Newborn Photography in Polokwane
Is My Baby Too Old for a Newborn Photoshoot?
One of the messages I receive from new moms sounds something like this:“My baby is already 6 weeks old. Is it too late for newborn photos?
”And my answer is usually very simple:No.
Somewhere along the way, parents have been given the idea that if they didn't manage to book a newborn photoshoot within the first 7–14 days, they've completely missed their opportunity.
At Lena Eagar Photography in Polokwane, I photograph babies up to 3 months old.Will a 10-week-old baby photograph exactly the same way as a 10-day-old baby? No.
But that doesn't mean we can't create something absolutely beautiful.
There Isn't Only One “Perfect” Age for Newborn Photos
Those very early newborn days are incredibly special.Baby is tiny. Sleepy. Curled up.
Everything about them is brand new.If you know during your pregnancy that you want newborn photographs, booking ahead is always a wonderful idea.
But real life doesn't always work according to our plans.Maybe you didn't think about newborn photography while you were pregnant.
Maybe the first few weeks were harder than you expected.Maybe you were recovering from birth.
Maybe baby needed some extra care.Or perhaps you simply woke up one morning, looked at that little face and realised:They're changing already.You haven't failed to capture the moment because you didn't make it into a studio during the first two weeks.
There are still beautiful memories to create.
What Changes as Baby Gets Older?
A slightly older baby brings something different to a newborn session.
We may get more awake photographs.
More eye contact.
Little expressions.
A glimpse of a smile.
Baby may stretch rather than naturally curl into those tiny newborn positions.And that's okay.
Rather than trying to force an older baby to behave like a 10-day-old newborn, we work with the baby in front of us.
Because ultimately, the purpose isn't to recreate somebody else's newborn photographs.It's to remember your baby.
Your Baby Sets the Pace
Babies don't arrive at the studio knowing that we've scheduled a photoshoot.
They may need to feed.They may need changing.They may want Mom.They may fall asleep beautifully — or decide that today is far too exciting for sleeping!
That's why newborn photography requires patience.I generally prefer photographing newborn sessions during the week, when there is a little more flexibility around the session and we can work according to baby's pace rather than feeling rushed.
Depending on the package you choose, our newborn sessions range from approximately one hour to an hour and a half, but where possible on weekdays, I can allow a little extra breathing room if baby needs it.
“What If My Baby Doesn't Sleep?”
This is probably one of the biggest worries parents have.
Please don't panic.Sleeping photographs are beautiful, but they aren't the only beautiful newborn photographs.
Those wide-open eyes looking at Mom...A tiny hand wrapped around Dad's finger...Baby snuggled safely against your chest...Those photographs matter too.
I don't expect your baby to perform.And neither should you.
Don't Forget to Get Into the Photographs
New moms often tell me they only want photographs of the baby.
I understand why.You're tired. Your body has changed.
You may not feel quite like yourself yet.But I always want you to consider having at least a few photographs with your baby.You don't have to feel perfect.You don't even have to feel particularly photogenic that day.
Because years from now, your child isn't going to look at those photographs and examine the things you were worried about.They're going to see their mom holding them when they were tiny.
And those photographs may become some of the most precious ones you own.
What Should Baby Wear?
You don't need to arrive with a suitcase full of outfits.Depending on the newborn package you select, I have outfits and styling options available in the studio, and we'll discuss what is included when planning your session.Simple is often beautiful with newborn photography.Tiny details deserve attention too — those little fingers, toes, lips and expressions that change unbelievably quickly.
And What About Mom?
This is something I'm especially excited to offer.
Depending on the package you choose, we even have access to a wardrobe for Mommy, making it easier to create beautiful mother-and-baby portraits without you having to stress about finding something to wear.
Makeup can also be added if you'd like that little bit of extra pampering before stepping in front of the camera.
Because although everyone is understandably obsessed with the new little person who has arrived...Mom is part of this story too.
When Should I Book My Newborn Photoshoot?
If you're currently pregnant and know you'd like newborn photographs, you are welcome to contact me before baby arrives so that we can start planning.
But if you're reading this with a baby already lying next to you, please don't assume you've left it too late.
At Lena Eagar Photography in Polokwane, newborn sessions are available for babies up to 3 months old.
The session may look a little different depending on baby's age, and that's perfectly okay.
Your 8-week-old doesn't need to look like somebody else's 8-day-old.
They only need to look like your baby, exactly as they are right now.
Looking for a Newborn Photographer in Polokwane?
Those first few months pass unbelievably quickly.
You don't need everything to be perfect before booking. You don't need to worry that your baby won't sleep or that you've waited a few weeks too long.
If your baby is under 3 months old, there may still be time to capture this chapter.Weekday newborn sessions are available at Lena Eagar Photography in Polokwane.
Contact me to view the newborn packages and available dates, and let's capture your little one before this stage changes again.
