When to Take Newborn Photos

Newborn Photos Can be Taken at Different Stages

• During Birth

• Within 48 Hours of Giving Birth (i.e., “Fresh 48”)

• Within a Few Weeks

• Within a Few Months or the First Year

Ever meet someone who still refers to their toddlers by months vs. years? I once heard my friend tell someone that her daughter was 42 months. I couldn’t stop laughing. Feeling in denial about my own kids growing up, I know it’s tempting to still see our kids as babies… our babies and infants… and our infants as newborns. So, when is a newborn no longer considered a “newborn”? I think it’s subjective and more about semantics.

In my opinion — and from a photography standpoint, the transition from newborn to infant happens by around 3 months (and that might be a stretch); we’re usually talking about a regular family photo session vs. newborn session at that stage; however, there isn’t a huge difference since I don't incorporate props or stage newborns in poses — I have family members hold them just like I do in regular family sessions. There are certainly differences based on how many weeks or months old they are though, which I’ll break down here.

Most of my newborn sessions have been when the baby is two weeks old. It’s kind of a nice sweet spot, as it gives you time to heal and adjust, and the baby still looks very new. They’re also usually awake a bit more by this point so we get the best of both worlds — awake and sleeping photos.

During Birth

Birth photos happen, you guessed it, DURING birth! I don’t have many regrets in life, but the first that comes to mind is not having professional photos taken when my kids were being born. I realize this is not for everyone — or for most for that matter, but I’m the type who watched my babies being born through a mirror, so it’s not surprising that I would value birth photos. It’s literally life changing AND beginning. I can’t think of anything more raw and magical to capture.

Birth photos are best for those having a scheduled c-section or induction, as it’s not possible to schedule in advance otherwise.

If you’re giving birth at a hospital, you’ll want to make sure that they allow photographers in the room if this is something that you’re interested in.

Within 48 Hours (i.e., “Fresh 48” Sessions)

“Fresh 48” sessions are done within the first 48 hours of the baby being born — typically in the hospital, but can be done at your home if you only spend one day at the hospital. Of course, your baby will change in appearance every day, so having photos taken within the first 48 hours will preserve their earliest characteristics.

One consideration is whether or not YOU want to be in the photos. For many Moms, the thought of being photographed within 48 hours of giving birth is horrific, since most don’t look and feel like themselves at that point. For others who feel OK and either don’t care how they look or who somehow look great after giving birth, this can be a nice option (and please tell us your secret). 

Many hospitals have photographers on staff who make rounds and ask if you would like a photo session during your stay. You would need to check with your hospital to see if they offer this service. 

We used the hospital Photographer when both of my babies were born at Prentice Northwestern Hospital in Chicago. I opted to be in the photos with Dawson, but not with Dezy. Poor second child!

Within a Few Weeks

At around 1-2 weeks after birth, babies become a bit more alert (while still very sleepy), and most moms feel better around this point too, making it a great time to take photos.

Sleeping photos are adorable, but I’m personally a bigger fan of eyes open than closed… I love to capture connections. That said, babies will sleep when they want to and there’s not much we can do about that until they’re on a schedule, which typically doesn’t happen for several weeks.

Within 2 weeks is also good timing if you’re worried about baby acne. For some, baby acne will appear around 2-4 weeks, but that’s not universal (they could get it earlier) and some don’t get it at all.

Within a Few Months or the First Year

Your baby will change quickly — right before your eyes — every day. Every stage is special within the first year. The earlier you do it, the more newborn-like they will be. The later, the more baby-like. Smiles, sitting, walking… these are all amazing milestones that come at different times for everyone. 

There’s no right or wrong answer, but rather what works best for you!

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I hope this was helpful! If you’re interested in booking a newborn (or regular family) photo session, or have any questions, please contact me!