How Old Should My Baby Be for Newborn Photos?
Okay, so you’re thinking about booking a newborn photography session but you’re not sure when to reach out, how old your baby should be, and how scheduling works in general (there are so many unknowns!). Or maybe you’ve already had the baby and you’re debating if it’s “too late” for a newborn session. Well I am here to answer those questions!
Q: How old should my baby be for newborn photos?
A: The reality is that different photographers will give you different answers! Photographers who specialize in very posed and sleepy newborn photos may recommend that you schedule a session within the first 7 days of birth. As a lifestyle photographer, I recommend scheduling your newborn photos within 4 weeks of birth - the earlier the sleepier typically. Some parents really want to get some awake photos though! The reality is that brand new babies aren’t as expressive as slightly older babies. And slightly older babies may not sleep as well as really young newborns. There are pros and cons to every age. And the reality is that your newborn may stay asleep or stay awake or cry or poop during a photo shoot no matter his or her age! And that is okay!! When it comes to lifestyle photography, I come to capture moments. I come to take photos of life as it is - beautiful and imperfect and sometimes sleepless or exhausted or chaotic. Whatever your story is, let’s tell it. It’s going to be beautiful!
Q: What if my baby is older?
A: So I like to recommend photos to be taken within 4 weeks of birth, but that’s just a guideline. Lifestyle photos can be taken at absolutely any age! So if your little one is 6 weeks or 6 months or 6 years, we can capture some beautiful lifestyle moments of your family. I actually get so many requests from moms of 6-9 month olds who regret not hiring a newborn photographer and decide to reach out for photos of their family in their current stage. Awesome!
Q: How does scheduling work? And when should I reach out?
A: It’s never too early to reach out and let me know you’d like to book a session. If you’re 1 month pregnant or if you already had the baby - go ahead and reach out! It’s always nice to have a little notice, but it’s okay to contact me later in your journey too. If you haven’t had the baby yet, I’ll just ask when your due date is. We can either put a tentative date on the calendar or we can wait until you’ve given birth and then pick a date.
Q: What if my newborn is in the NICU?
A: If your baby comes a little early or has some complications, we’ll just wait for him or her to be ready to come home. Then we’ll schedule a date. No problem! And if you want some photos in the hospital - that’s a great option too! Just let me know you’re interested in that, and we can chat about it.
Q: What if I have a C-Section?
A: I recommend giving yourself a couple weeks to recover. We can book your session a little further out.
When it comes to timing, remember that there is flexibility and grace. If your baby is especially fussy the day/week of our session, let’s talk about pushing it out a week. Or if you had an unplanned C-Section and just need some more recovery time, I want to work with you and find a better time for your session. Let me take the stress out of it.
Have additional questions? Feel free to reach out through the “Contact” tab. I’d love to chat!
Baby Eliza decided to stay awake for the first part of her newborn photo session - and we loved seeing her beautiful eyes!
Baby Ezra surprised his mommy and daddy a bit early and spent some time in the NICU. Once he arrived home, we took some beautiful photos!
I was taking some photos of Baby Wyatt and his daddy, but when I stepped away for a minute, I noticed Wyatt’s beautiful momma just admiring them in such a sweet way. I snuck a shot of this little family enjoying a moment together.
Baby Eleanor enjoyed her photo session about 2 weeks after her birth. Her parents already knew how to make her smile, which was so much fun to see!