Are you wondering when is the best time to take newborn photos?

newborn wraped in green wrap sleeping in the basket
Want amazing photos of your newborn but not sure when to take newborn photos for the best results? Find out from a professional photographer!

When is the best time to take newborn photos?

Are you wondering when is the best time for photos of your newest addition? The answer may vary depending on who you ask, but typically, photographers say that the ideal time to photograph a newborn is when they are between 6-14 days old. The first weeks of your little ones' life are extremely important and full of changes. They grow and develop so quickly during this time! Newborn images capture all of the details of your baby's precious features, from their tiny toes to their softest skin. At this age, they are typically still sleepy and curled up in those cute newborn poses that we all love. However, every baby is different, so it's always best to check with your professional newborn photographer ahead of time to see what their preference is.

 

Keep in mind that some newborn photographers are usually booked well in advance, so recommended time to reach out and book your baby photos is when you reach your 2nd trimester of the pregnancy and schedule your newborn photos. I will book you in for a week after your due date, but we will get in touch when you let me know that your baby arrived and you are home from the hospital and I will schedule a newborn session based on how you and your newest addition will feel after giving birth.

 

newborn girl in the rust knitted outfit cuddling the sheep toy

 

Can we still do newborn photographs if my baby is older than 14 days and how old is too old?

Yes, it's never too late to get photos of your baby. You can still do a newborn photo shoot if your baby is older than 14 days. You may have to be a little more flexible with the poses and timing, but it is still possible to get beautiful photos done. Keep in mind that older babies tend to sleep less and be more active, so you may not be able to get all of the typical newborn photos that you want. But don't worry - there are plenty of other ways to capture this special time. Talk to your photographer about your goals for the session, and they will be able to help you plan a session that will work for you and your family. Posed newborn photos are the best to be done within the first 2 weeks of their life, but depending on the baby, we can still get some curly newborn poses done up until 4-5 weeks old. After that time, they are considered older newborn babies, and they will more likely be photographed in wraps and different baskets and props. Again, every newborn is different, so please consult with your favourite photographer to get detailed information.

 

At what time of the day is the best to capture newborn photos?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as each photographer has their preferences. However, many newborn photographers prefer to take pictures during the early morning hours, when the baby is typically well-rested and content. The natural light during this time of day is also very flattering and can help to create beautiful images.

 

Can we capture newborn pictures at our home?

 

Absolutely! Having a newborn baby is a special moment that you will want to remember forever! Having your newborn photos taken in the comfort of your home is a special, stress-free experience, designed to fit all the parents who will rather cuddle with their new bundle of joy than pack all the things and drive to the photo studio. I will bring all my studio equipment, props, wooden flooring, accessories, and cute little outfits for the session. Your house does not have to look perfect to create these memories. You just had a baby, which can be tiring and overwhelming, I understand! I will bring everything needed for these perfect images, all I need from you is a smile.

 


If you're thinking about having newborn photos taken at your home, there are a few things you can do to prepare your home ahead of time.

  • First, clear out any clutter and create a clean, simple space for the photos. You'll also want to make sure there's plenty of light in the room, so open up curtains or blinds beforehand.
  • Crank the heat. To make sure the baby will be cozy and sleepy for the session, please start warming up the area dedicated to taking photos of your baby at least 1 hour before the session. The ideal temperature is 26-27 degrees If they’re cold they’re likely going to be awake and/or upset.
  • A well-fed baby is a happy baby. Please feed your baby and burp the baby right before our session. This will ensure a nice sleepy “milk drunk” babe. I am happy to take as many breaks as the baby needs if he or she gets hungry during our shoot.

 

What if my baby will be awake the whole time of our session?

If your baby is awake for the whole time of our session, that's okay! We will still be able to capture beautiful moments and expressions. I may ask you to interact with your baby a bit more to keep them engaged, but overall there is no need to worry.

 

 

Do I need to reschedule the newborn session if my sweet baby has unclear skin and baby acne?

No, you don't need to reschedule a newborn session if your baby has unclear skin and newborn acne. Newborn acne is common and usually goes away on its own within a few weeks. Once you select your favourite images, I will sit behind my computer and do the magic. I will remove redness, peeling skin, rashes, and little pimples, basically, every imperfection that will disappear with time or that you wish to remove.

 

 

What to wear for your first photo session with your newborn?

I recommend a flowy dress, as there will be a lot of different poses, like standing up, sitting down, etc. and you will feel much more comfortable compared to a tight-fitted dress. If that is not your style and you wish to wear a dress that is more fitted to the body or you don't wish to wear the dress at all, that is completely fine as well! In that case, I do recommend that you wear underwear that is not showing. As part of your newborn photo experience, you will get fully guided support in finding the best outfits for having your first newborn family photos done and to look amazing

 

 

What to do with your favourite newborn photographs?

There are a lot of things you can do with your favourite baby photos. You can hang them up in your nursery, or put them in a photo album to look back on later. You can also send them to family and friends, or even frame them and put them on display in your home. Whatever you decide to do with them, just make sure you enjoy looking at them and cherish the memories they represent. All my photography packages include complimentary print credit, which you can use toward any of my wall art collections. Whether you love to display your favourite photographs as an artistic canvas, you love a huge panorama frame to be the centre of your home or you love the good old wooden frame, I got you covered! Please reach out to discuss the best way to display your photographs in your home.

 

 

 

Are you wondering when is the best time to capture newborn photos?

Since you are looking at "Are you wondering when is the best time to take newborn photos?", I’d love to chat with you about your maternity and newborn photography needs! Click this link to view my work and let’s start the conversation!

 

I'm Eva!

Auckland Maternity, Newborn and Family photographer

south auckland portrait photographer elia making memories

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