Newborn vs Infant Photography. What is the difference?
As a newborn and infant photographer, I see every session as both an art form and a privilege. Capturing the earliest days of a baby’s life is unlike photographing an older infant, each stage brings its own joys, challenges, and unique beauty. For parents thinking about booking a baby photoshoot, understanding the difference between newborn photography and infant photography can make it easier to choose the perfect time.
In this article, I’ll walk you through what to expect at each stage, highlighting the pros and cons so you can decide what feels right for your family.
Newborn Photography (2-3 weeks old)
Newborn photography sessions are usually scheduled within the first two to three weeks after birth. This tiny window is perfect for capturing those classic newborn poses—the gentle curl that mimics how your baby rested in the womb, the peaceful sleepy portraits, and all those delicate little details like tiny fingers, button noses, and wisps of hair. It’s a stage that passes so quickly, which is why professional newborn photos taken during this time feel so timeless and treasured
Pros for newborn photography vs infant photography
One of the biggest joys of a newborn photoshoot is how beautifully this early stage lends itself to those dreamy, timeless images parents love. Newborns are naturally curled up and sleep deeply, which makes it easier for a photographer to gently guide them into adorable, cosy poses. Their tiny features, wispy hair, button noses, and delicate little fingers and toes are at their freshest, giving each photo an irreplaceable sense of newness.
Because babies at this age aren’t yet rolling or stretching too much, it’s simpler to capture peaceful, classic newborn shots without fuss, without too much movement. Beyond the technical side, these images carry enormous emotional weight for parents; they’re more than just photos, they’re sentimental keepsakes that preserve the very first chapter of a child’s life.
Cons for newborn vs infant photography
Of course, newborn photography does come with a few challenges. The biggest one is timing of newborn photoshoots, sessions really need to take place within the first two to three weeks, which can feel overwhelming when you’re still adjusting to life with your new baby. These shoots also tend to run a little longer, often two to three hours, because plenty of breaks are needed for feeding, soothing, and nappy changes so are some additional time commitments required from yourself and family.
And while newborns are wonderfully sleepy and flexible, their tiny bodies are delicate and require extra care, which is why working with an experienced newborn photographer is so important. The good news is that with patience, planning, and the right approach, these challenges are all part of creating a calm, safe environment where those beautiful first memories can be captured.
Infant Photography (2-6 months old)
Once your little one grows past the newborn stage, a whole new world of expressions and personality begins to shine through. Infant photography sessions are usually scheduled between two to six months, when babies are more alert, interactive, and starting to hit those exciting milestones.
At this age, a baby photoshoot captures everything from gummy smiles to curious wide-eyed looks, moments that feel completely different from the sleepy, curled-up newborn portraits, but just as meaningful.
Pros of infant vs newborn photography
Infant photography has its own wonderful advantages. By this stage, babies are starting to smile, giggle, and interact with the world around them, which means their personalities really begin to shine in front of the camera. This is also when those irresistible baby rolls and squishy cheeks appear, making for the sweetest, most playful portraits.
Another bonus is that older infants can hold eye contact and respond to voices, which creates more lively and engaging photos. Compared to newborn sessions, infant photoshoots are usually shorter and a little easier to manage, since babies don’t need quite as much soothing or complex posing. The result is a gallery full of bright expressions and joyful moments that perfectly capture this in-between stage of babyhood.
Cons for infant photography vs newborn photography
There are, of course, a few things to keep in mind with infant photoshoots. Unlike newborns, older babies don’t naturally curl up into those classic womb-like poses, so the style of images will feel different, less posed, more natural. At this stage, babies are also a bit more active, wiggling and stretching their arms and legs, which can make posing a little trickier.
And while their alertness is wonderful for capturing smiles and eye contact, it does come with a shorter attention span. Infants can get overstimulated or tired quickly, so planning the session around nap times is essential for keeping everything relaxed and enjoyable. With the right timing, though, these sessions are full of charm and capture your baby’s developing personality beautifully.
Which photo session is right for you at this specific time?
Ultimately, the choice between a newborn or infant session comes down to the style of images you love and what feels right for your family. If you’ve always dreamed of those tiny, curled-up, sleepy newborn portraits, then booking within the first few weeks is essential. But if you’d prefer to capture growing personality, big smiles, and those irresistible baby rolls, waiting a little longer for an infant photoshoot might be the perfect option.
When it comes to newborn and infant photography, styling plays an important role in shaping the overall look and feel of your images. With newborn sessions, props like soft wraps, delicate headbands, or cosy baskets help create those dreamy, curled-up portraits while keeping your baby snug and comfortable. Every detail is chosen with care so that your little one remains the heart of the photograph, framed in a way that feels timeless and natural.
Infant photography, on the other hand, is less about posing with props and more about capturing personality and interaction. At this stage, babies are more alert, smiley, and expressive, so I often use simple setups that highlight their giggles, eye contact, and adorable baby rolls. The result is a collection of images that feels bright, playful, and full of character, showcasing just how quickly your little one is growing.
At Diana Studio, my approach is always baby-led and thoughtful, whether you choose a newborn or infant session. Each photoshoot is styled with comfort and creativity in mind, giving you a gallery of photographs that are as unique and precious as your family’s story.