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Best Age For Newborn Photos and When To Schedule

Newborn

March 16, 2021

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The one thing that isn’t talked about in any parenting book is the best age for newborn photos. And while there is no “perfect, magic time” I have photographed over 250 newborns and learned a few things along the way.

newborn baby girl swaddled in white | Fresh Light Photography

How old should my baby be when we do his/her newborn photos?

Again, while there is no absolute rule or magic time for this, we typically schedule newborn sessions between 7-14 days old. There are a few reasons for this:

  • Baby is sleepier and tends to be bendier.
  • Skin issues haven’t set in yet (but if they have, it’s OKAY!).
  • Gives Mom a little time to heal and bond.
  • Gives siblings and the family unit as a whole a little time to settle in a new rhythm.
  • Milk has come in and if breastfeeding, it’s more established.

If you are beyond this window, I promise it’s okay. I have photographed newborn sessions from 4 days – 6+ weeks. This past year has pushed many newborn photographers, myself included, to photograph “older newborns.” Each of those sessions has been just as special.

Preemies, difficult deliveries, ongoing medical concerns, and surprise adoption placements are all reasons that may lead to a later session. 

Newborn baby girl wide awake for photos with Fresh Light Photography in Houston
Backlit newborn photo in studio in Houston, TX. Photos by Fresh Light Photography.

What if I have a c-section, a NICU stay, or a medically fragile baby?

If you have a c-section and/or your baby has a NICU stay or ongoing medical concerns, it’s all the more reason to be able to have the utmost confidence in your newborn photographer. Our team will be in communication with you to determine the best time to schedule your session once you and/or your baby are released from the hospital. We will also be prepared for any modifications that need to be made during your session.

The last thing we want you to do is to worry about missing a window that’s believed to be “the best age for newborn photos”. Rest assured that whether your baby is 5 days old, 5 weeks old (or older) it’s the connection and fact that you’re making sure your baby will have these memories forever that’s most important!

Two big brothers adoring their baby sister during newborn session. Photos by Fresh Light Photography.
Two big brothers adoring their baby sister during newborn session. Photos by Fresh Light Photography.

When do I need to schedule our newborn session?

We recommend booking your newborn session well before baby even arrives. Trust me, once your little one is here, you’re going to want to soak in every moment. That is not the time to spend researching a photographer. Researching a photographer at that time is likely to feel overwhelming and possibly not happen at all. It’ll feel good to check this off your to-do list before baby comes. And not only that, but you can also have confidence in the photographer you’ve chosen and possibly have had a chance to do a maternity session.

This way, the only thing you have to do is send us a quick message that your little one has arrived. Then we will get you scheduled and take care of the rest!

Family looking at baby sister during newborn session with Fresh Light Photography. Family portrait in studio in The Heights near Houston. Photos by Fresh Light Photography.
Sweet moment during newborn session between the family. Photos by Fresh Light Photography.
Mom and Dad with baby girl | Fresh Light Photography
Mom and Dad looking at their three children during photoshoot. Photos by Fresh Light Photography.
Big brothers giving baby sister a kiss | Fresh Light Photography
Mom holding newborn baby girl on her shoulder as she sleeps. Photos by Fresh Light Photography.
Baby girl with her head on mom's shoulder | Fresh Light Photography
Beautiful photo of Mom and newborn during photoshoot. Photos by Fresh Light Photography.
Dad looking at his baby girl | Fresh Light Photography
Dad holding baby girl in his arms for newborn photos with Fresh Light Photography.
Mom and Dad looking at newborn baby girl | Fresh Light Photography
Mom and Dad looking at newborn baby girl | Fresh Light Photography
Backlit photo of Dad and daughter during her newborn session | Fresh Light Photography
Details of baby during newborn session | Fresh Light Photography
Baby girl being held by Mom and Dad for photos with Fresh Light Photography.
Baby girl being held by Mom and Dad for photos with Fresh Light Photography.
Sweet moment between Mom and her daughter at newborn photoshoot in the Heights with Fresh Light Photography.
Newborn baby girl swaddled in white with white headband | Fresh Light Photography
Profile photo of baby girl at her newborn photoshoot in studio in The Heights with Fresh Light Photography.

  1. […] weeks. You can read more about why we recommend this and the advantages of an early newborn session here. However, there are a lot of reasons that may not work out- preemie, rough delivery, didn’t […]

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