When is the Best Time to Take Newborn Photos ?
I often get asked by expectant parents, when is the best time to capture newborn photos of their baby? Depending on the photographer, you are likely to get a myriad of answers. Some photographers will not consider a newborn session if the baby is older than 14 days while others will photograph “newborns” up to eight weeks old. When is the best time to take newborn photos?
The Best Time to Take Newborn Photos
When clients ask me the ideal time to schedule their newborn session, I typically recommend anytime the baby is between 6 and 21 days of age of age, however I will consider a newborn up to six weeks of age. It is important to note that there is not a hard or fast rule and there are several factors that may need to be considered when scheduling your newborn photo session.
Early Newborn Photo Session
I would consider an early newborn session with babies that are between 6-12 days old. At this age they tend to sleep a lot and are very squishy and flexible. Typically they are just beginning to settle into a bit of a routine, although that may not be the case with all babies. The skin may also be a little flaky or even a bit jaundice during this time or the baby may have begun to develop baby acne. All of this is easily corrected in post production.
Parents will likely be getting very little sleep at this point! You may be overwhelmed and crazy tired. The moms are still recovering from delivering a baby and may be moving slow, especially if they had a complicated delivery or a c-section.
Later Newborn Photo Session
Babies that come in for their newborn sessions at 3-4 weeks old (or even older) may be a little more alert at this age, however that is not always the case. At this age, most babies have settled into nice routine and typically any skin challenges are beginning to clear up. Although they may have longer periods of being awake, they have also been some of the sleepiest babies I have photographed. Some may also be going through a growth spurt at this age and cluster feeding. When the baby is awake, I find I can capture some amazing wide awake shots before they fall asleep. I have had four week old babies sleep through their entire session while a 1o day old baby was wide awake. Every baby is different regardless of their age.
Typically at this point, parents have settled into a new routine with their new little one. Mom has had additional time to recover and may be feeling better physically as well.
What is the Recommended Time to Schedule a Newborn Photo Session?
The ideal time for a newborn session will depend on the mom and baby. If it was a smooth delivery with no complications, you may choose to bring baby in earlier if there are no complications with the baby. Certainly if there were complications or multiple babies, additional time may be needed. What matters is your individual situation and how you are feeling. At the end of the day, I have done many newborns at various ages and have had sleepy babies at all ages and wide awake babies at all ages. There is no magic age.
What About Premies & Twins
The timelines referenced above will be different for those babies born prematurely and for multiple births. For premature babies and twins, newborn photos can be taken when they are older, sometimes much older. These babies will typically hold that newborn look for a longer period of time.
Start Planning Your Newborn Photo Session
It is highly recommended that you book your newborn session at least 30 days in advance to ensure availability. I book expectant mothers based on their due date and when the baby arrives, we firm up your actual session date. This guarantees you a spot on my calendar once your baby arrives.
Ready to schedule your Newborn Photo Session? Click on the link below:
Hello & welcome!
I’m Torri Howard, a professional, award-winning newborn, maternity, and family photographer serving Seattle and surrounding areas including Bothell, Tacoma, Kirkland, Bellevue, Puyallup, Renton, and Woodinville, WA. Please stay a while and take a moment to look around.
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