Hey mama, I know you love your baby’s beautiful eyes. Your newborn is full of beautiful wonder. But the actual mechanics of “awake photos” can be tricky at best. If we’re photographing the early days (within 2 weeks of birth), the baby is still figuring out how their little body works. One eye open, one eye closed is frequent, the appearance of “wandering eyes” due to lack of eye muscle coordination, and add in that wake windows are usually for pooping, crying, and may not be their most “cooperative” time. Here’s what I recommend instead:
- Keep the baby asleep if possible
- Feed the baby whenever they fuss (after checking for clean diapers of course). Milk drunk = happy baby
- Keep your home warm and toasty, warm houses = sleepy baby
- Schedule in a nap window if the baby has one this early
- Schedule your photoshoot in the morning for the baby’s best possible mood
This approach keeps your little one looking content and snuggly. I also recommend providing a stretchy neutral color wrap, I have a soft cotton swaddle to use in addition, but it’s nice to have additional options.
Mercae is a Grandmillennial-inspired, East Coast-influenced Seattle maternity and newborn photographer creating timeless portraits for mothers who want to fill their homes with their family’s story. Inspired by Bridgerton novels, the collected beauty of Grandmillennial style, and the magic of ballet, her work carries a metaphorical soundtrack of Tchaikovsky, blending romance, nostalgia, and refined simplicity into photographs made to be held, displayed, and passed down.
