When I was first pregnant, I imagined all of the fabulous photos I’d be taking of my own newborn in all of the curly, sleepy, newborn loveliness. I had ideas of all of the new poses and props I could try out…

Well, THAT didn’t happen, and here’s why. When you are the mom of a newborn, and you finally get the newborn into a deep, relaxed, hours-long sleep, who in their right mind wants to risk waking up that sleeping baby? What I wanted was a nap for myself! And a snack! And time to do the laundry…you get the idea. And then there’s the fact that taking the photographs would involve getting out and putting away equipment. So, my fear of waking up our sleeping princess and taking away some of my “me” time prevented me from doing many newborn shots. I took a few in the hospital, and then a few when she was four days old, and then I didn’t attempt any more until today.

And today I was reminded why newborn shots take place within the first two weeks, and ideally within the first week. Even though I had the luxury of hanging out around the house until Campbell was fully asleep, and I mean the type of sleep where you pick up their arm and it’s limp, she would wake up every time I set her down and tried to position her. Most babies older than two weeks, give or take a day or two, are no longer willing to allow you to position them while they are asleep in the same way. I tried my usual tricks, but nothing would keep her asleep.

Now I’m not saying it’s impossible to take good newborn pictures after two weeks. You certainly can and I’ve had some very cooperative older babies. However, the chances of getting the “newborn” looking shots significantly decreases as the baby approaches that two-week mark. As you can see in the shots I took today, Campbell is already looking older and less like a brand-new baby. Excuse me while I grab a box of tissue.

I received a box of headbands in the mail today from an Etsy seller and a hat from another Etsy seller, and I knew I had to at least attempt a few shots!

Speaking of portraits, I will be taking a limited number of sessions starting in July. Those of you who have already contacted me about sessions this summer will be hearing from me later this week.

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