Newborn Photography at 14 Days — and Why the Window is a Myth
14 days is a very special and magical time to have your baby's newborn photographs taken. You may have read that by 14 days your baby will be coming out of that perfect 7 to 14 day window but in my 6 years of experience of photographing babies that is all a myth. I have photographed 2 day olds who had no intention of letting me curl them up like they were in the womb and 4 month old babies that were still relaxed and happy to be cocoon wrapped like they had just been born.
It honestly doesn't matter how many days or weeks your little one is when you come in for your first newborn photos. In 20 years time your child is never going to ask why you missed their newborn window and waited until they were 2 weeks or 4 weeks or even 4 months old to have them photographed. They will just be overjoyed to be able to see what they looked like when they were tiny and how much you loved them. How you cradled them in your arms and how you looked after them.
New parents and especially first time parents have enough things to navigate without adding "I've missed the newborn photography window" to their list of worries. You haven't. I promise you. I will be able to take meaningful, tender photos of your little one whatever age you choose to bring them to my studio.
You will know what time feels right for you. The good news is that when you book your baby's session they become a VIB — a Very Important Baby — and that means that if you need to change your session date you will be first on my list for availability and I always manage to find a time that suits you. I totally understand that you don't know how you are going to feel immediately after your baby is born and that's why I have so much flexibility in rescheduling your photoshoot. All that really matters is that you have your baby photographed at a time that feels right for you as a family.
Having said that, I make everything as easy and relaxed as possible for you to visit my studio. You park on my driveway, relax on my very comfortable sofa, so comfortable in fact that one sleep deprived new dad fell asleep and that was fine by me, and if you have an older little sibling it is a lovely time for them to sit with you while I photograph your new baby. I provide everything for your baby, little siblings and for you too, because the last thing you want to be doing as a new mum is shopping for a white dress. Dads just need to bring a white t-shirt.
It's very easy to think that a 4 day old photoshoot sounds like a wonderful idea when you are pregnant and about to become a first time mum, and then discover that it's the worst idea in the world and what on earth were you thinking. Better to wait until mum feels ready to venture out.
This session features one baby and his parents at 14 days old. If you would like to see what a session looks like with a selection of different babies, you can take a look at my earlier post here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 2 weeks too old for newborn photography? Absolutely not. Your baby will still be a newborn until they are around 10 weeks old and every baby is different. I have photographed babies at 6 weeks, 8 weeks and beyond and still produced beautiful, tender images.
What should Dads wear to a newborn photoshoot? Mums are provided with a lovely selection of white outfits at the studio. Dads should ideally wear a white t-shirt and light coloured trousers.
What happens if my baby isn't sleepy during their photoshoot? That isn't a problem at all. You will love photos of your baby with their eyes open and I am very used to babies who are wide awake and wanting to look around. Some of my favourite images are of babies who are bright eyed and taking everything in.
Are siblings welcome at a newborn photoshoot? Little siblings are always welcome in my studio. It's especially lovely to see little ones back that I have photographed at their own newborn or first birthday session. It really does feel like welcoming family back.
What is the best age for newborn photography? There is no right age to have newborn photos. I have babies who are only a few days old and not even at their due date if they were premature, and equally I have babies who are 6 weeks old and the photos are just as adorable. Whatever feels comfortable for you is perfect. I know that's maybe not much help if you are pregnant and planning ahead, but there is no right answer despite what Google will tell you.
Can I book a newborn session if my baby has already been born? Yes of course. I get plenty of new parents who for whatever reason don't book until their baby has arrived safely. Often that means your baby might be a few days or even weeks old by the time we find a date, depending on how you and baby are feeling, your partner's parental leave and my availability, but somehow it always works out. It is very rare for me not to be able to accommodate you. I have had a few mums message me from their delivery suite bed to book their baby's session. As I keep saying, whatever feels right for you suits me perfectly.
Ready to book your newborn session?
I would love to hear from you. Get in touch and we will find a date that works perfectly for you and your family.