Welcoming a child, whether it’s your first or last, is a whirlwind of emotions, sleepless nights, and endless joy. Among the chaos, you find yourself wanting to capture those precious newborn fingers, toes and other little details. But when is the best time to schedule their photos to make sure you get those perfectly composed pictures?
Many photographers find that the sweet spot for newborn photos is between 5-17 days old. At this time, newborns are still sleepy and flexible to fall into those adorable, perfectly curated poses. Babies also tend to settle faster and have shorter wake windows.
With newborns, being flexible is an essential part of photography. Babies can be unpredictable, and the length of the session may vary from 1-3 hours to allow for proper time to feed, change and sooth. This allows adequate time to avoid feeling rushed.
Always make sure your little one and yourself are feeling well prior to your session. If your newborn is born with any health issues, it is crucial to prioritize their well-being and adjust the timing as needed. Just because a newborn may be out of the ideal 17-day window, doesn’t mean that those beautiful photos are out of reach.
When booking a photographer, be sure to look for a photographer who specializes in newborn photography and has adequate safety training to keep your little one safe. If after viewing portfolios you find a photographer that you like, be sure to reach out and inquire prior to the birth of the baby to ensure they have time on their schedule. I typically recommend reaching out in your second or third trimester as many photographers take on a minimal number of newborns due to their unknown arrival date.
