When Is the Best Time for Newborn Photos?
One of the questions I get asked the most is:
"How old should my baby be for newborn photos?"
My answer?
It depends on your baby... and it depends on the style of photos you love.
For those beautifully wrapped, sleepy, squishy newborn portraits with tiny curled-up poses, flaky skin, fuzzy shoulders, and all of those brand-new little details, I recommend scheduling your session within the first 5–15 days after birth. During those first couple of weeks, babies tend to sleep more deeply and naturally curl into those classic newborn poses.
But what if that's not your style?
Maybe you love natural moments. Maybe you want your baby awake, stretching, making eye contact, or simply being held in your arms. Maybe your dream photos are less posed and more focused on your family's connection.
If that's you, I have some good news.
You don't have to rush.
For relaxed, baby-led, lifestyle-inspired portraits, I photograph newborns any time during the first eight weeks.
I know... eight weeks?!
Yep.
I've been photographing newborns for over 20 years, and I can honestly say it was only within the last decade or so that photographing babies within the first two or three weeks became the industry standard. When I first started my career, the "newborn stage" was generally considered the first three months of life.
So before we even talk about timing, I like to ask parents two simple questions:
1. What style of newborn photography do you love?
Do you picture those sleepy, wrapped portraits with every tiny detail preserved? Or are you drawn to natural, unposed images that celebrate your baby's personality and your family's connection?
2. When do you feel comfortable bringing your baby out into the world?
Every family is different.
Some parents can't wait to get out of the house after the first week. Others prefer to spend several weeks settling into life with their new baby before scheduling photos.
There isn't a right or wrong answer.
My goal is to create a session that fits your family, not force your family to fit someone else's timeline.
My Recommendation
If you love:
Wrapped poses
Sleepy portraits
Tiny curled-up poses
Close-up detail images of fingers, toes, peeling skin, fuzzy shoulders, and tiny lashes
I recommend scheduling your session during the first 5–15 days, with up to about 20 days still working beautifully for many babies.
If you love:
Baby-led sessions
Natural expressions
Awake portraits
Parent cuddles
Lifestyle-inspired images
Connection over posing
Then don't stress about the calendar.
Anytime during the first eight weeks can be absolutely beautiful.
At the end of the day, there isn't one "perfect" age for newborn photos.
There's only the age that's perfect for your baby, your family, and the memories you want to preserve.
If you're expecting and looking for a newborn photographer in Modesto or the Central Valley, I'd love to help you create timeless portraits that fit your family's style. Contact me here to reserve your due date or learn more about my newborn sessions.