Newborn or Family Photography session - which is right for your baby?
I get asked this question a lot when people first get in touch for a photography session, so I thought I would capture all my thoughts in one spot. Choosing between a newborn photography session and a family session depends on what style of photos you are after, and the age of the baby. Here are some thoughts to consider for each type of session, and the one main thing to remember is that every age is gorgeous and special to capture, so don’t stress if you feel like you’ve left it too late, it’s never too late!
The Newborn Session
- WHEN TO CAPTURE: The best/industry recommended time to capture your newborn baby is within the first 15 days after birth. This is when your baby will be the most sleepy (maybe not so much during the night when you actually want to capture some zzz’s!). As they are fairly fresh out this is when they are the most curly too, so they relax into the cutest poses naturally. We also recommend that time frame as a lot of babies will experience milk spots/baby hormonal acne after this time, which although editable to an extent, it’s best to avoid.
- WHEN TO BOOK: The best time to book in your Newborn Session is during the second and third trimester, and I pencil book you in, and then we can shimmy it around if needed based on your baby’s arrival date. I can also sometimes fit in last minute bookings as my Newborn sessions generally take place on weekday mornings.
- WHERE: A Newborn Session with me takes place in your home (the majority of the time, although I have done some outdoor sessions).
- HOW LONG: An in home newborn session allows up to 3 hours for the session, although we are generally done within 2ish hours. This extra time allows for Feeding top ups, burping, changing and settling time.
- WHAT I CAPTURE: A Newborn Session with Hannah Webb Photography includes a large number of baby only shots on my Newborn Posing Beanbag (these are often the ones you’ll see on a white blanket), as well as sibling shots, baby with both parents separately and all the family together (even fur babies when willing haha).
I generally would recommend a newborn session up to the first 6 weeks, and then would recommend moving to a Family session…Check out some photos from a Newborn Session below, and then read on for my Family Session!
The Family Session
- WHEN TO CAPTURE: Any age past 6 weeks would be my recommendation. There are so many reasons to capture kids at any age, as they are always changing on us, so every age is a great age for a family session! Some things you might like to consider is when you baby is likely to be sitting or walking also. If you are feeling worried that your baby may need longer then let’s chat it over and we can always keep to a newborn session so you have that extra time.
- WHEN TO BOOK: The best time to book your family session is as soon as you think about doing it! (because then 10 other things will happen and you’ll forget about it). Weekend spots tend to book out 4-6 weeks in advance, and more quickly around December/January.
- WHERE: A Family session can take place in your home, in one of my recommended Auckland locations (eg Cornwall Park, Piha, Muriwai, Bethells, St Heliers, North Shore beaches), or anywhere that is meaningful to your family!
- HOW LONG: A Family session lasts for up to 1 hour, or for an extended family it’s 1.25 hours.
- WHAT I CAPTURE: Lots of family shots sitting, with movement, and some of the natural chaos. A small number of each child on their own, Mum and the kids, Dad/Partner and the kids, the siblings together.
You can check out some images from a family session below! I hope that helps you decide which photography session will be best for your family and little ones - if you have any questions I’m always happy to chat it through and find the package that works best for you :)
