When is the ideal time frame for a newborn photography session?
- Jami Newman
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
If you’ve recently found out you’re expecting (or you’re counting down the days with a watermelon-sized belly), you might be wondering—when’s the best time to do newborn photos? As a Utah newborn photographer, this is one of the top questions I get from parents, right after “What if my baby poops during the session?” (Answer: It happens. I have extra diapers, wipes and linens. We’re good.) So let’s chat about the sweet spot for capturing all those snuggly, sleepy, squishy newborn photos you’ll treasure forever.
The Magic Window: 5 days to 14 days old
The best time to photograph your newborn is typically between 5 and 14 days after birth. During this little window, babies are still in that gloriously sleepy, curl-up-in-a-ball stage. They love being swaddled, they snooze like champs, and they generally let us pose them into those adorable squishy poses that mimic what life was like for them in mama's belly.
Their skin is usually looking good by this point too—less flaky, less red, and before baby acne decides to make its dramatic debut. Basically, it’s prime time for capturing that fresh newborn magic.
What If My Baby Is Older? Can I still book a newborn photography session?
Life with a newborn can be a blur. So many feedings and diaper changes, along with sleep deprivation and hormone swings. If you’re past that two-week mark and starting to panic because you haven’t booked newborn photos yet—take a deep breath! You haven’t missed your chance. I’ve photographed babies at 3, 4, even 6 weeks old. They may be more awake, a little wigglier, and have stronger opinions about being swaddled, but we’ll still get beautiful photos. If your baby is older than 6 weeks, I suggest booking a milestone session, which is much less posed and focuses more on capturing your baby in the stage they are in at the time - wide eyes, yawns, and sometimes a smile or two!
Pro Tip: Book your session before baby arrives!
I recommend booking your newborn photography session while you’re still pregnant—ideally during your second or early third trimester. I’ll add your due date to my calendar, and once baby arrives, we’ll lock in a session date. Newborns have a habit of ignoring our schedules, so I keep some wiggle room open each week just for them.
If Baby Arrives Early or Needs Extra Time
Totally okay. Whether your little one makes an early debut or needs a little extra time in the NICU, we’ll work together to find the best time for photos. Every baby’s journey is different, and I’m here for it all—with flexibility, patience, and a warm studio ready whenever you are.
Bonus: Let’s Make It Easy on You
My studio is stocked with everything you need—blankets, wraps, props, a comfy spot to sit, and snacks (because, yes, new parents need snacks too). I also offer beautiful wall art, canvas prints, and heirloom albums so you don’t have to let your precious photos live in your phone’s camera roll forever.
If you're looking for a friendly and experienced newborn photographer here in Utah who’s ready to capture your baby’s tiny details in photos you will treasure, I’d love to chat!
Click here to contact me and we can plan a dream session for you!
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