Capturing the first few days and weeks of your newborn’s life is a magical experience, and professional newborn photography is a wonderful way to preserve these fleeting moments. However, timing is key. In this guide, we’ll explore the best time to schedule a newborn photography session to ensure you get those perfect, timeless photos that will last a lifetime.
The Ideal Window: Within the First Three Weeks
The general rule of thumb for my newborn photography is to schedule the session within the first 5-21 days after birth. Why? Newborns are sleepy during this window. They spend a lot of time napping, and you can pose them in those adorable curled-up positions that make for those classic newborn shots.
During the first three weeks, babies are also still in that sleepy phase, meaning they are more likely to stay calm and relaxed for the session. Their tiny features are on full display, and their skin still has that soft, delicate glow.
Pro Tip: We recommend scheduling your newborn session while you’re still pregnant, ideally around 20-30 weeks, to secure your spot. This way, you can be sure to get an early slot after your little one arrives.
Why the First Month Matters with Newborn Photography Sessions
If you miss the first three weeks, don’t worry! While the first 5-21 days are ideal for capturing sleepy, curled-up poses, the first month is still a great time for newborn photos. By this point, your baby may be more alert, but they still look very much like a newborn. You can still capture precious moments with their big, bright eyes, or if you’re lucky, get them in a more relaxed, sleepy state.
At this stage, you may be able to capture your baby interacting with their surroundings, and even slight facial expressions, adding some personality to the photos. Plus, your baby might start to show off some sweet little facial expressions like smiles and coos, making for unique memories.
The 4-6 Week Window: Focus on Family and Milestones
If you’re past the 1-month mark, it’s not too late to schedule a photo session. By 4-6 weeks, your baby will have started developing more control over their body and will likely be more awake and aware of their surroundings. This is a great time to focus on family portraits, sibling photos, and lifestyle shots.
While your baby may not be as sleepy as in the earlier weeks, you can still capture those natural, family-centered moments. During this stage, babies are often more alert and expressive, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities for capturing wide-eyed, curious expressions.
After 6 Weeks: A Different Kind of Session
Once your baby reaches around 6-8 weeks, they will start to change quickly. They’ll begin to hold their head up, become more engaged with their environment, and show more personality. While you won’t be able to get the sleepy newborn shots, this is still a great time to schedule a milestone session if you missed the earlier window.
At this stage, you can focus on more active, milestone-style photos. You can document your baby’s first smiles, reaching for objects, or capturing them in their bassinet or crib. This may also be the perfect time for a “mini” photo session as your baby is beginning to engage more with their surroundings.
Why Timing and Preparation Matter with a Newborn Session
Newborn sessions are about more than just timing—they require careful planning. We will likely ask about feeding schedules, sleep patterns, and your baby’s temperament, so it’s a good idea to plan the session around a time when your baby will be most relaxed, this is typically in the morning or early afternoon. Make sure to have extra supplies (diapers, wipes, snacks, etc.) on hand, and keep in mind that these sessions typically last 2 to 3 hours to accommodate your baby’s needs.
Flexibility and Patience are Key with Newborns
While it’s great to have an ideal time in mind, remember that babies can be unpredictable. If your little one is fussy, hungry, or just not in the mood for a photoshoot, we will work around your baby’s schedule. We are very experienced at reading baby cues and will guide the session in a way that keeps everyone calm and comfortable.
Don’t Wait, Book Early
The first few weeks of your newborn’s life are precious, and scheduling a photography session early ensures you’ll have memories to look back on for years to come. While the best time for newborn photos is generally within the first three weeks, don’t stress if that window doesn’t work for you—there’s always room for beautiful photos during the first month or two of life.
So, if you’re pregnant or just had your baby, it’s time to start thinking about scheduling that newborn photography session. You’ll be so glad you did when you look back at the images of your tiny bundle of joy as a newborn.
Have you scheduled your newborn photography session yet, or are you still in the planning stage? We would love to capture those beautiful memories for you and your growing family.
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