A really common question I get asked is, “Can I have newborn photos taken if my baby is over two weeks?” With easy access to the Internet these days, it’s not hard to find recommendations that the “ideal” time for a newborn session is around 5-14 days after birth. While this is true to some extent, don’t feel like you missed the boat if you didn’t manage to schedule your baby’s first photos within that timeframe.

Newborns do change really quickly. Even in that first couple of weeks you’ll notice changes. Providing you had a relatively ‘easy’ pregnancy and birth, that time frame is perfect for really capturing that newborn freshness. However, what happens if you didn’t plan to get newborn photos but then changed your mind? What if you had a traumatic birth and the last thing you felt like doing was getting ready for professional photos.

Don’t panic! This is what I love about doing in-home newborn sessions. They are relaxed, natural and capture the heart of your time at home with your new baby. There is absolutely no pressure. No need to leave the house or pack yet another bag. No worrying about having to stop to feed baby on the way and, quite honestly, you can show up in your jammies if you like.

family seated on couch in jeans and tan sweaters dad kissing mom boy watching baby brother who mom is holding

Benefits of scheduling newborn photos past two weeks

You would be surprised at how sleepy some of the older babies can be and during their awake time they are a little happier. This is especially true around the 6 week mark of delivery.

Allowing more time after delivery means that you will likely feel a little bit more in tune with what your baby needs, may be feeling slightly more human yourself and slowly settling into a bit of a “routine”.

The initial flurry of visitors may have subsided too, so you may feel more inclined to have visitors.

If this is your first baby, or you have experienced some trauma during your pregnancy or birth, you may feel a little apprehensive about a stranger being around your precious new baby. I often have clients book me after their 6 week immunizations, so please don’t feel any pressure by what the internet tells you is ‘standard ‘.

My in home sessions are all baby led. This means no forcing into poses and really capturing the joys of your baby at the particular stage they are in during your session.

Photographing slightly older babies always brings lots of positives to the session. They are more alert, they might be smiling, and this all leads to more connected imagery.

If there are older siblings, the sibling will have more time to get sed ot the baby and be more connected to the baby.

toddler boy in tan chunky sweater with jeans hugging newborn brother in mom's arms while seated on a couch

Downside of scheduling a newborn session after 14 Days

While there are more positives than negatives, there are a few things to make note of.

If you want a studio session with tons of propped images, then you will have to schedule your session soon after delivery. Typically, babies tend to be the sleepiest around the 5 to 10 day mark. Once the baby hit 14 days, he wakes far more often and will have longer gaps between these sleepy periods. When this happens it becomes a lot harder to get the posed images many newborn photographers offer and that is why they have set restrictions.

Your baby might not fit into my closet of newborn sized outfits. Babies grow quickly. My newborn closet is stocked with newborn outfits that are six=zed for newly delivered babies.

Those are really the only negatives. So, if having gimmicky and propped images is your priority in a session, then you will want to aim to schedule your session within the first 14 days of delivery.

newborn boy in jeans and tan sweater yawning on a bed

What type of session can be booked?

Lifestyle newborn photography is centered on the family’s interaction with the baby. I offer this session in the comfort of your own home or you can book a session in my lifestyle photography studio. I will capture portraits of the baby in a natural and relaxed way and tons of images of you as a family. These are the images that will make you feel what it was like to spend those first moments with your baby. Because the focus of this session is on the family and not on propped images, it can be scheduled at any point post delivery. This eliminates much of the stress associated with a newborn session.

family cuddled up on a bed with newborn baby looking at baby

Recent in home newborn session

This recent session was scheduled just past six weeks in my client’s beautiful home. My client opted for a relaxed and casual wardrobe, which I love. It adds to the cozy feeling of this session. She chose beautiful and soft neutral tones for her family. It was a chill and relaxing morning with this family. There was lots of time for big brother to take breaks as needed and grab a snack. Dad was able to relax while I captured images of mom with the baby and baby alone too. If you want a session that works for your family’s schedule, the in home session is for you.