Last week I answered the question:  When should I book my newborn session?  (click to read)

This week we will be taking about how old your baby should be at her session.

Every photographer has a different age range for newborns.  Some like to photograph your baby in the first 3-7 days. Others are more relaxed and say up to 20 days old.  Me?  I’m kind of somewhere in the middle.

Earlier is better

Many photographers tend to go with the “earlier is better” approach.  And I don’t disagree with them.  The younger your baby is, the more likely they are to be extra super sleepy and more bendy which helps them move into the adorably sweet poses.

However, I don’t want you leaving the hospital on Monday and heading right over to my studio.  You need some time as a family.  To bond.  And rest.

If you are breastfeeding it may take a few days for your milk to come in too, and until that happens, baby will be a little bit fussier as well.

I suggest babies come in starting at 5 days old.  Would I take a 3 day old baby?  OF COURSE!  And she will probably be a perfect little angel the entire time!  I just don’t want you to feel pressured that you need to bring her in right away.

Older babies are more difficult

It’s true.  The older your baby gets, the less likely he is to sleep for your session.  However, with my super mad skilz, we will get your baby in a nice deep sleep so we can get those sleepy newborn shots, regardless of how old he is.

He may not curl up as small as a 5 day old baby, but it doesn’t mean your photos will be any less sweet!  They will just be different, which isn’t a bad thing at all!

We will still be able to do wrapped photos, photos with mom, dad, and siblings, and posed photos as well.

So what’s the answer?

I would say the ideal age range for newborn photos is between 5 and 12 days old.  I have photographed plently of 3 day olds and plenty of 16 day olds, and their photos are absolutely just as gorgeous as the babies who are 7 days old.

When you book your newborn session, we will tentatively schedule a date for about 7 days after your due date.  Of course, we will adjust this date when that little prince or princess makes their arrival, but it is just a “placeholder” on the calendar.

There will be another newborn Q+A next week, so be sure to keep tabs on the blog!  If you have a question you want answered, let me know in the form below!

Next week’s post is here:  Read about the differences between a Studio or Lifestyle newborn photography session

Want to learn more about booking your newborn session?  Click HERE to fill out the form and get in touch!

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