When is the best age for newborn photos? How long after birth should I schedule my newborn photography session?

There are many answers out there on this topic and many strong opinions. I’m going to answer this question based on my approach and style for newborn photography. For those of you who don’t know, I am a lifestyle newborn photographer, which means my photo sessions are centered on capturing natural interaction with the baby. I do not capture super posed, propped studio photos. This gives me much more flexibility with the time frame during which you can schedule your baby’s first photos. This is because I am not capturing those posed and propped photos of the baby. Those types of sessions require your little one to be sleepy and the best time to schedule those is within 7 days of birth. This does not apply to my style of photography, so here is some info about when to schedule your session with me.

mom seated in a glider in nursery feeding baby a bottle

parents laying baby in a crib and close up of baby in the crib

The best age for newborn photos is under two weeks old

I do need to mention again here that this time frame is super flexible with lifestyle newborn photography.

I like to schedule the session within those first two meek for a few reason. I love the emotions that surround a new baby and muy goal is to always capture authentic emotion. During those first few weeks, you are filled with excitement and love.

Most clients want to capture the newness of their baby and all of those little details and freshness of the baby.

If there are siblings, odds are they are still excited to be the older sibling. As time goes on, baby sister might be old news and less excited to sit and explore their sibling as I capture the magic.

mom holding newborn girl over shoulder dad kissing baby big pink bow on baby looking at camera in tan living room

10 days Old is the sweet spot

Although I am super flexible, I find that the 10 day mark is the sweet spot. You had time to settle into your home and get a routine going. Mom is typically recovering well by this point, but the newness and excitement is all still there.

Yes, you will still. be tired. We can’t avoid that for quite some time, but because you will have a bit of a routine, you will feel up for a photo session. The in in-home lifestyle newborn photo session takes place right in your home. You don’t have to get ready and leave the house.

dad holding newborn baby and kissing her baby peaking over mom's shoulder and smiling

Newborn Sessions Can be Scheduled past the Two week mark too

I have photographed many newborns at, 7 and even 8 weeks old. I want your newborn session to be stress free and part of alleviating that mess is allowing for flexibility with try scheduling of your session. Sometimes clients take longer to recover, sometimes babies are in NICU, sometimes the older sibling is struggling with the adjustment. Whatever the situation is, don’t worry. I can still schedule your session and you will have beautiful newborn photos.

In fact, the baby featured in this blog post was 7 weeks old at the time of her session. She was alert most of the time, but still so tiny. I guarantee this family does not regret having photos taken of their baby girl.

family seated on couch embraced holding baby in mauve jumpsuit with big headband

a few things to consider When choosing a date

While I truly believe there is no wrong time for newborn photos, there are a couple of developmental things that could impact your newborn baby.

Babies around 2-3 weeks old often get baby acne. While many babies it is just a few little red bumps, some babies it can be more intense. Although I do touch up baby’s skin, I’m not after a flawless, plastic skin look and I am sure you are not either. So, I usually prefer scheduling the session at week four over 2-3 weeks.

Additionally, six weeks old is a major developmental leap for babies. Babies can be fussier and may want to be held through the duration of the session. Of course, she can stay in your arms the entire time! If you feel a fussy baby may cause you undo stress, we will choose an alternate date for your session. It really varies based on each baby’s disposition.

mom kissing baby on head while dad holds her in a living room

mom holding baby and looking at camera on the couch baby yawning

What if I don’t know when to schedule the session?

No worries. I don’t expect you to know. When you book your session, you are simply reserving your due date on my calendar. Then, once baby arrives, you message me and we will schedule the session at a time that works best for your family.