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What’s the Best Time for Newborn Photos

What’s the Best Time for Newborn Photos

Newborn photos in the studio of baby chin on hands. Baby is holding a stuffy.

As a Philadelphia Newborn and baby photographer, I have one of the most significant jobs.  I get to snuggle babies all morning. Newborn photos are an investment in your growing family’s memories.  If you love those studio-posed baby portraits, scheduling is integral to your session.  If at-home lifestyle newborn photos are your style, perhaps you don’t need to worry about timing so much.  So, What’s the Best Time for Newborn Photos?

 

What’s the Best Time for Newborn Photos?

5 Helpful tips from you Philadelphia Newborn Photographer

 

new mom after giving birth holding her new baby in her hospital room.Your Newborn Photos

A newborn portrait session aims to capture your baby’s little features and the joy of your first days with your new family. Your new baby will never be this small again, and this is what you want to remember forever.
Babies are sleepiest during the first two weeks.  Because of this, the early weeks are best for photos.

 

dad laying on the bed holding his newborn baby girl.How Far in Advance Should I Schedule Newborn Photos?

Because the baby’s arrival is unpredictable, most photographers only take a limited number of due dates per month to accommodate early and late arrivals. Your booking is just a soft hold on a calendar.  It is highly recommended that you book your newborn photos while pregnant.  Most moms book their newborn photographer at least three months in advance.  This secures the photographer of your choice and ensures you have one less thing to worry about after the baby arrives.

The last thing you want to do after the baby arrives is googling for a photographer. Early booking lets you discuss your preferences and plan the session in detail, ensuring a stress-free experience.

asian baby boy studio photography with a dragon stuffy in head as we celebrate year of the dragon in philadelphiaWhat age Should My baby be for Newborn Photos?

When scheduling your newborn photos, the best time is between 1 and 4 weeks old.  Younger babies are best for studio photos. Babies at this age love to be swaddled and do not typically fuss too much when you move them in their sleep.  These natural behaviors at this stage make for beautiful newborn photos. During these weeks, there are certain days I like to skip; these include any days when the baby is experiencing a growth spurt.  Usually, babies cluster feed during these days, which means they feed more frequently and for longer periods, making them uncomfortable and likely to extend a session. I prefer to skip those days and see my babies in between these cluster-feeding days.

black and white photography of fist bump with dadCan I wait till my Baby is One or Two Months Old?

Older babies start to look less like a newborn baby.  At this age, babies have gained a good amount of weight. Most are not comfortable in a curled-up position. They are also not happy swaddled. After a month, babies are more awake and alert and do not like being touched or moved while in their sleep.   Babies at three months old can not hold their heads up. Usually, parents wait till six months old to capture the next stage to capture their photos.

at home newborn photoshoot with mom sitting at the window on her rocker. She is holding her swaddled baby in her arms looking down at him. My Baby is Here, is it too Late for Newborn Photos?

Congratulations!!!  Your baby has arrived, and you had a change of heart and want to schedule newborn photos; many moms feel the same.  Please don’t hesitate to ask if your photographer is available.  We understand that plans can change, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you, even if it’s a last-minute request.

What’s the Best Time for Newborn Photos?

As much as I wish I could freeze time, those first few weeks of your baby being so little go by faster than you think.  So what’s the best time for newborn photos?  Consider booking your newborn photos before your baby arrives.  The session should be scheduled when the baby is between 1 and 4 weeks old to capture your sleepy baby. These moments are precious and fleeting, so acting quickly is essential. 

Additional information about newborn photography at my Philadelphia Studio can be found at:

Diana Smyth Photography 

If you found this blog helpful, you might also be interested in:

5 Questions to Ask Your Newborn Photographer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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