When is the best time for newborn photos?
I often get asked by the parents when is the best time to take newborn photos. If you’re considering professional newborn photography, deciding who will do it and when can be difficult, especially with so many other things to keep on top of.
I think there is no such thing as a perfect age for a newborn session - in those early days they change so quickly and every stage is beautiful. Every baby is different and some parents need a bit longer to adjust to the life with their new bundle of joy. So there’s no rules, just suggestions - and I hope this guide helps you decide what works best for you.
One to two weeks after birth
The early moments fly by in a sea of euphoria and sleep deprivation. Having pictures you can look back on, a reminder of how tiny your child once was, is priceless. Newborn photoshoots will capture the moments between you, as parents, as you look at your baby and see what you’ve created. These moments are truly magic.
As a lifestyle newborn and baby photographer, I focus on natural photographs with no props and very little posing. I simply photograph your baby as they are: a tiny human being held close by their loving parents.
Newborn pictures are best taken within the first fortnight, when your baby is tiny and new. It is best to book your shoot after your 20 week scan, and if your baby arrives early or late (as they often do!), it is easy to reschedule - I always try and accommodate those changes.
Three to six weeks
While some traditional photographers only offer newborn shoots within the first two weeks when the babies are very sleepy and easier to pose, for lifestyle sessions having a sleepy baby is not that important. And I know that there can be many reasons why having a session within that narrow window might not be possible for you.
As babies become more alert and start making eye contact, this stage can be a wonderful time for lifestyle family sessions. Your baby is likely to spend a good part of the session awake - but will fall asleep after a feed for those wonderfully contented sleeping photos. As long as we plan a little extra time as their schedules can be less predictable, we will have a relaxing and enjoyable session, working around baby’s needs.
12+ weeks
By three to four months babies are typically more settled, able to hold their head steady and have started to smile and engage with others. This is a fantastic time for photographing babies - they are still tiny but already full of personality.
With me, these sessions are always relaxed and baby-led, and allow plenty of time for feeds, nappy changes, and soothing in case they get unsettled. I only schedule one session a day so there‘s never any rush and we will be able to capture wonderful photographs that I guarantee will bring a smile to your face.
Hope this guide has reassured you - each newborn and baby stage is beautiful. Have a look at my newborn photography gallery for inspiration and remember - the perfect time for a session is when you and baby are ready for it.
