Photographing an Older Newborn
I get it, mama. Bringing a new baby into the world is overwhelming. And scheduling a newborn photography session probably wasn’t your top priority. Or you didn’t think it would be worth it. Or you couldn’t imagine being photographed during the most exhausting time of your life with a postpartum body that doesn’t feel anything like you. Regardless of your hesitation, your baby is now here and you desperately want to capture this fleeting stage of life before it’s too late.
Good news - it's not too late! Especially for lifestyle newborn photography. This natural, candid approach works for any age as it focuses on capturing a baby's connection with his/her family and surroundings as well as the small details you don’t want to forget. This is my favorite style of photography because it has the power to really take you back to that moment in time, recalling those small moments and details you want to remember forever.
Lifestyle Newborn Photography at Whistler Studio in Des Moines
I often photograph Lifestyle Newborn Sessions in the comfort of your own home so I can also capture personal details like your baby’s nursery. Last winter I had the opportunity to document a new mama and her one month old baby girl at Whistler Studio in Des Moines - and I absolutely LOVE the results. This was my first time photographing an older newborn AND my first time photographing a lifestyle newborn session in a studio setting. I joined 3 other photographers for this styled newborn session, hosted and coordinated by Ashley Hinners. Something I love to do during the slower, winter months is to expand my portfolio, try new things and create with others. This older newborn session definitely filled my cup and inspired me to offer a studio option to my newborn photography clients.
While a brand new baby might offer the opportunity to capture those sleepy and curled-up poses, an older newborn provides the chance to document the unique and developing personality of your baby and their relationship with you. Lifestyle newborn photography at this stage is a wonderful way to remember this special and fleeting time.
Older Newborn Photography Benefits
Just as there are benefits of photographing baby’s first week, there are also benefits of photographing older newborns:
- Older newborn photography sessions are typically shorter due to baby (and mama) being in a better routine when it comes to sleeping, feeding and calming
- Mama is likely more comfortable in her postpartum body and ready to embrace photos that capture her connection with her new baby
- Older newborns tend to be more awake and alert, resulting in more expressive photographs as they interact with their family and environment
- Older newborns are easier to handle as they have gained some muscle and head control
- Babies begin to smile more as they grow, giving us a better chance of capturing one (or close to it!)
Bonus: You've had time to master things like baby wearing, which was a big part of early motherhood for me and I wish I had documented that!
Don’t feel discouraged or like you’ve missed out on documenting your baby’s newborn phase.
It’s never too late to capture memories that will last a lifetime!
That Fleeting Newborn Stage
At one month to two months old, babies are still in that precious and fleeting newborn stage. Lifestyle newborn photography captures the unique and authentic moments of your baby's early life, such as their little quirks, tiny fingers and toes, facial expressions and interactions with their family. These details and moments will be cherished for a lifetime and will be a reminder of how small your baby once was.
