What is the best age for a newborn shoot?

If you’re a first-time parent, the idea of a newborn photo session might be completely new to you, especially when it comes to knowing the ideal timing. There’s really no “perfect” answer to this question, as each baby is unique, and every photographer has their own approach based on their experience. It’s always a good idea to discuss timing and preferences with the photographer you’re considering so that you feel comfortable with their style.

Personally, I prefer photographing babies when they’re between 1-2 weeks old. This is often when they’re sleepiest and most flexible, which can help us capture those adorable curled-up poses. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t do a session after the two-week mark! Babies tend to go through their first growth spurt around this time, which sometimes makes them more alert and a bit less flexible. While that can make sleepy poses trickier to achieve, I also love photographing older newborns—often, we capture some beautiful open-eyed moments that show off their developing personality.

With nine years of specializing in newborn photography, I’ve found the 1-2 week window to be ideal for most sessions. Babies tend to be calm and cozy, still adjusting from the womb. If you’re recovering from a C-section or your baby boy has been circumcised, waiting closer to the two-week mark can allow a little more healing time, ensuring everyone’s comfort during the session. Since I photograph babies in the nude, I want them to feel as comfortable as possible. And yes, little accidents are part of the job—babies sometimes pee or poop during sessions, and it’s something I handle with humor and patience.

Some babies around 5-6 weeks old have actually slept through their sessions wonderfully—sometimes even better than younger newborns! Every baby is different, and I’ll work with your little one’s unique rhythm. If they’re more alert, I often use swaddling to create lovely, cozy shots.

Feeding and traveling tips before the session

One of the best tips I give parents is to keep their baby awake for about 60-90 minutes before heading out to the session. Gentle stimulation, like giving a bath or some diaper-free time, can help, though you should avoid letting them get too fussy. Parents often wonder, “Do newborns really need to be prepped to sleep better?” The answer is a big yes! If they’ve had a bit of awake time, they’re more likely to settle into a deep sleep, which makes all the difference for getting a wide range of poses.

Timing a full feeding right before leaving can also help, and be sure to burp them to avoid any gas discomfort. The car ride itself often lulls them into a nice sleep, so they’re ready to start when you arrive.

I provide all my clients with these prep tips, which I find make sessions go more smoothly, whether baby is one week or four weeks old. Of course, even with all the prep in the world, newborns can still surprise us, but these steps definitely improve our chances of a successful, relaxed session.

If you’re interested in a newborn session, feel free to reach out! Even if your baby is a bit older, don’t miss the opportunity to capture these precious early days. They grow so quickly, and these moments are ones you’ll treasure forever.

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