The Best Age For Newborn Photoshoot | JnR Photography

Most newborn photographers recommend scheduling your baby's first photo shoot within the first 7 to 14 days. This timeframe allows you to capture those precious, fleeting moments while your baby is still sleepy and settling into their new surroundings.

You may think this timeframe is quite early in a newborn's life - but that is the point. You (or your photographer) will be able to capture precious photos while your baby is in those very sleepy stages of life. As your baby ages, he/she will become more alert and aware of their surroundings - making a traditional newborn photo shoot of older newborns that much more difficult.

If you aren't able to schedule a newborn photo shoot within that window of time, not to worry. You can still get beautiful photos of your baby up to 4 weeks (some even say 6 weeks). Anything beyond this and your photoshoot should change to an actual family session instead of a newborn photography session.

Again, it is best to wait 7 to 14 days before scheduling a newborn photoshoot. This gives them time to adjust to life outside the womb and prevents them from being overstimulated.

To prepare for the shoot, make sure you:

• Feed your baby right before the session so they are content and not hungry. This could also help them sleep.
• Dress them in loose, comfortable clothing
• Keep the studio warm so they are comfortable. Your photographer will ensure its warm and comfortable.
• Bring along any items that will make them feel more at ease, such as a blanket or toy

Most importantly, always make sure your baby is safe and never put them in any positions that could put them at risk. It's very important to hire a professional newborn photographer that is very experienced with newborn photography and how to handle a newborn safely.

The answer may not be as simple as you think. In fact, there is no wrong answer when it comes to the perfect time to photograph your new arrival. It really depends on what style of newborn photography you are looking for. If you want those classic, very posed shots (like in the examples you’ve seen thus far), then you will want to book within the first week or so after your baby is born.

This is when they will be the sleepiest and you will be able to get those perfect posed shots. However, if you are looking for more of a lifestyle newborn session where the focus is on your new family and your everyday life with a new baby, then you can schedule your session anytime after about a month old.

Just be sure to be realistic. It's a good idea to book your session ahead of time. Many of the best newborn photographers in your area could very well be booked out for a week or more. Be prepared for this and schedule in advance!  Start looking and booking a few weeks out from your due date just to be safe.

No matter when you decide to schedule your newborn session, the most important thing is that you capture those precious first few weeks of life. They grow so fast and change so much in those first few weeks, so don’t wait too long to schedule your session!

When it comes to props, simple is often best. Newborns are small and delicate, so busy or complicated props can be overwhelming. A few well-chosen props can add interest to your photos without taking away from the focus on your baby.

Some ideas for newborn photo session props include:

• blankets (plain, patterned, or textured)
•  baskets
• bowls
• hats
• headbands
• scarves
• wraps

If you have any questions about what props to bring to your newborn photoshoot, your photographer will be happy to help you choose the perfect items.

There are a variety of different poses that can be used in newborn photography, but some of the most common includes swaddled shots, shots where the baby is sleeping on their tummy, and close-up shots of the baby's face. Swaddled shots are often taken when the baby is just a few days old, as they tend to sleep more soundly when they are wrapped up tightly.

Shots, where the baby is sleeping on their tummy, are also common, as this position helps to soothe many newborns. Finally, close-up shots of the baby's face are always beautiful and can capture all of their delicate features.

When choosing poses for your newborn photoshoot, it is important to consider what will make your baby most comfortable. Newborns tend to do best when they are warm and snug, so be sure to bring along plenty of blankets to keep your little one cozy. You should also avoid any poses that may put too much pressure on their tiny tummies. And, of course, always make sure to capture plenty of shots of those sweet little toes!

If you're not sure what poses will work best for your newborn, talk to your photographer ahead of time. They will likely have lots of experience photographing newborns and can help you choose poses that will showcase your baby's natural beauty.

Little baby blemishes (or baby acne), are incredibly common. This is something you shouldn't worry about, at all.

Assuming you're hiring a professional photographer that's great at editing their own work, you shouldn't worry too much about your newborn's blemishes. A pro will be able to edit out most, if not all, of the tiny details that you're fretting over. And, even if they can't edit everything out, the focus of the photo will be on your newborn's face and eyes- not their tiny pimple.

So, don't let a few blemishes keep you from getting beautiful newborn photos that you'll cherish for a lifetime.

The time should come down to what works best for you and your newborn.

Generally speaking, your session will take place in a studio. Studio sessions are easier for everyone. The time of day wouldn't matter much considering all lighting is created in the studio (as opposed to the sun during outdoor photography).

I thought it would be fitting to include a video that I highly recommend from Fenna&Photography!  She is an amazing photographer - this is a great watch for photographers looking to start taking newborn photos as well as parents wondering what to expect from a newborn photo session!

There you have it! You now know the best age for newborn photoshoot, how to prepare for a newborn photoshoot, and when to start scheduling for one!

Be sure to take a look at our other articles including, is getting into photography worth it, how to make more money using shootproof, and Sony A7iii vs Canon EoS R.

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Until next time, be safe and keep creating!