Newborn photography is a special art. While most of the babies I photograph at Kristy Lehman Photography are between 2 and 4 weeks old, it’s not uncommon for me to work with “older” newborns. There are many reasons new moms may need extra time—for physical recovery, mental well-being, or simply feeling prepared. Perhaps the baby arrived early, or maybe juggling other children makes scheduling overwhelming. Whatever the reason, it’s okay to give yourself love and grace—this is the cornerstone of how I run my business. I’m here to tell you: you are not too late, and I’ll share some tips for photographing newborns between 4 and 10 weeks of age.
1. Be Prepared for Less Sleepy Time
Older newborns are often a little more alert than their younger counterparts. While you might not get quite as many sleepy, curly poses, these sessions have a unique charm, featuring expressive faces, bright eyes, and more direct eye contact. With patience, however, most older newborns will eventually drift off, allowing you to capture those classic sleepy, posed newborn photos.
At this stage, babies are becoming more aware of their surroundings and gaining better control over their bodies. They may not sleep as deeply or as long as younger newborns, but this simply requires a gentle, flexible approach.
Tip: Be patient and adaptable. If your baby is awake, embrace it—it’s the perfect opportunity to photograph them gazing into the camera. I like to have a few props and setups ready so I can capture both awake, alert shots and traditional sleeping newborn poses in one session.
2. Engage with the Baby
One of the key differences in photographing older newborns is that they’re more alert and responsive. They may track sounds, voices, and movements with their eyes, giving you the perfect chance to capture those first moments of connection with the world.
Tip: Make gentle eye contact, speak softly, or even try playful faces to engage your baby. This stage is ideal for capturing stunning newborn eye contact, and with a little patience, you might even capture those precious first baby smiles.
3. Use Comfortable and Natural Poses
Compared to younger newborns, who can be positioned easily due to their flexibility, older newborns are stronger and may not hold traditional poses for long periods. As babies gain more muscle control, they’re less likely to stay curled up in the classic “newborn pose.”
Tip: Focus on relaxed, natural poses that highlight your baby’s personality. If the baby is awake, place them on a soft blanket or cozy setup where they can stretch and move comfortably. This stage is ideal for capturing personality portraits and adorable baby expressions.
4. Patience is Key: Tips for Stress-Free Older Newborn Photography
I prioritizes a calm, relaxed environment where both baby and parents feel comfortable and supported.
Flexibility is essential. I work with the baby’s natural rhythms—feeding, napping, or alert times—rather than forcing a schedule. Having a baby assistant on hand ensures we can safely adjust positions, soothe the baby, or help with props without any stress.
Creating a cozy and safe space is another key factor. The studio is kept at a comfortable, warm temperature, and I provide soft blankets, wraps, and supportive pillows to keep babies comfortable and content. A white noise machine or baby sound machine helps lull the little ones into naps, making it easier to capture both sleepy posed shots and alert, expressive moments.
By combining patience, flexibility, and a nurturing setup, I ensure every session flows naturally and is enjoyable for both the baby and parents. The result is beautiful, stress-free older newborn photography that captures the baby’s personality, tiny details, and precious first smiles—all while keeping everyone calm and comfortable.
Now is the perfect time to cherish these early moments with your little one and focus on your family’s well-being. If your baby is already here, savor those precious cuddles and tiny milestones!
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