Your baby is here! Yay!
You forgot to book a newborn photographer and now you’re running into a lot of “I’m sorry – I’m already booked” or you’re being ghosted because your baby is past the ‘ideal’ newborn age.
But what is the ‘ideal’ age for a newborn session? The industry standard is between 6-14 days old and I’ve seen a lot of newborn photographers even turn away a 14 day old newborn claiming they’re ‘too old’ at that point.
I don’t agree with that! I actually prefer my babies to come in when they’re a little older for a couple reasons (now, I’m not saying you can bring me your 3 month old and expect me to perform a miracle and pose them as a sleepy newborn). My ideal age is between 8 days and 21 days old!
So why do I like an older newborn? Well, I know the first few days, even week, after you’re home with your new baby that life is chaotic! You and your baby are trying to adjust to a new ‘normal’. You’re probably not getting a whole lot of sleep and now you’re having to leave the house for a newborn session? I’m sure that’s the last thing on your mind. Giving you an extra week home, really helps you find your new normal and your body is starting to adjust to the lack of sleep.
By two weeks your milk has come in and most of the ‘cluster feedings’ have passed. Your baby is becoming easier to feed and you’re finding your groove! Those late night feedings are no longer taking 45mins and you’re getting getting a little more sleep each night. I bet you’re even starting to feel human again! Heading out to your newborn session is easier when you’re feeling human again, so that’s why I also like an older baby. Happy Momma, Happy Baby!
Older babies also seem to settle a little more easier. I’m not sure why exactly, but I find working with an older baby is easier to go from one pose to another and when they do wake up, feedings are easier and faster so we’re able to get back on track and continue with your session.
So don’t fret that you haven’t booked your newborn session before your baby has arrived (yes, it’s best that you do book early) because I like my babies older.
I would love to be your newborn photographer! I service the Calgary Alberta area with a studio dedicated to Newborn Portraits in Okotoks. My studio services Calgary, Okotoks, High River, Turner Valley, Aldersyde, Black Diamond, Airdrie, Cochrane Alberta Canada
