When is it too late for a newborn photography session? // Columbus, Ohio Newborn Photographers

May 17

I wish I could say “never” but time does indeed pass (even though it may feel like it’s moving at a snail’s pace…). That said, the window is open longer than you may think.

While the best newborn photographers in Columbus, Ohio will tell you to book your newborn photography session well in advance of your due date, so that baby can be photographed between 5-14 days old, I (unsurprisingly) don’t completely agree.

Sometimes life happens and we aren’t always able to plan in advance, and I am a firm believer in the phrase “better late than never.” The biggest reason to schedule your session for the 5-14 day window is that babies that age are very sleepy and easier to mold into posed positions, which I don’t do at my sessions anyways. I prefer to “pose” baby where they are happiest: in your arms or a snuggly swaddle.

I’ve had several clients who were unable to prepare for a newborn session in advance for various reasons - an extended stay in the NICU, a pending adoption that could occur at any time, a tired mama already in the midst of parenting who let the moment slip past until after baby arrived. Guess what? It’s okay! There are even some advantages to waiting until baby is a bit older. Let me tell you about them.

*How adorable is this sweet two month old? And her eyes are so clear!*

Three reasons why you can wait until your newborn is older for a photography session:

You will have the chance to bond and fall even deeper in love with your baby, and that bond will be evident on camera.
Your baby will be more alert, able to focus her eyes and maybe even smile for the camera!
Your body will have had the opportunity to heal and you and your partner will feel more rested/less shell-shocked from the intensity of transitioning into parenthood (same for older siblings - that period of adjustment is good for them!)

And as you can see by these images of this sweet two month old, it’s very possible to capture baby looking snuggly, swaddle-y and sweet in all their baby newness.