FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY: DOES AGE MATTER? FIND OUT HERE...

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THIS BLOG WILL ASK... WHY THE 10-DAY RULE FOR THE TIMELESS NEWBORN PHOTOSHOOT/FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY?

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This question is not only discussed when referring to posed newborn photography; the kind that has a baby curled up into adorably intricate poses in props or against backdrops, but also with any kind of newborn photography inquiry I receive.

 

It’s been widely published that newborns should be photographed at under 14 days/2 weeks, and as strictly as “less than 10 days, or it’s not possible”. Hold on, sorry… what!? I’ve since gone through all of my website’s wording to make sure that it was evident that I would never refuse a baby because they were “too old”.

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A newborn has nearly 300 bones & cartilage pieces, which after that 10-14-day period, or 2-week mark, start to fuse together into calcified bone, which makes it much harder for them to return to that in-the-womb position they’ve been in for the last 9 months. If you’re after posed photographs with “that look” it has to be said that it will definitely be much more comfortable for them to be moulded into that position whilst they still have the luxury of pure flexibility. However, every baby is different, and I’ve loved doing more relaxed shoot formats with babies who are also able to move a little more and interact with their parents.

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DOES AGE REALLY MAKE THAT MUCH OF A DIFFERENCE AT THIS TIME FOR FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY?

 

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Obviously, the difference between a 2-day new, 2 weeks new, and 2-month new baby is HUGE, but the images can still be beautiful regardless, and each stage is lovely in its own right!

 

All things aside, it takes a great photographer to be able to beautifully photograph newborns and babies. It takes an even greater talented (and patient) photographer to capture fussy babies, no matter the age. You can end up with a fussy “prime-time” baby and a perfect sleeper baby who would, may otherwise, be referred to as being “too old” and in actual fact babies are never too old to be photographed.

 

There are many benefits to not having elaborately posed setups when you’re still adjusting to your new baby, i.e. I can capture beautiful portraits of a baby that is starting to get its little personality and portraits of you all together as a family without feeling like the birth is so fresh in your mind you still don’t feel/look like yourselves, (although, of course, it has to be said that mum & dad, you’ll always be gorgeous to your baby, you can even book in a hair appointment to give you that extra bit of confidence or a barbers' appointment for dad, before having your photographs taken).

 

Simply put, as long as everyone is comfortable and either, has their own mobility, or can be mobile with the help of others, no age is off limits within photography! As a family photographer, ultimately, the most important thing during a photoshoot/portrait session is that I'm able to tell your family story and that all family members are relaxed and having a great time at their family photography session/family photoshoot. This will enable me to capture natural portrait photography/lifestyle family photography at your photo shoot, which in turn will create fine art images, that capture such a precious time, creating the perfect gift and family photographs that will last a lifetime. 

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WHAT ARE SOME FINAL TIPS FOR AIDING ME IN TAKING GREAT FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS FOR YOU?

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Some tips for having great family photos taken include... finding a location that is meaningful to the family, enjoying candid moments, using props or activities to keep everyone engaged and being patient and flexible, so I can capture all of those genuine emotions and connections.

 

I met up with Ashleigh, Rob & baby Angus in September for a relaxed outdoor photoshoot as the beautiful autumnal colours started to shine through the landscape, we all had a lovely time and I can’t wait to photograph more gorgeous families soon!

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I met up with Ashleigh, Rob & baby Angus in September for a relaxed outdoor photoshoot as the beautiful autumnal colours started to shine through the landscape, we all had a lovely time and I can’t wait to photograph more gorgeous families soon!

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Please feel free to get in touch today if you fancy a chat, my family photography packages can be found here, why not see if I could be the perfect family photographer for you?

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For my next blog post, please visit here.

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To see all my family blog posts, please click here.