baby girl posed in sage green surrounded by greenery -newborn photography style
When to Schedule Your Baby’s First Portraits
Capture your newborn at the perfect time with a stress-free, safe experience
Welcoming a new baby into your life is one of the most emotional, joyful moments you’ll ever experience. Naturally, many parents want to preserve those early days with beautiful, professional newborn portraits—but timing is everything.
So what’s the best age for newborn photography?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ideal time frame, why it matters, and what to do if you’ve already passed that “sweet spot.”
When Is the Best Time for Newborn Photography?
The ideal window for a newborn photography session is between 5 to 14 days after birth.
During this time, babies are:
- Sleepier and easier to pose
- Still flexible and naturally curled from the womb
- Less prone to baby acne or colic
- Comfortable being swaddled or held in fetal-like positions
These factors make it easier to capture the cozy, dreamy images that many parents envision when they think of newborn photography.
Why 5–14 Days Is Considered the “Sweet Spot”
At just a few days old, your baby is still adapting to the world. This transition period—when they’re mostly sleepy and love being swaddled—creates the perfect conditions for gentle posing.
By the third week of life, babies begin to stretch out, become more alert, and are less likely to sleep through posing. That doesn’t mean you can’t take newborn photos later, but the style of the session will likely shift to more awake, natural, or lifestyle-type images.
Can I Still Do Newborn Photos After Two Weeks?
Absolutely! While the classic newborn poses may become a little trickier after 14 days, many photographers (myself included) happily work with babies up to 6 weeks old and beyond. Older newborns can still be swaddled, photographed awake, or captured in your arms for more candid, emotive moments.
If you’ve missed the early window, don’t worry—you haven’t missed the opportunity to capture your baby’s story.
Tips for Booking at the Right Time
- Book during pregnancy. I recommend reserving your spot in the second or early third trimester. We’ll pencil in a date based on your due date and adjust once your baby arrives.
- Flexibility matters. I only take a limited number of newborn sessions per month to allow wiggle room for early or late arrivals.
- Don’t wait to reach out. Even if your baby is already born, it’s worth checking availability! I may still have space to fit you in.
Final Thoughts: There’s No Wrong Time to Celebrate Your Baby
While there’s an ideal age for posed newborn portraits, the best time to take newborn photos is the time that works for you and your family. Whether your baby is 7 days old or 7 weeks, what matters most is capturing this chapter of life before it fades into memory.
📸 Ready to Book Your Newborn Photography Session?
At Chieu Lee Photography in Chantilly, VA, I specialize in safe, heartfelt, and timeless newborn portraits. Let’s find the perfect time to celebrate your little one’s arrival.
👉 [Contact me today] to secure your session or ask any questions!
