What Is The Best Age For A Newborn Photo Shoot? 

Preparing for your newborn portrait session will make your experience seamless and stress-free. I am often asked, “when should newborn photos be taken?” Some photographers want to say that it only lasts for 10 days after birth, but I disagree. That arbitrary date comes from portrait studios that offer elaborate posing with props. I don’t do that. I am a lifestyle photographer and capture new babies at home with their families. My goal is to create memories that feel timeless and natural. So, if you have missed that first week or didn’t feel up to it, it’s not late! Babies just get cuter with age, so take the time to get photos made of this momentous occasion. The right time for a newborn photo shoot entirely depends on how the family is feeling and when a portrait session feels right.

I also feel strongly that Mom should feel well enough to be in the photos herself, and sometimes that takes a while. Having an infant at home is exhausting. You might need some extra time before you’re ready to have a camera pointed in your direction, I get that. I want you to love the finished photos, so if waiting another week helps, that’s perfectly fine.

Read on for some tips for newborn sessions that will make the experience something you will look forward to. Most families really enjoy the experience, and it’s much more relaxing and stress-free than you might think! 

When should newborn photos be taken?

If you do feel like you can swing it, I find that under 10 days is easiest, as Baby is still sleepy and ready to relax into your arms for a while. They are less alert which makes it easier for close-ups of their face, lips, toes, ears, swaddled and cuddled.

Is 1 month too old for newborn pictures? 

No way! If you don’t mind having baby awake, it’s fine. If you’d like to have your baby interact with you, consider this time. At his stage, babies can typically hold their heads steady themselves, are smiling and have become more expressive. If we’re lucky, she might even push up a bit while on their tummy, for a quintessential baby pose. 

Nap times at this age are also easier to predict, so we can plan on a good time when Baby has slept. Of course, we will always make time for feedings and diaper changes during the photoshoot. We want everyone to be happy and not feel rushed, so I build this time into the session.

Can we include siblings?

Absolutely! One of the most important things to remember for sibling family photography is that many times we just have to let kids be themselves. There’s a lot less pressure if we don’t have a preconceived notions of the perfect shot. I always aim for two different poses with siblings.  It’s awesome when we get both but often you just need one great portrait to mark this time. I often like to either have siblings and baby on a cozy rig on the floor, where I can photograph from above.  It’s nice because they can get more cheek to cheek and this is much easier than a toddler trying to hold the baby and keep the baby safe. 

No matter what the ages of the siblings, portraits of them interacting with the baby is precious.

Some siblings feel shy, and want only to touch their hands. Others are thrilled to have a chance to hold the baby on their lap, with a big grin. Whatever the case may be, this newborn session offers an opportunity to capture memories of all family members with the newest addition. 

Can the dog be in photos?

Of course! I am a dog fanatic, so including your furry child can be a great memory. Of course each family can gauge the safety of this, etc. But, I have had some wonderful experiences. 

Will the photo session only be of the baby?

No way! I can’t stress enough how important that parents are included in the portraits. The most meaningful photos are those that celebrate the family relationships. I love photographing Mom and baby gazing at one another, Dad putting baby’s hand in his.  Images that reveal intimate interactions are powerful. I want you, and your children, to have those memories.

What should baby wear for newborn photos?

Start with a white or pastel ones, with arms and legs exposed. We want as much skin exposed as possible. We might put a wrap on the baby or just have baby in a diaper with a cute diaper cover. Let’s capture their luscious skin cute baby rolls! I like the idea of revealing their small and adorable baby body rather than covering it with clothes.

What should parents wear for the newborn session?

For mom, soft neutral tones such as white, grey,  and beige photograph beautifully against your baby’s skin. Feel free to pull a few things out of your closet for me to peek at. A maxi dress, or a stylish sweater over leggings or jeans is pretty, as well as anything you feel good in. 

What color is best to wear in pictures?

For newborn photos, it’s a great idea to stay in the neutral, light pastel color range. We want the aesthetic to be light, crisp and soft. The focus of the photos is on baby details and relationships, so keeping to solids helps the eye stay on those moments. 

For Dad, I recommend jeans and a neutral t-shirt or a button-down shirt. Make sure you are able to roll the sleeves and leave the shirt untucked. V-neck sweaters look great over button-ups as well in the wintertime.

What should siblings wear?

For siblings, dress in similar color tones, but don’t be afraid to let them wear something that shows off their personality too!   Avoid patterns and bright colors.  

How to Book a Newborn Photo Session

It will be harder for first-time parents to know when the time is right. I would suggest contacting me at least two months before your due date and plan a session in the first two weeks after the birth. I am very flexible, so I will ask you to give me a call about a week before you are feeling like you would like to book the portraits. 

Before Your Session

When you book we’ll schedule a telephone consultation where we’ll plan your session. This is a time for you to tell me all about your family and what you’re hoping for from the photographs so that I can tailor the shoot to you. 

At this point we’ll also discuss timings to make sure we work around naps and feeds, and your baby is well rested for the session. I’ll also share lots of practical tips to help you prepare from preparing your home to what to wear, and answer any questions that you have.

A few days before I’ll get in touch again to run through all of the final details, and make sure you feel prepared for a relaxed, enjoyable session.

Viewing the Images

Around a week after your session we will meet on Zoom to review the portraits together. This is when you see the photographs from your session for the first time, and choose your favourite pictures. Take the time to discuss how you want to display the portraits in your home or if you’d like an album instead. Many families will invest in a mix of digital photos, prints and wall art.

Congratulations, I’m so glad you found me! If you are looking for natural newborn photography in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Marin, San Jose or Palo Alto, I would love to chat. Preparing for your newborn portrait session can be fun, please reach out to me soon!