Newborn photography is all about capturing those fleeting, delicate moments in your baby’s first days of life. But when is the best age to photograph your newborn?
As a Southern Minnesota newborn photographer, I recommend sessions be scheduled within the first 7 to 21 days after birth. This timeline is based on a full-term baby, so if your little one makes an earlier appearance, we will use their adjusted age to schedule your session. This time frame ensures we capture those sleepy, curly, and oh-so-precious newborn poses that make for truly timeless portraits.
Let’s dive into why this short window is so important and how you can prepare for your session!
Why the First 7-21 Days Are Ideal
The first three weeks after birth are the sweet spot for newborn photography. Here’s why:
✔️ Deep Sleep Cycles – Newborns sleep deeply and soundly, making it easier to achieve those dreamy, curled-up poses.
✔️ Natural Flexibility – Babies are still accustomed to the womb’s curled position, allowing for those adorable, squishy poses.
✔️ Minimal Disruptions – After two weeks, babies tend to become more alert and sensitive to touch, making posing more challenging.
For parents who love classic, peaceful newborn portraits, this timeframe is perfect!
Can You Still Photograph Older Newborns?
Absolutely! If your baby is older than 21 days, we can still create beautiful newborn portraits, but the session may look a little different.
✨ 4-6 weeks – Babies may be more alert, but we can capture stunning awake shots and sweet parent-baby interactions.
✨ 6-12 weeks – At this stage, your baby may smile and show more expressions, which can make for heartwarming images!
While the first three weeks are ideal for classic newborn poses, every stage of babyhood is beautiful and worth documenting.
How to Prepare for Your Newborn Session
To ensure a smooth session, here’s how you can prepare:
✔️ Book Early – Reserve your session during your second or third trimester to guarantee availability.
✔️ Read any guides that your photographer sends you. I send out a fully curated guide that lists everything as to what parents can expect during their session, along with any helpful information to how they can ensure the baby arrives cozy and sleepy.
With the right preparation, your session will be relaxed, peaceful, and enjoyable for everyone!
The best time to photograph your newborn is within 7-21 days, but no matter their age, we can create timeless, heartfelt images that capture their earliest moments.
If you’re expecting and want a stress-free, relaxing newborn session, let’s plan ahead to create something truly special!
📩 Contact me today to reserve your newborn session!
If you enjoyed the information shared, I encourage you to explore other helpful posts!
- Your Newborn Photography Session: Moments of Perfection
- Best Time for Your Maternity Photography Session
Timeless Newborn Portraits Southern MN, Exclusive Newborn Photography Experience
