When Should Newborn Photos Be Taken?

As a New Hampshire newborn and family photographer, one of the most common questions I am asked is "When Should Newborn Photos Be Taken?" Lifestyle newborn photography is a session that beautifully captures the fleeting moments of a baby's earliest days. The timing of these sessions can significantly impact the outcome of your photos, ensuring we capture those tiny fingers, button noses, and delicate features in all their perfection.

Answer: Within the First Two Weeks:

The ideal window for newborn photography is within the first two weeks of your baby's life. During this time, babies are usually more sleepy and more likely to be calm throughout the session. Their skin also tends to be smoother, and they are less likely to develop baby acne or colic symptoms that can sometimes appear later. If older siblings are in the home, we can focus on their attention and just know that the baby will be perfect in every photo! 

Day 5 to Day 10:

Within this broader two-week window, the sweet spot is typically between day 5 and day 10 after birth. Around this time, babies are often more settled and cooperative during the session. They haven't yet hit a growth spurt that might make them more restless or colicky, and they still retain that newborn essence that parents want to preserve forever in photographs.

Flexibility is Key:

Of course, every baby is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all rule. Some babies may be more alert or have slightly different sleep patterns. As a photographer, I work closely with parents to accommodate their baby's schedule and needs. Flexibility is key to ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable session for everyone involved.

Beyond Two Weeks:

While the first two weeks are optimal, it doesn't mean you can't capture beautiful newborn photos beyond this timeframe. Babies are incredibly photogenic at any age, and we can still create stunning images as they grow. However, as babies grow older, they become more alert and less likely to stay curled up as parents may imagine their newborn in photos.

Planning Ahead:

To ensure you secure a spot for your newborn session during the preferred timeframe, it's best to book your session well in advance, ideally during your pregnancy. This allows us to plan for the best possible time based on your due date and ensures that we can capture those precious early days as soon as possible after your baby arrives. I will pencil your session in a week after your due date, and we will adjust as necessary.

Remember, every baby is unique, so communication and flexibility between you, your photographer, and your baby are key to a successful and enjoyable newborn photo session.