There are a lot of factors that come into play when scheduling your newborn photo session. My sessions are done in exclusively lifestyle/documentary style. For lifestyle newborn sessions, with no extensive posing with beanbags or baskets, there is no single best age for newborn photos.
You are not limited to the 5-12 day window after birth optimal for posing babies while they are still very sleepy. My style is focused on documenting life with your new baby and the connections you are creating as a family. I have photographed families in-home as soon as the day after a baby was born up to 3 months. They are all considered newborn sessions and we get amazingly real photos no matter what time-frame you choose. If you choose a session in the first week or two the baby will less interactive, but tiny details are key. For older newborns photographed after the first month, they are much more alert, but they have changed so much since they came into the world.
DID YOU HAVE A C-SECTION?
If you had a c-section you may decide to schedule your in-home newborn session between 2-3 weeks to give you time to cover. Some of my favorite newborn photos are moms holding their little ones so we want to make sure you are comfortable and can pick your little ones up without issue.
ARE THERE SIBLINGS?
If you have other children, such as toddlers under the age of 4, it would benefit to wait at least 10 days for your in-home newborn session. This gives everyone a chance to get used to the new baby in the house and get some mommy & me time for the siblings.
WANT TO INCLUDE THE GRANDPARENTS IN SOME PHOTOS?
If you have grandparents coming to meet the baby, try to time your in-home newborn session to coincide with their visit. They won’t be included in the entire session, but having them participate at the end produces amazing heirloom images your kids will thank you for later.
SO, WHAT IS THE BEST AGE FOR NEWBORN PHOTOS?
ANYTIME that is best for you to schedule them! Don’t miss out on documenting them in their first year of life. If you missed that brand new baby stage, that’s OKAY. Just don’t wait anymore!
