What age is best for newborn photos?
What age is best for newborn photos?
My newborn photography sessions in Cornwall happen ideally before 2 weeks old. That said, I can photograph newborns up to 6 weeks old.
How old should a baby be for newborn photos?
My favourite time for newborn photography is between 6-10 days old, when babies tend to be sleepier and curled up from the womb. I try to get my clients in before baby is 14 days old, if possible.
Is three weeks too old for newborn photos?
Not at all, although some newborn photographers don’t photograph babies older than 2 weeks old. I welcome all ages and parents are prepared so that they know what to expect for their session, depending on their baby’s age. The older a baby is, the more they will have changed from the tiny early days, but they are still smaller than they will be again, and there is always so much to capture.
When should I book my newborn photoshoot?
Get in touch and book your newborn photoshoot while you’re pregnant, in the second trimester if possible.
The most frequently asked questions I get as a newborn photographer in Cornwall are when to book a newborn photoshoot and how old baby should be when the session takes place.
The short answer is that most newborn sessions take place within the first couple of weeks after birth, but if your baby is older than that, please don't panic. Beautiful photographs can be created at every stage.
Visit my Newborn Photography Cornwall page to see some work from previous newborn photoshoots.
Why 6-10 days old is the ideal age for newborn photos
You’ve seen that my ideal time for newborn photography is 6-10 days old. But why is that?
I’ve been photographing newborns with their families for many years now, and there are a few reasons why I prefer to get them into the studio between days 6 - 10.
They tend to be sleepiest. With the average newborn sleeping for 18 hours or more in those precious first weeks, bring them in within this time means that we’re more likely to have a calm, settled session and resulting sleepy baby images that everyone loves so much.
Earlier than day 6 may be a bit too soon for baby and mum to have recovered from birth. The earliest I’ve photographed a newborn is 5 days, but most are around 7-10 days old which is perfect.
So soon after birth, babies are also still very supple and curled up from their position in the womb, which means they can fit into your hands and you can get a lasting memory of how tiny they were.
* Remember to book in for a maternity photoshoot too, to get the full story captured!
At around 2 weeks old, newborns go through a growth spurt which can lead to cluster feeding and an unsettled session, so I aim to get them in before that starts.
Two weeks old is also the time that it’s common for newborn skin to break out in baby acne, and this is also when colic can start to become an issue. So getting them photographed before this all happens makes sense, during the initial calm period.
My personal reason? When you have a baby, it’s at around 2 weeks that you start to realise how much they change in such a short time. Irrespective of their skin or temperament or how much they sleep, every day marks the beginning and end of something in the world of a newborn. When you’re learning a new life and falling in love with this brand new tiny person, every little detail consumes you, until it’s gone and then there’s something else in its place. During the newborn stage these micro phases are so fleeting, but they’re all real. Having some of them captured will forever remind you of that strange dream like stage, full of details that came and went without warning.
When they go through a growth spurt they seem to change overnight. It is the first time you understand why people keep telling you to savour these moments, as they really are slipping through your fingers faster than you expected.
There are many features that newborns have within that very beginning stage which are literally only there for a week or two. So that is what is lovely to capture, plus the incredible mix of newness, tiredness and hormones - it’s a dreamy time that feels very sacred and special, and one you’ll want to never forget.
What if my baby is already 3 weeks old?
I don’t expect everyone to arrive on day 6 feeling back to normal after having a baby, and it’s different for everyone. You may feel that you need an extra week or two to feel ready to come out, and that’s ok.
I have photographed countless babies that are older than 2 weeks. It’s common to have to wait because of infections, post-natal recovery and other factors.
It is still absolutely possible to have a newborn session if they’re slightly older. There may be more awake eye contact, and the session may even be less settled, but I do love to capture the extra stretches and expressions, and they are still smaller than they ever will be again.
If you’re coming in with a baby who is between 2-4 weeks old, please don’t worry.
When should I book my newborn photoshoot?
The ideal time to make your newborn photography booking is during pregnancy (in your second trimester if possible).
We’ll schedule in your newborn session for around 10 days after your baby’s due date. Your session can easily be moved earlier or later depending on when baby arrives (and how things go). The reason I highly recommend booking well in advance is that I can keep my diary flexible for you.
What happens if my baby arrives early?
If your baby is born prematurely, depending on how early, we can still time the session based on your due date. There is no need to feel like you have to come in within 2 weeks - unless you’re all doing well and want to. It’s sometimes worth waiting for baby’s features to develop and for them to grow a little.
What if you’ve missed the ‘ideal’ window?
I have photographed babies of all ages, from 5 days up. In truth there is no wrong or bad age. In terms of newborn photography, you may have to adjust your expectations if they’re 6 weeks old - you might not get the same results as you would at 1 week.
It may be a session where your baby is awake the whole time. But I always embrace whatever each session brings, whether the curled up sleepiness of a 1 week old, or the eye contact of older babies, with their emerging personalities and the extra family connection.
The most important thing
While there is an ideal window for the quintessential newborn features of those tiny early days to be photographed, the truth is that no matter how old they are, it’s the same love you’ll feel, and the images will always capture that.
You will not love your baby any less at 8 weeks than you did at 2 weeks. In fact, your bond will have grown and you’ll be feeling clearer and more confident, so really I think of every age as having its own advantages. I love capturing the tentative, tender first few weeks, but I love older babies just as much too. Do don’t feel like you’ve missed anything if you come in for an older baby session. My approach stays the same.
While there is an ideal window, the thing that matters most isn't whether your baby is 8 days old or 18 days old, it’s preserving this fleeting chapter before it disappears.
Frequently asked questions
Is 6 weeks too old for newborn photos?
If you want fast asleep, curled up like a pretzel then maybe, but if you don’t mind some wide awake, more expressive shots then 6 weeks old is not too late.
What if my baby won’t sleep?
For newborns under 2 weeks, it’s unusual to not sleep at some point during their newborn photoshoot. I keep my studio warm to aid sleep, and use a white noise for extra help with falling asleep. I do photograph babies if they’re awake, and sometimes it’s a mixture of awake and asleep, or just one or the other depending on the baby and other factors on the day.
Can siblings be included?
Yes absolutely - siblings are always welcome.
How long does a newborn session take?
I’m normally done within 1.5 - 2 hours tops. This is because I am experienced and skilled in dealing with newborns and families, and also because of my approach and style. If a baby is unsettled a session may take longer - there is no strict time limit.
What should baby wear?
I ask that babies are dressed in easy to remove clothing as they will usually be just in their nappy, simply swaddled. You don’t need to buy or provide any special clothing or photo outfits.
If you're expecting a baby and wondering whether it's the right time to book, I'd be happy to answer any questions. Just get in touch.
I recommend booking your newborn photography session during pregnancy, with the exact date confirmed once your baby arrives.