Can I Still Book Newborn Photos If My Baby Is Older Than 2 Weeks?
If your baby is already two, three, four or even six weeks old, you might be wondering if you've missed your chance for newborn photos.
While the first few weeks can be a lovely time for newborn photography, there is no magic age when your baby suddenly becomes too old to photograph. Every baby is different, and beautiful newborn photographs can be captured well beyond those first two weeks.
At Bunch Photography, I ideally photograph newborns between 5–21 days old, but I can, and have, photographed babies up to around 6 weeks old.
Why do people recommend the first two weeks?
You may have heard that newborn photography needs to happen within the first 7–14 days.
There's a reason this timeframe is often recommended. During those early days, newborns tend to spend a lot of time sleeping. They are also often more comfortable being curled up and tucked into those tiny newborn positions.
This can make it easier to capture some of the sleepy, curled-up photographs that are traditionally associated with newborn photography.
But that doesn't mean those photographs are the only reason to have a newborn session.
Your baby's personality, expressions and connection with you are just as important.
What happens if my baby is 3 or 4 weeks old?
At three or four weeks, your baby may be more awake and alert.
They may stretch their arms and legs more, look around and be much more interested in what is happening around them.
This can create some beautiful photographs that you may not have captured during those sleepy first days.
Your baby might look directly at you. They might give you a little smile. They might stretch out their tiny fingers. They might snuggle into Mum or Dad and settle beautifully in your arms.
Rather than trying to make your baby behave like a two-week-old, we simply work with where they are on the day.
What if my baby won't sleep?
I don't expect your baby to sleep for the entire session.
One of the things I want parents to know before their newborn photography session is that there are no expectations.
If your baby is awake, we'll photograph them awake.
If they need a feed, we'll stop for a feed.
If they need a cuddle, we'll have a cuddle.
If they need some time to settle, we'll take that time.
I don't want you worrying that your baby is "ruining" your newborn session by crying or being awake.
Your baby is simply being a baby.
Older newborns can still be beautifully photographed
As babies get older, I tend to focus more on their natural personality and connection with their family rather than trying to recreate the sleepy, curled-up photographs associated with very young newborns.
This might include:
Your baby looking up at you
Tiny hands and feet
Expressions and stretches
Cuddles with parents
Sibling photographs
Your baby being held
Family photographs together
Natural moments between you and your baby
These photographs can be just as meaningful.
After all, the purpose of newborn photography isn't simply to photograph a sleeping baby. It's to remember your family during this very short stage of life.
What about newborn photos with siblings?
If you have an older child, having your newborn photographed after the first two weeks can actually work really well.
Your baby may be more alert and responsive, while your toddler or older child can interact with them.
And if your toddler isn't particularly interested in photographs?
That's okay too.
Toddlers are toddlers!
I don't expect children to sit perfectly still and smile on command. We'll give them time, follow their lead and capture the natural interactions between siblings.
Some of the photographs I love most are the ones that show the real relationship between siblings — a cuddle, a curious look, a tiny hand reaching out or even a moment of complete chaos!
What if my baby is 5 or 6 weeks old?
By five or six weeks, your baby will probably be considerably more alert than they were during their first couple of weeks.
They may also be less likely to settle into traditional newborn poses. This simply means your session will focus more on connection, cuddles, expressions and your family together.
You don’t have to miss out on your newborn session simply because your baby is no longer in that very sleepy newborn stage.
If you've been putting off booking because life with a newborn has been a little chaotic, please don't assume you've missed your opportunity.
When is the best age for newborn photography?
If you're looking for those classic sleepy newborn photographs, I generally recommend booking your session for around 5–21 days old.
However, if your baby is already older than two weeks, please don't let that stop you from enquiring.
I can photograph babies up to around six weeks old, and every baby is different.
There is no single "perfect" age.
The best time for your family might simply be the time when you're ready.
What if I haven't booked yet?
If your baby has already arrived and you haven't booked newborn photographs, send me an enquiry and let me know how old your baby is.
I'll let you know what I recommend and we can work out whether a newborn session is suitable or if a milestone session could be a better option.
And if your baby is already six weeks old or beyond, that doesn't mean you can't have beautiful family photographs. A family session can be a wonderful way to capture your baby and your family at this stage too.
Newborn photography is about more than age
Before I had my own children, I didn't really understand newborn photography.
It wasn't until my son was born that I realised just how quickly those tiny details change.
Now, having newborn photographs of all of my children, I'm so grateful that I have photos of those little fingers, sleepy expressions and tiny stretches.
Whether your baby is 10 days old, four weeks old or approaching six weeks, there are still so many little details you'll want to remember.
Newborn photography in Melbourne's Western Suburbs
If you're looking for a newborn photographer in Melbourne's Western Suburbs, Bunch Photography offers relaxed newborn and family photography in the Melton studio or in your home.
If your baby is already older than two weeks, don't worry, you haven't missed your chance.
