Newborn photography is a unique genre that requires a specific skill set outside of creativity and technical proficiency. In particular, one of the most important skills a newborn photographer can have is the ability to soothe, calm, and care for a newborn baby. An awake and fussy baby can make the newborn photo session challenging and can prolong the duration. This is why timing is so important. In short, the best time to do a newborn photoshoot is within 5 to 10 days of birth. And in regards to the time of day, the best time is typically during his or her nap time. In this article, we’ll dive into the topic of when to do newborn photography and provide you with essential tips in regards to the timing.
When to Do Newborn Photography: At a Glance
This guide covers the optimal timing for newborn photography sessions, from the best days after birth to the ideal time of day.
- Video Overview – Watch our visual guide to newborn timing
- Why Shoot Within 14 Days – The benefits of early sessions
- The 5 Days of Magic – The ideal window for newborn photos
- Best Time of Day – Scheduling around sleep and feeding cycles
- Frequently Asked Questions – Common newborn timing questions answered
When to Do Newborn Photography Video
Why Do the Newborn Shoot Within the First 14 Days of Birth
Newborns are easiest to work with within the first 14 days of being born. During this period, they are sleeping the majority of the time, and this makes it very easy to get them into poses without causing them too much discomfort.
In addition, because the newborn hasn’t been out of the womb for a long period, they are typically more “malleable” for lack of a better word. Essentially, from being scrunched up in the womb, they are more flexible, making it easier to move from pose to pose without causing any discomfort. Of course, be sure to still follow best newborn safety practices, as detailed in this article for first time parents.
Also, keep in mind that these tips are general “rules of thumb,” and every newborn is unique and different. For example, some may be jaundiced for several weeks while others may not have any. Some may have flakey skin, but no baby acne. Point being, if you can catch newborns within this window (whether it be 5, 10 or 14 days), the shoots generally go smoother and require less work in photo editing. Communicate with mom and see when she thinks would be the ideal time for her newborn as each case can differ.
If you plan a newborn shoot within the first 14 days keep in mind that the mom may still be recovering, so unless she’s feeling up to it be sure to let her relax during the shoot.
3 Reasons to Shoot Within the First 5 Days of Magic
The 5 days of magic is the most ideal time to shoot because it gives mom some time to rest, and the baby’s skin is in the best condition. In general, the best window during the first 14 days to shoot newborn photos is between 5-10 days after birth. Sometimes the window may be more towards the 2-week mark, but generally, our 5 days of magic are going to be within 1-2 weeks of birth. This period is often referred to as the 5 days of magic for the following three reasons:
1. No Umbilical Cord
After 5-7 days there is a good chance that the newborn’s umbilical cord will have fallen off, so you won’t have to compromise poses to try to hide the cord. However, in general, it can take anywhere between 1-3 weeks for the stump to fall off, so if it hasn’t, then you may want to Photoshop out any unpleasant bits of dried blood or scabs in the stump that aren’t concealed by the pose. Here, Ellie is right around 10 days and her stump has been off for several days already, but don’t freak out if your newborn still has her stump, it is normal.
2. No (or Less) Jaundice and Acne
During that magic window, the baby should be doing quite well and hopefully is mostly clear of any early set Jaundice. Again, this is a general rule, and circumstances will vary. Also, within that first 2 weeks, the baby should also be mostly clear of any baby acne which typically occurs 2 weeks after birth and can last a few months. Because of that shooting in this time window can save you a lot of time tweaking the colors to correct skin tones or spending unnecessary time fixing blemishes.
3. Mom Recovered
Can you imagine giving birth and then having to go home to a photo shoot? Being a guy, it’s tough to imagine, but I can sympathize. Shooting at least 5 days after childbirth gives mom some time to recover. Newborn shoots are tiring and can take hours, and when you leave the mom still has the newborn to take care of. Make sure to be considerate of the time you’re shooting in, and the mother will appreciate it immensely.
Best Time of Day for Newborn Photography
Now that we’ve reviewed the best days after birth to do a newborn shoot, let’s discuss the best time of day for newborn photography. In short, mornings are often the best time for newborn photography because newborns tend to be more relaxed, less fussy and more likely to sleep. However, every newborn is different, so it’s critical to discuss with the parents to understand the newborn’s feeding and sleeping cycle. Ideally, the newborn shoot is timed so that it coincides with their nap schedule, after they are well fed. This can be in the morning or the afternoon.
When consulting with parents before the session, ask them to track their baby’s patterns for a few days leading up to the shoot. Most newborns fall into a feed-sleep cycle that repeats every 2-3 hours. You want to begin your session right after a feeding when the baby is drowsy and content. A full belly means a sleepy, cooperative subject. Some photographers even ask parents to keep the baby slightly awake before the session so they’ll be ready to drift off once they arrive at the studio or once you arrive at their home.
Room temperature also plays a significant role in keeping newborns calm and sleepy. Keep your shooting space warm, around 75-80°F (24-27°C), to mimic the warmth of the womb. A cold baby will wake up and become fussy quickly. White noise machines or shushing sounds can also help maintain that sleepy state throughout the session.
Frequently Asked Questions About Newborn Photography Timing
Can you do a newborn photoshoot after 2 weeks?
Yes, you can absolutely photograph newborns after the 2-week mark, and many photographers do so successfully up to 6-8 weeks after birth. The sessions may take longer since older babies are more alert and less likely to sleep through posing. You may also encounter more baby acne or skin changes that require additional retouching. The key is adjusting your expectations and allowing extra time for soothing and feeding breaks.
How long does a newborn photography session typically last?
Most newborn sessions last between 2-4 hours, though this varies based on the baby’s temperament and how many setups you plan to capture. Sessions within the 5-10 day window often run more smoothly and may be on the shorter end. Always build in extra time for feeding, diaper changes, and soothing. It’s better to book a longer window and finish early than to feel rushed.
What if the baby is premature or spent time in the NICU?
For premature babies or those who spent time in the NICU, timing recommendations shift based on their adjusted age rather than their birth date. Consult with the parents and, if appropriate, their pediatrician about when the baby is ready for a session. Some families prefer to wait until the baby reaches what would have been their original due date. Always prioritize the baby’s health and the family’s comfort level over capturing the “ideal” timing window.
Should I book the newborn session before or after the baby is born?
It’s best to tentatively book the session before the baby arrives, typically scheduling it for 7-10 days after the due date. Once the baby is born, confirm with the parents and adjust as needed based on the actual birth date and how mom and baby are doing. This approach ensures you have time reserved on your calendar while remaining flexible to the unpredictable nature of childbirth.
Conclusion
So in conclusion, you can shoot newborn photos up to 8 weeks after birth. But we recommend shooting within the first 14 days, and if you can help it, within 5-10 days of birth. This “5 days of magic” window gives you the best combination of a sleepy, flexible baby with clear skin, while also allowing mom adequate recovery time. Try to align the shoot with the baby’s nap schedule, which is often in the morning time, but can vary based on each newborn’s unique patterns.
Remember that communication with the parents is essential. Discuss timing expectations during the booking process, and stay flexible as the due date approaches. Every baby and every birth is different, so being adaptable while aiming for that optimal window will set you up for successful newborn sessions. For more information, see our article on newborn photography tips.
