Luca's newborn photography session was done much later then usual. He was 6 weeks old at the time I photographed him, but he was born ten weeks early and was still four weeks away from his original due date. Even then he was very tiny and weighed 7 pounds. He gave his parents quite a scare by arriving so early and had to stay at the NICU for a while. As soon as he was home, it was time to schedule his newborn session.

Photographing premature newborns is a little different from a regular newborn session. Regular newborn sessions are usually done within the first 10 days after the baby is born. Babies are very sleepy at this time, they are not yet used to our environment so they aren't as sensitive to touch and sound, and sessions go much more easier for them. Another reason why it's done so early, is because they are very flexible and feel very comfortable in those adorable curled up newborn poses you often see in newborn photographs. As the time passes, babies start to get more and more sensitive and lighter sleepers, so doing a newborn session after two weeks is usually much more challenging.

When little premies are allowed to go home, they are usually still very tiny, like little Luca was (only 7 pounds), and are still developing. That's why a session was still possible at 6 weeks. It was a little challenging, but very much worth it.

It can be very difficult on new parents, when a baby is born early and kept at the hospital. When the little one is finally home, being able to do something normal like a portrait session, to capture the little one and celebrate having him by their side, is very special and exciting. Just look at this adorable face! I am so glad I was the one to capture it :)