Is 2 weeks too late for Newborn pictures? Debunking the myth
Is 2 weeks too late for Newborn pictures?
Approx. 90 second read
Is 2 weeks too late for Newborn pictures?
Timing Matters, but Flexibility Reigns
In my capacity as a London Newborn Photographer of 12 years, the short answer is no; 2 weeks is not too late unless you are set on having a posed newborn session. For those sessions, under two weeks old is ideal because your baby will be most sleepy during this time.
Through my natural Newborn Lifestyle sessions, tailored for babies aged 1 to 6 weeks, I bring the art of newborn photography to the comfort of your home.
While babies under 12 days old are often easier to pose due to their sleepy nature, my Newborn Lifestyle sessions embrace flexibility. Suitable for babies from 1 to 6 weeks, these sessions capture the evolving beauty of your newborn, whether they're in the early days of sweet slumber or displaying a more alert demeanour.
Natural Newborn Lifestyle session for a 2 week old baby girl
The STYLE of newborn photography you like IS key.
I’ve been photographing newborns for 12 years now. The best advice I can give you is to pay close attention to the style you love, then find the photographer you like and one who is experienced, rather than just focusing only on your baby's age.
Are you into more of a natural look and feel? Then, if so, look at Newborn Sessions with a Lifestyle focus. An experienced Newborn photographer will be more than capable of capturing your family beautifully within those first few weeks.
Or do you only like the cute, posed, sleepy newborn images? If so, you'd be better off with a posed Newborn Session. However, this session works best for babies under 2 weeks old. There are various styles of posed newborn photography, so be sure to find a photographer that suits your style.
My background is in posed newborn photography. I spent some 8+ years in the genre of posed and sleepy newborn photography. Whilst I no longer take on exclusively posed session. Feel free to see an old blog post here with a small sample of what I used to do!
Now, I only work in the Natural Lifestyle genre of Newborn Photography, but I have the benefit of having spent many years posing newborns. It means I can draw on my experience and give a very unique service to every family I work with.
Above: Natural newborn lifestyle session for a 5 week old baby boy
Below: Natural Newborn session for babies 2-4 weeks old
Natural Newborn Lifestyle Sessions vs Traditional Posed Newborn Sessions
Natural Newborn Lifestyle Sessions
Benefits
There's no need to leave home; it's a relaxed, comforting environment.
Captures the warmth and authenticity of your family in a natural setting.
The downside
You’ll need to tidy/clean and organise things around the home to a certain extent.
If you like backgrounds / that “studio” look, it may not be your best option. Lifestyle images can look more natural, warmer and less polished. It may not be your vibe if you like a very polished look.
Above: Traditional Newborn session for a 9-day-old baby boy
Below: Traditional Newborn sessions for babies aged 7-10 days old
Traditional Posed Newborn Sessions
Benefits
Often in a studio, so there is no need to tidy your home.
The downside
Timing is crucial; 7-10 days is ideal, so you’ll want to book this ideally before your baby arrives. There is a chance you won’t get last-minute availability with some photographers as they book up many weeks in advance.
If you’ve chosen a studio photographer, you must get there at a specific time.
Your baby will be carefully posed whilst in a deep sleep. In some ways, it can be less natural because the baby has to be posed. However, it can look lovely. It depends on your taste and your photographer’s style, too!
Choosing Your Style: The Naked Truth
Choosing between a natural lifestyle and traditional posed newborn sessions ultimately boils down to your preferences. If you cherish images that tell stories, exude warmth, and capture the essence of comfort, a home Newborn lifestyle session is likely your vibe.
Ask Yourself:
Do you prefer images that evoke emotions, warmth and connection?
Are you drawn to a less traditional approach to newborn photography?
Do you like the idea of lots of cute sleepy newborn shots as the focus of the session?
Expert Tip
Connect with a photographer whose style aligns with your vision
If I get the vibe that a potential client is a warm-hearted soul who loves the idea of a less traditional approach to newborn photography, then I know they will probably love a home newborn lifestyle session.
If I also feel that we’ll connect well as people, I’m almost positive we would have a fantastic session together!
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I'm Samantha, a London-based Portrait Photographer, Content Marketer, and Educator. I've been capturing the essence of adults, children, and babies since 2012.
Whatever your family looks like, I can capture you, your baby and the elements of your home beautifully, no matter how small or large your home. I'll capture your intimate connections and quiet moments.
These newborn sessions have a natural look and feel. They are filled with light, love and lots of soul.
If you’d like me to tell your story of love and connection, get in touch.
And yes, I'm always up for a bit of worldwide adventuring with my work.
