Capturing those first few weeks of a newborn’s life is a magical experience, and for many parents, it’s a moment they want to remember forever. But when is the best time to photograph a newborn? While you can take photos at any stage, there’s a sweet spot between 5 and 21 days after birth that offers the most ideal conditions for those adorable, sleepy newborn portraits. In this blog post, we’ll dive into why this timeframe is perfect for newborn photography and how to make the most of your session.
Why 5-21 Days is the Ideal Window
Sleepy and Flexible Poses During the first few weeks, newborns tend to sleep a lot, making it easier to capture those serene, peaceful poses that are iconic in newborn photography. Babies in this age range are still in what many refer to as the "womb-like" phase, where they curl up naturally and are generally more flexible. This makes it easier to pose them in those adorable, curled-up positions without causing any discomfort.
Minimising Colic and Baby Acne Around the three-week mark, some newborns start to develop baby acne or experience more frequent bouts of colic, which can make them fussier and harder to soothe. By scheduling the session between 5 and 21 days, you’re more likely to avoid these common issues, resulting in a smoother session and better-quality photos.
Newborns are More Malleable Babies are incredibly flexible during the first three weeks, making them easier to pose in those sweet, curled-up positions that everyone loves. This flexibility starts to diminish after the three-week mark, as babies become more alert and begin to stretch out and resist being posed.
Capturing the Newborn Look The first few weeks of a baby’s life are a time of rapid change. By photographing your newborn within the 5-21 day window, you’re capturing them at a time when they still have that distinctive “newborn look” – the tiny, delicate features, the soft, downy hair, and the oh-so-cute newborn expressions. These features start to change quickly as the baby grows, so it’s the perfect time to capture these fleeting moments.
Preparing for the Perfect Photo Session
Scheduling in Advance It’s a good idea to book your newborn photo session while you’re still pregnant. Many photographers recommend scheduling your session based on your due date, with the understanding that the date may need to be adjusted once the baby arrives. This ensures you secure a spot within that ideal 5-21 day window.
Keeping the Baby Comfortable Comfort is key for a successful newborn session. Make sure your baby is well-fed and has had a good sleep before the shoot. Photographers often keep the studio warm and use white noise or soft music to create a calming environment for the baby. Bringing familiar items like blankets or pacifiers can also help keep your baby relaxed.
Timing is Everything Try to schedule the session at a time when your baby is usually sleepiest. This is often after a feeding. A well-fed, sleepy baby is more likely to be calm and relaxed, allowing the photographer to pose them more easily and capture those beautiful, peaceful shots.
Prepare for the Unexpected Remember, babies are unpredictable! It’s normal for a session to take longer than expected due to feeding breaks, nappy changes, or simply taking a few moments to calm a fussy baby. Don’t stress if things don’t go exactly according to plan – experienced newborn photographers are used to working on the baby’s schedule and will have plenty of patience.
What to Expect During the Session
A typical newborn photography session can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, allowing plenty of time for feeding, changing, and soothing the baby as needed. Photographers will usually have a variety of props, blankets, and backdrops to create a range of looks and styles. Safety is always a top priority, so poses will be carefully monitored to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable at all times.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best time for newborn photos can make all the difference in capturing those precious early moments. By scheduling your session within the 5-21 day window, you’re more likely to get those dreamy, sleepy poses and timeless images that families cherish forever. Remember, these early days are fleeting, so take the time to plan your newborn photoshoot and preserve these memories for a lifetime.
With a bit of preparation and the right timing, your newborn photography session can be a beautiful and stress-free experience, resulting in images that you and your family will treasure forever.
Comments