I am an avid follower of many prolific newborn photographers, I am part of many newborn photography (and photography related groups), because it's important to keep learning and growing. I'm learning something new everyday, and I love it! Something I've noticed lately that has been a big discussion in the groups, and on many other mom groups is the safety of the poses we put babies in, and if we are harming them in doing so. This is not something to take lightly, and I thought I would address this personally with my own followers!
Baby's are born with more bones than adults. Think about a baby's skull, it's made up of several pieces so it can fit through the birth canal, and over time they fuse together to be one solid piece. Babies have about 300 bones when they are born, and by the time you are an adult you have about 200. Many of them start out as soft flexible cartilage and over time with the help of calcium turn into hard bone. Pretty amazing stuff!!
In the first two weeks of life babies are still so flexible and 'curly'. Think about that tiny little space they once called home! After two weeks many changes start to happen, the bones are slowly starting to fuse together, the baby is starting to adjust to not being in that small confined space, and they don't seem as sleepy as they were in those first few days and weeks. That is why newborn photographers stress the importance of scheduling your session with in the first two weeks (ideally between 5-10 days) after baby is born. Babies will often pose themselves into comfortable positions, and what I imagine they did when they were still in mom's belly. I personally never force a position. If a baby seems uncomfortable, or keeps moving out of a certain position I will usually move on, because in my eye's the photo isn't as important as they babies comfort.
Is there a limit to the age you can photograph a 'newborn'?
Of course not, but you will have to change your expectations. Will a six week old baby do the "bum in the air" pose? It's difficult. Will a six week old sleep soundly enough to be in a basket/prop in any position other than it's back? It's difficult to say. Will they curl up on their back and lay their hand on their chest? Probably. Can we get amazing photo's of mom and dad with there precious bundle? Of course! Will mom and dad feel more like being in photo's with baby then 5 days after birth? My guess is yes!
There isn't one time that is perfect for everybody, and you really need to think about what photo's are most important to you! If you are wanting cute curly poses I personally recommend before 2 weeks. If you want a natural "lifestyle" session with photo's of you as a new family and not a styled in studio session, you can schedule that later than 2 weeks, but I would recommend before 4 or 5 to capture that newborn stage.
Below are some examples to show you the difference in ages and similar poses! They are all beautiful babies, and the parents cherish all the photos :)
This sweet girl was born early without any complications, and came in at about 11 days old. Nice and curly legs tucked right up!
This handsome boy was also born early and had a month long NICU stay and was photographed at 7 weeks old. Very cute photo, in studio and styled, but doesn't have the same curled up posing as above.
This girl was born on time, and was scheduled within the first two
weeks. This is called the "taco" pose, normally I am to have the elbow
and knee touch to create those adorable chubby rolls on the back. Some
babies don't like to arch their back that way, and are better suited to
the "Bum in the air" pose.
This is the same girl, posed in the "Bum in the air" pose. Both beautiful photo's for the family, but you can see that she likes to not have her back arched as much.
This is the same little boy and you can see that at 7 weeks he was already not as flexible as a baby who was under 12 days old.
Babies are unpredictable and have their own schedules, and their own personalities even before they are born. As someone who is very passionate about newborn photography, I am constantly reading on safety and learning how to do my job better. There is always room for improvement right? I can assure you that I take great care to not put your baby in any harmful position or situation. As long as you go into your session educated on what to expect, there is never a 'wrong' age to have your sweet baby photographed.
Have questions about newborn safety? Please feel free to ask me!
