Maryland Newborn Photography // The Two Week Rule

If you have ever attempted to schedule a newborn session or spent hours reading blogs about newborn sessions (no? just me?) you may have heard of the two week rule.
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Baby photographers everywhere learn quickly that for ideal shots, they should recommend to their clients that the shoot take place within the first two weeks after the baby is born. There are some who further suggest trying to schedule the shoot in the first week if at all possible.

This rule is not just an arbitrary number. Photographers recommend this time because it actually makes a difference in the types of photos you are going to get.
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When a baby is born, she sleeps a lot. In fact, she spends the majority of her day asleep. Up to 16 hours, to be exact. (Um, jealous!) For all you new parents who are staring with your bloodshot eyes at this screen and thinking, “My baby does not sleep that much”, trust me when I say you are not the only ones that feel that way. Although there is a lot of sleeping, it isn’t for very long stretches. In that first week, those 16 hours are generally collected in 1-2 hour increments, including through the night that she doesn’t know exists yet. Normal for a baby, rough on adults.
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All parents love to see their babies awake and happy. After those first few weeks, you’ll notice her being awake for longer periods of time and being more content during those periods. I love those wide awake moments too, but I’m going to admit that it is a lot easier to photograph a baby that is sleepy - the way they are in those first two weeks.

Sleepy babies are a lot less squirmy, a lot less likely to cry, and as a bonus, they make some pretty adorable faces in those comfy, dozy moments. I know you have been dreaming about these photos ever since you began the process of starting your family, and I want to deliver. A slumbering baby is the most predictable way to get the shots you want!
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​​All of that being said, the number one most important part of newborn photography is flexibility. The entrance of a human into your home, your life, and the world in general can be chaotic and overwhelming. Worrying yourself sick because you can’t get the photographer to your house in the first two weeks isn’t going to benefit anyone. Stressed parents = stressed baby! I have had plenty of newborn sessions take place after the heralded two weeks that turned out beautifully. Sometimes I happen to be there right when she is falling asleep, other times, we get flexible with the kinds of shots we take. Not to mention, it is perfectly possible to get a happy, awake baby! I truly love those shots just as much as the sleepy ones, and I know you will too.

When it comes down to it, your baby is absolutely beautiful, and any photos we take are going to be precious to you. Whether it is sleeping contentedly in a basket, gently kicking in a crib, or looking up adoringly in Mama’s arms, I will capture memories for you to treasure.