When Should You Photograph Your New Baby? Pros and Cons Explained

When Should You Photograph Your New Baby?

As a newborn photographer, one of the most common questions I get is: “When’s the best time to photograph my baby?” The answer depends on the type of photos you’re dreaming of. Let’s break down the pros and cons of the most common timeframes so you can choose what’s right for you.

this newborn was 2 weeks old

1. Within the first two weeks (5-14 days)

Pros: This is the ideal window for those classic newborn portraits—curled-up poses, soft sleepy expressions, and tiny details frozen in time. Babies are still very sleepy and flexible, making it easier to capture those dreamy setups. Plus, baby acne and colic usually haven’t started yet.

Cons: Leaving the house or prepping the house for in home shoot (much harder than leaving!).

Also take into consideration your healing and cultural expectations (some clients have a period of ‘confinement’ post birth).

About half of my mom’s have to have a c-section and do still come to studio around 10-14 days post birth.

this baby was 4 weeks old

2. Weeks 2-6
Pros: If you miss the first two weeks, don’t worry! Babies at this stage are often more alert, which means we can capture sweet expressions and even some eye contact. They’re still tiny, so we can include some classic newborn-style shots, too.

Cons: Babies this age are starting to wake up more and can be fussier, which means extra time may be needed to soothe them during the session. Posing may also be a little less flexible and we won’t be able to do poses like froggie and ones that they need to more flexible for.

this baby was 6weeks old

3. 3-6 months
Pros: This is a fantastic time for milestone sessions! Your baby may start holding their head up, smiling, and showing off their personality. These sessions are full of joy and interaction.

Cons: You’ll miss the tiniest newborn stage, but you’ll gain incredible photos of your baby’s developing personality.

this little one was 4 months old

Ultimately, the best time to photograph your baby depends on what’s most important to you—those fresh, sleepy poses or more expressive, interactive moments. Whatever stage you choose, I’ll be here to help you create timeless, heartfelt portraits. Let’s chat about what works best for your family!