‘When is the best time to have newborn photos taken?’
This is my most popular question so I created a general guide to help you. Every baby is different so you will be the best judge. The smaller and sleepier the baby, the longer you can extend the time to capture newborn photos where they are curled up sweetly. It’s worth booking a newborn session in whilst you are pregnant to ensure the date you want is available. This can easily be moved according to the actual birth.
| Age of Baby* | General Expectations |
|---|---|
| Birth to 7 days | Super sleepy. Classic curled up sleeping poses are achieved at this age. Usually smooth skin with perhaps a few minor birthing marks (forceps etc). |
| 7 to 14 days | Sleepy. Generally easy to pose a well fed and comfortable baby for curled up photos. Smooth, clear skin. Ideal age to photograph. |
| 2 to 3 weeks | Babies have plumped up a little since birth and are generally more content during a session when they are well fed and slept. Lovely chubbier arms and cheeks can be photographed at this age. The chance of some sleepy shots is possible. |
| 3 to 5 weeks | Baby acne/pimples/spots start to appear and can range from a few tiny spots to large areas of inflamed skin. Can still be photographed however retouching may be necessary. Babies are becoming more alert and wave their arm and legs around so swaddling a baby for photos may be necessary. The chance of some sleepy shots is possible but don't expect these poses. Smiles may appear so that is a bonus at this age. |
| 5 to 8 weeks | Baby acne/pimples/spots may have appeared and can range from a few tiny spots to large areas of inflamed skin. Can still be photographed however retouching may be necessary. Babies are quite alert and may wave their arms and legs around so swaddling a baby for photos may be necessary. The chance of some sleepy shots doesn't usually occur and its generally harder to achieve perfectly posed shots. Babies can concentrate on your face so beautiful connecting moments can be captured. Babies can usually smile so I look out for them! |
*If your baby is prem or was born early, then they will be at a different stage to what is explained above.
Newborn tidbits
At this stage your baby’s eyesight is still pretty fuzzy. Babies are born nearsighted and can see things best when they’re about 25cm away, so they can see your face clearly only when you’re holding them close.
Newborns are interested in having eye-to-eye exchanges. Studies show that newborns prefer human faces to all other patterns or colours so mums and dads holding bub close allow those precious grimaces to come through.
At this age I focus on the softness of this age and because sleeping is what they do best, perfect time to capture the little hands gripping yours, baby feet and peaceful faces. ‘Beautiful moments like these make life so good.’
Even though you may have missed the ‘ideal’ age for what photos you had in mind, remember that any newborn photos are better than not having any photos. I will always create beautiful photos no matter what age your baby is.
♥
