’ is considered newborn. As a photographer who LOVES photographing newborns, I have a different definition in mind. I find that the earlier the better and definitely before baby is 2 months old. I mean, I’m not saying come to my studio a day or two after your baby is born! Give yourself time to get to know your new little one, get adjusted to all the changes, and allow your newborn to adjust to feeding times. Between 5-12 days is the ideal time frame, preferably before the baby is two weeks old.
Before Two Weeks Old?
Yes, if you want those snuggly, curled up, really adorable positions, this really is the ideal time to have your newborn photographed. This is also the time of life where they are sleepy a lot of the day and are less fidgety, so I can change up the wraps or change up the props more often. I love it when newborns are awake and look straight at the camera so I can capture their beautiful eyes but how sweet it is to have photos of your baby fast asleep looking so serene and peaceful?! So try not to wait too long before setting up your newborn session and ideally, you should have a session booked a week after your due date.
What if my baby is older than two weeks?
So life always go as we exactly plan and hope right? Of course not! Life is full of twists and turns that ultimately shape and define who we are. And I’ve learned that if I don’t go with the flow, anxiety and stress often follow. Yes, we can still capture sweet photos of your newborn even if he/she is one month old. Just be prepared that it will take longer to settle your newborn and it will take some planning on both our parts in scheduling the best time of day. Keep realistic expectations as your baby won’t curl up as easily and I might not be able to place your baby in a bucket or basket like in those poses you have been looking at for inspiration. But don’t worry, I’ll be taking a different approach to your newborn session and I will still be able to capture beautiful photos for you to treasure and enjoy!
You know your baby.
Just as in all my family portrait session, I will only keep your newborn in my studio for portraits until I get the photos that were discussed during our get to know you session or until the baby has had enough. I have photographed enough newborns to know that if you push them into doing “just one more pose”, it just won’t work and your baby will get upset. If you know your newborn will sleep soundly during shifting of her body, or moving her into another prop, then let’s go for it! But if you know that your newborn hates to be swaddled or doesn’t like to lie in a certain position, just let me know and let’s avoid those positions. If I have a cute idea in mind, I will certainly discuss this with you either before the session or during the session. And you are absolutely welcome to ask for certain colour schemes or poses that you would like to try.
If you would like to set up a newborn session, I will always make time for them! Please email me at michelle@mlphotography.camera.