When to Take Newborn Photos | Hawkes Bay Newborn Photographer
One of the first questions I get as a Hawkes Bay Newborn Photographer is “when should we book our newborn photos?” It is a good one because those early days move by so quickly, and every stage brings its own beauty.
Around the Two-Week Mark
For many families, around two weeks is a lovely time for newborn photos. Your baby is still wonderfully tiny and new, but you’ve had a little time to settle in, recover and get to know each other.
That said, there’s no magic age for newborn photography. Babies don’t read the calendar, and life with a new baby rarely goes exactly to plan!
My Approach to Newborn Sessions as a Hawkes Bay Newborn Photographer
My style is natural, relaxed and focused on connection. I don’t use elaborate props or complicated posing. Instead, I gently guide you and your baby into comfortable positions and capture all the little details that make this stage so special.
Sessions are completely baby-led, with plenty of time for feeding, settling, cuddles and nappy changes. There’s no pressure to keep your baby asleep or to make everything look perfect.
What About Two Weeks vs Four Weeks?
Honestly, there isn’t a huge difference between photographing a baby at two weeks and four weeks – I have captured up to 6 weeks! (The baby pictured in this blog was 4 weeks old for our shoot)
As babies get a little older, they may be more alert and need a little more settling, but that can be beautiful too. We can capture sleepy cuddles, those gorgeous wide-open eyes, tiny stretches and plenty of connection with you and their siblings.
So if your baby is four weeks old and you’re thinking, “Oh no, have I missed the newborn window?” I can say with certainty- absolutely not!
What About Six Weeks and Beyond?
I regularly photograph babies who are six weeks old or even a little older, and these sessions can be incredibly beautiful.
At this age, babies are often much more awake and expressive. You might get gorgeous eye contact, big stretches, little smiles and lots of their emerging personality.
The session naturally becomes a little more lifestyle-focused, with more awake moments and interaction, but we can still capture sleepy cuddles and all those tiny details you’ll want to remember.
So, What Is the Best Age for Newborn Photos?
There really isn’t one perfect age.
Around two weeks can be a lovely time if you’re hoping for those tiny, sleepy newborn moments, but four weeks, six weeks or even beyond can be just as special.
What matters most is capturing your baby as they are right now – whether they’re curled up and sleepy, stretching their little legs, staring up at you with wide eyes or beginning to show us that gorgeous personality.
Your baby will never be this exact age again. That’s the bit worth remembering.
If you are interested in a Newborn session, or just want to chat with the actual photographer capturing these moments – get in touch or if you want to browse some more check out my newborn page
Want to know what to expect for an in home newborn photographer? Click here for a bit more about what to expect!
