You planned to book newborn photographs, but then your baby arrived and life became a blur of feeds, changing nappies and trying to get a little sleep.
Perhaps you needed extra time to recover. Maybe your baby spent time in hospital, or you simply weren’t ready to leave the house.
Now your little one is four, six or ten weeks old, and you’re wondering: have we missed our chance?
You haven’t.
At my photography studio in Clitheroe, Lancashire, I photograph babies beyond those first few weeks too.
The session might look a little different, but there is still so much worth remembering.
When is the best time for newborn photographs?
For the sleepy, curled-up newborn portraits you often see in my portfolio,
I usually aim to photograph babies at around 5–21 days old.
That gives us an opportunity to create those gently wrapped portraits and photograph all the tiny details of the early days.
Every baby is different, though, and being within that age range doesn’t guarantee a sleeping baby—or any particular pose.
I always adapt the session to your baby’s comfort. We take breaks for feeding, changing and cuddles whenever they’re needed.
If you’re planning ahead, you can reserve your newborn photography session using your due date. Once your baby arrives, message me and we’ll arrange the exact date together.
Can you photograph a baby at four, six or eight weeks old?
Yes, absolutely.
As babies grow, the photographs begin to tell a slightly different story. Your little one might spend more of the session awake, looking towards you or watching what’s happening around them.
We can create beautiful portraits with simple outfits, soft blankets and suitable props, alongside close-ups of their hands, feet and expressions.
Sometimes an older baby will sleep during the session; sometimes they won’t. I plan around the baby in front of me rather than expecting them to follow a particular routine.
You don’t need to worry that an awake baby means the photographs haven’t worked. Those curious eyes are part of this stage too.
What about a baby who is ten or twelve weeks old?
There is plenty to photograph at this age.
Your baby may be showing more expressions, watching your face or giving you little smiles. Those moments can make lovely portraits, especially when we keep the session relaxed and allow time for interaction.
For babies who are past the earliest newborn stage, I often suggest simpler poses that suit how they naturally move and settle.
You’re welcome to send me a recent photograph of your baby and a few examples of the images you love. That helps us talk through the style you’re hoping for and choose the most suitable session.
Which photography session should I choose?
The best option depends on the photographs you want.
A baby mini session suits parents looking for a short session with relaxed, simple baby portraits. It’s a lovely way to remember their expressions and little personality at this age.
A newborn session allows us to plan more specifically around newborn styling, wraps and props. If your baby is a little older, we can discuss which ideas are suitable and adapt the session accordingly.
A family session is ideal if you’d like a mix of simple baby photographs and portraits together. We can photograph your baby in your arms, cuddles with each parent and your family together.
I offer baby and newborn photography in my Clitheroe studio, as well as home newborn sessions for families who would prefer photographs in their own surroundings.
You don’t have to know which package to choose before contacting me. Tell me your baby’s age and what you’d love, and I’ll help.
What if we missed newborn photographs because of a hospital stay?
Please don’t feel that you need to apologise or explain why you didn’t book sooner.
Sometimes those first weeks look very different from what you expected. Photography can wait until you feel ready.
When you get in touch, we’ll talk about your baby’s age, your preferred style and what feels manageable for your family. There is no need to recreate an earlier stage—we can make beautiful photographs of your baby as they are now.
You haven’t missed your chance
Your baby will never be this exact age again, whether they’re ten days or ten weeks old.
The tiny newborn days are lovely to photograph, but so are the wide eyes, growing cheeks and familiar way they settle into your arms.
If you’re looking for newborn or baby photography in Clitheroe, the Ribble Valley or elsewhere in Lancashire, I’d love to hear from you.
Send me your baby’s age and a little about the photographs you have in mind. We’ll plan a session that suits you both.
Get in touch
I usually reply within 24 hours. If you haven’t heard from me, please check your spam or junk folder, as my reply may have landed there.
You’re also welcome to message me on WhatsApp on 07793 098120 😊
