When is the Best Time to Come in for Newborn Photos?

Missy Gueits Photography
Apr 1
4 min read

Capturing those fleeting early moments in your baby’s life is an experience like no other. Being a new mom comes with an overwhelming mix of emotions — joy, love, exhaustion, and a few sleepless nights! One way to cherish those first few weeks is through beautiful newborn photos. But if you're wondering when is the right time to bring in your little one, you’re not alone.

In this post, I’ll share my insights on the best timing for newborn portraits that will leave you with precious memories to last a lifetime.

Understanding the Ideal Newborn Age

When it comes to newborn photography, timing is everything! The golden window for capturing those adorable newborn images is typically within the first two weeks of life. This is the period when babies are the sleepiest and most flexible, allowing for those beautifully posed images.

At this tender age, babies are still used to the curled-up position they had in the womb, making it easier to capture those heart-melting poses. Plus, sleepy babies generally make for more relaxed photoshoots!

Why Book a Session Before Baby Arrives?

I highly recommend scheduling your newborn session while you are still pregnant. New moms often find themselves busy adjusting to life with a new baby, and let’s be honest — time can quickly slip away! By booking ahead, you’ll reserve your photographer and avoid last-minute stress.

Most photographers recommend scheduling your session for when your baby is around 8-16 days old. This timeframe is ideal, as it allows for a little flexibility while ensuring you still capture your newborn in that sweet, sleepy state.

I personally calculate 10 days after your medical due date. If the baby comes early I adjust the date and if the baby comes later, I also adjust accordingly. I take certain amount of sessions a month so I will assure your spot as long as its booked ahead. I rarely have last minute availability so always plan ahead so you get the photographer you want.

Essential Preparations for Your Session

Before you even step into the studio, there are a few things you'll want to consider to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Feeding: A fed baby always sleeps best, but dont stress, just keep the same schedule you have been doing and dont worry if we need to feed before or during session. I have allocated enough time for the entire process.
Temperature: Newborn photographers often keep the environment warm and cozy to replicate the warmth of the womb. Dress your baby lightly and consider bringing a soft blanket for extra comfort.
Props: Discuss with your photographer if you’d like to incorporate any special props. Simple, soft colors often work best to keep the focus on your baby’s beauty.

Choosing the Right Photographer

Once you’ve determined the right time for your newborn photos, it’s crucial to choose a photographer who specializes in newborns. Look for someone who has a portfolio filled with dreamy, captivating images that resonate with you.

It’s also a good idea to read reviews from other new moms and check references. After all, you want to feel comfortable and secure during your session since it can be quite an emotional experience.

Choosing a seasoned photographer with many years experience and thorough training in baby safety is of upmost priority. Some poses you see on social media are not safe poses and your baby's safety should be your first priority.

Capturing Those Timeless Moments

While the ideal time for newborn photos is within the first two weeks, I also advise parents to think about when they want the photographs completed. We can always photograph babies upto 6 weeks old, with a modified session. Talk to your photographer and be clear on the expectations. Life with a newborn can fly by, and it’s easy to forget how tiny they really are.

Some parents also choose to have "milestone" sessions at different ages: three months, six months, and one year. This way, you’ll get to document your child’s growth during that precious first year of life in a series of beautiful portraits.

Tips for a Successful Newborn Shoot

Here are some handy tips for making the most out of your newborn photography session:

Keep it Flexible: Babies are unpredictable. They might decide to snack or need a diaper change right in the middle of the shoot! Staying calm and flexible can lead to the best, candid moments.
Baby is Boss: Know that baby is Boss and the session should be a baby led photo session. we should never push the baby to do poses. Choose a photographer that practices a Baby Led workflow to assure the best session ever.
Stay Relaxed: If you appear anxious, your baby might pick up on it. Try to stay as relaxed and positive as possible, and your little one will likely mirror that calm energy.

Conclusion

Deciding when to capture those beautiful newborn photographs is all about finding the right balance between timing, preparation, and comfort. As a new mom, your first few weeks with your baby will pass by in the blink of an eye, so it’s essential to make the most of them!

Scheduling your session while still pregnant, preparing for the day, and choosing the right photographer all play vital roles in this process. Remember, the goal is to create stunning portraits that you can cherish forever.

Whether you go for the classic posed shots or a more relaxed lifestyle approach, the most important thing is to capture your baby’s personality and those sweet early moments. Before you know it, your little one will be crawling, then walking, and then headed off to school. So why not capture those precious newborn days when they’re still tiny? After all, these images will become timeless keepsakes.