I’m often asked, “how old should my baby be for newborn photos?” Every photographer has a different opinion for the perfect age for newborn photography. My personal preference is 2 weeks. BUT, while there was a time that I felt pretty strongly about this, I really don’t care that much how old your baby is when I photograph them anymore. I’ve actually heard of photographers turning clients away because their babies were “too old.” Is your baby a month old right now? Two months? Email me! We’ll have a great time and get gorgeous photos, no matter how old your baby is for newborn photos.
Historically, traditional newborn photography is very posed fresh (naked) newborn babies. This was what I did back when I first started my business around 2012. Typically these sessions focus on the baby with a handful of shots with the parents at the end, if baby is cooperating. Sessions can last up to 4 hours, waiting for baby to fall asleep. It can be exhausting for everyone. For this style, is important to try to photograph babies between 1-2 weeks to try to get them at their sleepiest stage.
There is nothing cuter than a sleeping baby, but when I had my own baby, my favorite images from my own newborn photos were the images of our WHOLE family, not just the baby alone–and I actually liked how I looked. I decided that I wanted to give THAT to my clients. This was when I started transitioning my style to more family-focused rather than just baby-centered.
So because my goal is for a postpartum mom to be actively involved, literally, in the photo session, I like to plan for more like 2-3 weeks. This gives mom enough time to heal after birth to be able to move around the studio, sit on the floor comfortably, stand holding the baby for a few minutes at a time, etc. I also find that I can often still get babies to fall asleep during a session at this age with a few tricks. And if I can’t we get fun awake faces that I love as well!
How old should my baby be for newborn photos?
Typically, depending on my schedule and availability, I try to offer a date as close to the 2 week mark as I can, and if I know that my client has had a c-section or if there were any complications I go toward the 3 week mark. I feel confident that no matter what age we schedule photos, we will get amazing photos of your baby and your whole family. So if you’re asking yourself, “how old should my baby be for newborn photos,” don’t worry about it!
“Every step of the process was seamless with Whitney. She was so professional, friendly and the end product was nothing short of beautiful! Not to mention she played with my daughter while I had to take a nursing break with my newborn. Highly recommend!”
– Taylor, newborn photo client
