Newborn photography at 5–8 weeks | Bristol & Bath
Many parents get in touch and say “My baby is five or six weeks old… have we missed the newborn window?”
The simple answer is no, not at all. Although the first two weeks are often described as the classic “newborn stage,” babies at 5–8 weeks photograph beautifully. The images are different, but every bit as genuine, relaxed and special.
Here’s what to expect if you’re thinking about a newborn session at this age.
Babies are more awake
By five to eight weeks, most babies spend more time in calm, quiet alertness. This means:
gorgeous eye contact
soft, curious expressions
first real smiles
moments of connection with parents and siblings
A natural, relaxed style works perfectly at this age
Because I photograph newborns in a very gentle, baby-led way, there’s no need for your little one to be deeply asleep or curled into particular poses.
At 5–8 weeks, your baby:
can be held in your arms
settled on your bed or sofa
snuggled into your shoulder
wrapped lightly in a blanket
happily lying beside you
All in the comfort of your own home, with soft natural light and a calm atmosphere.
This age suits a simple, honest, unposed approach beautifully.
Expect a mixture of awake moments and cosy snuggles
Most babies this age will have a bit of everything during the session:
a feed
a little nap
some wide-eyed exploring
some cuddling
possibly a big stretch or yawn
I work entirely around your baby’s rhythm. Nothing is rushed; everything flows naturally.
These transitions are actually what make the gallery so beautiful, the tiny changes in expression and energy tell such a lovely story of this stage.
Your baby’s features are more defined
At 5–8 weeks, you often see:
rounder cheeks
eyelashes coming through
more expressive eyes
tiny hands starting to grasp
early smiles or almost-smiles
Photographing these small details at home creates images that feel very real and personal.
Parents often feel more settled too
The first couple of weeks can feel like a blur, and many parents say that by weeks five to eight:
feeding feels a little more predictable
you’re more rested
you feel more confident holding and soothing your baby
you're more “in the moment” during the session
This often leads to lovely relaxed family images.
Siblings engage differently at this age
If you have older children, they often find a 5–8 week old baby easier to interact with because:
baby is awake more
they get a little smile or reaction
baby feels “more like a little person” to them
These moments — a gentle kiss, a curious look, a hand holding a tiny hand, are incredibly special to capture.
How to prepare for a session at 5–8 weeks
Very little preparation is needed, but here are a few things that help keep things calm and easy:
Keep baby in a simple vest or sleepsuit that’s easy to remove or layer.
Have muslins, a spare outfit and a blanket handy.
Feed whenever you need to (we pause as often as necessary).
Keep your home as it normally is; no need to tidy everything.
If you have siblings, they can bounce in and out.
The whole session is gentle and completely baby-led.
A lovely stage to remember
Every age has its own magic, and 5–8 weeks is no exception.
There’s a softness, a sense of emerging personality, and a beautiful connection between baby and parents that really shines through.
If your little one is already a few weeks old, it’s absolutely not too late, it’s simply a different, equally lovely stage to capture.
Thinking about booking a newborn or baby session?
I photograph families across Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire and Somerset, creating gentle, natural images at home. If you’re interested, find out more.
