5 Ways To Photograph A Newborn 10+ Days Old

When I first started photographing newborns I tried to read all the books. I would soak up as much information as I could. Spending hours studying. Going to workshops not only online but all around the country. (See tutorials and examples on my pinterest). Of course I would try to do everything everyone suggested. One of the things that stuck with me the most. Make sure you photograph babies before they are 10 days old! This is definitely a great rule of thumb, however its not always possible! Any Newborn photographer out there knows. Between crazy schedules, birth plans not going as expected, hospitals and pediatrician appointments. Sometimes it’s just not enough time.

The Baby Challenge

After several sessions not going as planned with my older babies. I just couldn’t keep the baby in a deep sleep. After all I had learned at so many workshops, online courses and schooling. All of it didn’t matter if you can’t keep the baby asleep! Forget about the extensive knowledge you have of your fancy DSLR camera. Studio lighting, or countless hours learning and perfecting photoshop. That’s when I realized I needed to focus all my energy on learning to become a baby whisperer! I wanted to figure out at least 5 ways to photograph a newborn who is older than 10 days! A guide basically for myself to help it go more smoothly for everyone!

Newborn Photography Prep.

I can not emphasis this enough! Preparation for parents and the baby makes such a huge difference!! This is extremely important for any Newborn session. Especially for babies who are over 10 days old. If you explain to most parents how important it is. Most parents will make sure to prep the baby as best as possible. That way you are spending more time taking pictures and less time trying to get the baby to sleep.

Tips To Keep Baby Awake

Sounds like the total opposite of what you’d want to do right? You must be thinking she is absolutely crazy! For older babies, I ask that they are kept awake at least 2 hours prior to the session. I this can be so hard with young babies. This is why I include many tips and trips to keeping them awake. This way when they get to the newborn photography studio they are nice and sleepy.

Climate Control

What I have noticed in babies older than 10 days old. They become overstimulated, then tend to have trouble falling asleep. The perfect remedy for this is keeping the climate nice and cozy! Nothing will put a baby to sleep faster than a full belly and the warmth in the room. This can be somewhat uncomfortable at times. However, most often parents agree the great shots are totally worth it in the end!

The Sweet Sound of White Noise

If you haven’t already bought a white noise machine, just trust me don’t do another session without one!! You can order them for really cheap on Amazon. I’ve heard of some people just find a white noise app on their phone also. Personally, I prefer the machine bc its not dinging right by the sleeping baby everytime I get a text message.

Wrap That Baby!!

When all else fails…Wrap that baby! Most babies love to be wrapped. I know a lot say my baby doesn’t. I say give it another try! Most babies will fuss a bit in the beginning while you’re wrapping them. Give it a second and right after when they are nice and snug they really crash out!! It’s worth a shot right!

So there you have it! 5 ways to photograph a 10+ day old newborn baby. Good luck and just remember they’ll all fall asleep eventually!

If you have any questions please comment below I’d love to help! Click here for more tutorial blogs. If you’d like to contact me to schedule your upcoming newborn or baby session please click on this link .

Marie Grantham Photography

2530 Saint Rose Parkway Suite 110

Henderson, Nv 89074

Call or Email: 702-336-1609 or mgranthamphoto@yahoo.com