When is the best age to take Newborn Photos?
Capturing newborn photos is a beautiful way to preserve the precious early days of your baby’s life. But when is the best time to schedule a newborn photoshoot? While you can take photos at any time, professional photographers often recommend doing them within the first three weeks after birth.
Why 10 to 21 Days Old?
I have been a newborn photography specialist for over a decade. In my opinion, the ideal window for newborn photography is between 10 and 21 days old. During this time, babies are still quite sleepy and naturally curl up into the womb-like positions that make for those adorable, peaceful images. Their skin is also typically clearer, with fewer baby acne breakouts or peeling that can occur in later weeks. Additionally, by this age, many babies have settled into a feeding routine, which can make the session smoother.
The feeding routine is the main reason I try not to shoot in the first week. Feedings can be stressful in the beginning, especially for a first-time mom. If you wait until mom and baby have been home together for around a week, by the time they come to the studio for a shoot, they generally have the whole feeding thing figured out. That way, mom can relax and be more likely to enjoy the session.
I aim to keep everything as stress-free as possible.
What If You Miss the Three-Week Window?
If your baby is older than 21 days, don’t worry! While they may be more alert and less likely to curl up as easily, you can still capture beautiful images. Around 4-6 weeks, babies start showing more expressions and may even smile in their sleep. If you want those sleepy, posed shots, try scheduling your session for when your baby is well-fed and drowsy.
Final Tips
To get the best experience, book your photographer in advance—ideally during your second trimester. You are more likely to have the opportunity to work with the photographer you really want to book if you get on her calendar early. If you wait until after baby arrives, she may not be able to get you in simply because there are no available session times left in her shooting schedule. Don’t settle for a second choice. If you plan, just one detail, let it be this one. Once you are booked, your photographer will take over and do all the planning. One less thing for you to worry about!
Ultimately, the best time for newborn photos depends on your style and preferences, but 10 to 21 days after birth offers the best balance of flexibility and those classic newborn poses, which are my specialty!
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