Baby Photography Northampton – What Age to book a Photoshoot?
Obviously, as a studio specialising in baby photography in Northampton of all ages, we would love to document all these precious moments for you… but appreciate this will rarely fit most family budgets.
The first 18 months of your baby’s life is truly mind-blowing. You’re going to be very busy enjoying the most incredible changes both in terms of their physical and personal development. You’re going to want to capture some of these lovely moments with some professional baby photography.
We’ve written this article with the intention of helping you to make the right decision. Why not benefit from our many years of practical experience in working with and photographing babies of all age ranges.
Here are some common baby stages and considerations to make when choosing the right time to book your baby photography in Northampton:
0-2 Weeks Old, Newborn Baby Photography
This is a proper “awwww” baby photoshoot, something veryspecial and unrepeatable. Typically photographed asleep, these beautifully fragile and precious newborn baby days are usually captured within the first 2 weeks of birth, when your baby is still very foetal and sleepy.
After this time your baby will tend to sleep less and prefer to stretch out more, making these wonderfully serene newborn portraits much harder to capture.
You’ll spend hours gazing at your tiny bundle, often in sheer amazement and often just simply marvelling at the fact that “We made them!” We’ll capture their most minute and perfect details forever… their milky smiles, downy hair, tiny fingers, dinky noses, and toes… newborn photography will certainly save you the worry of those early memories turning ‘fuzzy’ with time.
Although understandably reluctant, we would always encourage mum and dad to get involved with some tender and intimate family portraits at this stage. As your baby grows older, you will look back on these newborn photos with a genuine fondness and nostalgia, reminiscing about the special moments shared at the very beginning of your family life together.
1-3 Month Old Baby Photography Northampton
From 3 weeks onwards, your baby will now be far more alert and switched on to the world around them, making some wide-eyed and awake baby photography a must.
Your baby will not be able to mobilise independently yet, meaning the range of individual baby portraits is specific to shots where your baby is lying down, held or fully supported in some way.
To increase the variety of images, we encourage all family members get involved with the baby photoshoot. Babies love being held close in a cuddle, whether with mum and dad or with an older sibling. We absolutely love to capture these sweet moments of interaction between baby and their loved ones.
4-5 Month Old Baby Photography Northampton
At this age, babies start to develop more complex expressions and personality. They are often able to hold their heads-up during tummy time, which can lead to some gorgeous candid photographs.
The strength in your baby’s neck will now typically allow for a few baby portraits of them lying on their tummy or even sitting-up with a little extra support such as with a Bumbo seat.
It’s worth noting that modelling is surprisingly tiring for little ones, and therefore the pace of the baby photoshoot is vital. The rewards are great, your baby will now be responsive to smiles and playful interaction, capturing those early giggles is heart-warming stuff.
Be forewarned though, this might mean games of peek-a-boo, tickles and blowing raspberries to relax your little one. At this age, babies are becoming more aware of their surroundings and will respond very well to silly sounds, voices, and faces.
We always like to incorporate parents and any older siblings into your baby’s photoshoot, capturing those precious moments of interaction and family connection.
5–12 Month Old Baby Photography Northampton
Babies at this stage are usually sitting unsupported, smiling, and interacting more with their surroundings. It’s a great time to capture their innocent curiosity and joy.
Gloriously gummy smiles are mixed with big curious personalities, making this a fantastic age for photographing your baby’s emerging character.
Unaffected by self-consciousness, raw expression and emotion is often beautiful and captivating to watch at this age. This is a time when the bond with your baby has really strengthened, and their natural expressions can stop you in your tracks.
Strangely, it’s often the non-smiley, coy glances and fleeting expressions that pack the biggest punch, the power being the display of natural, authentic character where innocence and beauty really shines through in your baby’s final portraits. Overall this us a truly wonderful and rewarding age to capture!
Baby photography that includes other family members will also provide a visual record of the relationships and dynamics within the family unit. Whether it’s capturing the joy between siblings, the tender moments between parent and child, or the multi-generational connections with grandparents, these photos tell a story of family life and relationships.
12-18 Months Old Baby Photography Northampton
Your baby’s first birthday milestone is a popular age to celebrate with some super cheeky portraiture. Your baby will now seem almost unrecognisable in comparison to their newborn photographs!
Many infants are on the move by this stage whether on all fours, shuffling along on their bottom or taking their first tentative steps. They’ve probably got a few teeth too, as the endless slobber to prove it!
This age now allows for a more physical range of poses, such as sitting playing or concentrating to examine a toy, standing with support, or lying down for the briefest moment for a rest!
We’ll work with you to encourage your baby’s natural expressions. Playing games, singing songs, or making funny noises can all help capture genuine smiles and laughter from your baby.
There’s often belly laughter (and a few tears) when interacting with parents, with cheeky expressions as baby cruises along furniture and sometimes, proud smiles taking early steps.
If range is what you’re after, then this is a very fulfilling baby photoshoot… although it can be hard work keeping up with a 1-year-old who seems fuelled by endless energy!
Including family members in your baby’s photoshoot will allow everyone to celebrate important milestones and moments together. Whether it’s capturing your baby’s first birthday photoshoot, their first steps, or other significant achievements, having family present adds to the joy and significance of the occasion.
Ultimately, there’s no “best” age for professional baby photography, it very much depends on what moments you want to capture and what style of photos you prefer.
Some parents opt for multiple photo sessions to document the different stages of their baby’s growth.
It is worth noting that babies can be unpredictable at any age stage, so we’ll all need to be patient and flexible during your baby’s photoshoot. We’ll take breaks as needed for feeding, nappy changes, or soothing, and allow your baby to guide the session… they’re the boss!
18 Months + Baby Photography Northampton
Your little one now has bags of vibrant character (and stubborn strong will) so can be photographed at any time to capture their cheeky personality.
Although they will of course continue to grow and develop, the changes are not as dramatic as those that take place in the first year of life which leaves more time to book a professional photoshoot. What does change though, are the details. More height, build, hair, and mannerisms all of which are synonymous with how you know and love your child.
Most infants, one way or another, are on the move during this window in time. Your photoshoot is likely to be fast and furious as there is no magic to slow a spirited toddler who has just learnt they can move by themselves, quite simply expect it to be frenetic… but loads of fun!
Involving other family members in your baby photoshoot can also provide support and encouragement for your baby, especially if they are feeling uncertain or apprehensive about the experience. Having familiar faces nearby can help your baby feel more comfortable and relaxed, leading to more natural and authentic baby photos.
Thanks for reading!
Andy Nickerson Photography
Specialist family portrait photographers covering all of Northamptonshire including, Northampton, Kettering, Wellingborough, Corby and Daventry.
Discover our sleepy newborn photography portfolio, characterful family photography portfolio or get in touch to find out more about how we can help you.