As a San Diego newborn photographer, I know how important it is to capture those fleeting early moments of your baby’s life. Whether you’re looking to preserve your newborn’s first days or you’re trying to decide when to schedule their first professional photo session, there’s a lot to consider. There’s something truly special about photographing a baby while they’re still tiny and squishy, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only time you can get beautiful, timeless images. It’s also totally okay to wait a little longer—even if your baby has some skin imperfections like baby acne!
In this blog post, I’ll explain why it’s wonderful to photograph your newborn during their early weeks, and why you shouldn’t feel pressured to bring them in right away. Plus, I’ll give you some reassurance that even if your little one is dealing with skin issues like baby acne, we can still create stunning photos that you’ll love.
The Magic of Newborn Photography in the First Few Weeks
1. Tiny, Squishy Babies Are Just Too Cute!
The first few days and weeks of your baby’s life are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They’re soft, tiny, and full of all those sweet features we love to capture. The first two weeks are considered the “sweet spot” for newborn photography because your baby is still curled up in that natural, newborn pose. They are also still in that newborn stage where they sleep a lot, making it easier to get those peaceful, serene shots.
2. Perfect for Classic Newborn Poses
When your baby is still a few days or weeks old, they are much more flexible and can be posed in those classic newborn positions. Think of those cozy, swaddled shots or curled-up poses that have become synonymous with newborn photography. The little hands and feet, the soft baby rolls, and the delicate facial expressions make for the most magical photographs.
3. Clear Skin – No Baby Acne (Yet!)
At this stage, your baby’s skin is often clear and smooth, without the common issues like baby acne or dry patches. As a photographer, this means we can focus on capturing the delicate details without worrying about imperfections. These early days make for beautiful, timeless photos that showcase your baby’s natural beauty.
But Don’t Worry—It’s Perfectly Fine to Wait!
1. Your Baby Will Still Be Adorable Later
While the first few weeks are great for newborn sessions, it’s also perfectly fine to bring your baby in for photos after they’ve passed that stage. As babies grow, their personality starts to shine through! Older newborns (around 1-3 months) will often smile, look around, and show more curiosity. These little expressions make for equally adorable photos that highlight your baby’s growing personality.
2. Baby Acne Is Normal – And It’s Not a Big Deal!
One of the most common concerns I hear from parents is about baby acne. Yes, many babies experience this during the first few weeks of life, usually between 2-4 weeks old. It’s totally normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Baby acne tends to clear up on its own, but I know it can still make parents feel a little concerned when scheduling their newborn’s photo session.
The great news is, we can easily edit these skin imperfections out of your photos! In fact, I’ll be sharing a before and after photo below to show just how easy it is to remove baby acne in post-production. You’ll still get those precious photos without having to worry about your baby’s skin imperfections.
3. Flexibility for Parents with Busy Schedules
Life with a newborn can be overwhelming, and sometimes it’s not possible to schedule the session right after birth. And that’s okay! Whether your baby is a little older or has some skin blemishes, we can still create beautiful, timeless images. Newborn photography is meant to be a stress-free experience, and I’m happy to accommodate your schedule.
Editing Makes All the Difference: Skin Imperfections Don’t Need to Be a Concern
If you’re worried about baby acne or skin imperfections, rest assured that modern photography techniques allow us to create beautiful photos with flawless skin. While baby acne is a common concern for many new parents, it’s something that can easily be removed during the editing process.
In fact, I’ll be showcasing a before and after image of a newborn with baby acne. The photo on the top shows the baby with acne, and the one on the bottom is after editing, where the skin looks clear and smooth. This example highlights how professional editing can help create those flawless images, ensuring that your baby’s photos look beautiful and timeless—no matter what stage they’re in.
Tips for a Successful Newborn Photo Session in San Diego
Whether you bring your newborn in at a few days old or a few weeks older, here are some tips to help you get the best possible photos:
- Time of Day: Schedule your session for a time when your baby is typically more relaxed and sleepy, which is often after a feed and earlier in the morning.
- Wardrobe and Props: I can help you choose the best outfits and props for your baby’s photo session, or we can use simple wraps and blankets to keep the focus on your baby’s natural beauty.
- Parent Involvement: Don’t forget to include family shots! Your baby’s first photos are a great opportunity to capture your family as well. I encourage parents and siblings to join in for a few photos too.
- Relax and Enjoy the Moment: The best newborn photos come when parents are relaxed and enjoying the moment. Let me take care of the details so you can focus on loving and bonding with your little one.
Conclusion: Capture Your Baby’s Journey – No Matter the Age!
In the end, whether you choose to schedule your newborn photo session during the first few days of life or a little later, the most important thing is to capture those special moments. As a San Diego newborn photographer, my goal is to create beautiful, timeless images that you’ll cherish forever, no matter when we take them.
So don’t worry about baby acne or missing that “perfect” newborn window. You can still get incredible photos no matter what stage your baby is in! If you’re ready to book your session, reach out today and let’s start creating memories!
Lisa is a professional photographer serving San Diego and surrounding areas. To see more of her work, please follow her on facebook and instagram.
Contact me today to schedule your newborn session, and let’s create some stunning memories together!
