January 11, 2026
You’re a Richmond, Virginia mom expecting your sweet new baby in just a few months, and capturing those first family portraits and tiny newborn details are so important to you. But, you’re not quite sure about the best age for newborn photos. As a newborn photographer, I get this question often. So, here’s a brief guide on how old your baby should be for newborn photos.
The Perfect Age for Newborn Photos
How Old Should My Baby Be for Newborn Photos?
For those cozy and sleepy newborn portraits, it’s often best to photograph baby within their first two weeks of life. While this might sound early, keep in mind that newborns grow so quickly, especially in those first few weeks. If you want to freeze time on those moments when your baby is so small, with the tiniest details – think fingers, toes, nose, back wrinkles, and more – planning photos during this time is so important.
Not to mention, some newborns start to get fussier around 3-4 weeks old, and this is also often when they start to develop baby acne. If we’re unable to schedule a session within those first two weeks or so, we may find it’s best to wait until after they’ve reached 4 weeks old. Every baby is different, so we can talk more about your baby’s own development to see what works best.
What if I Miss the Ideal Age for Newborn Photos?
Preemies, NICU Babies, and Other Special Considerations
If your baby is born very early, has a NICU stay, or another special situation, there’s no need to worry about the timing for your newborn photos. What’s most important during this time is your baby’s health and safety. We’ll model flexibility and schedule photos for the time that’s best for your baby. It can also be helpful to keep in mind that your baby may be given a corrected age, which takes into account how many weeks early they were born. So, it’s possible their newborn photos could still take place during the two week window, developmentally. But even if they’re older than that, it’s okay. Just touch base with me, and we can talk more about the best time for your baby.
Some families eager to document their babies early on choose to schedule a session during their hospital stay. It’s best to check with your baby’s healthcare team to see when would be the best time for your baby’s personal situation.
How to Book Newborn Photos at the Right Time
When to Schedule a Newborn Session
Newborn sessions are one of the few photography sessions that aren’t as flexible with scheduling. Babies are typically born around their due date, and there are only so many days where your schedule and your photographer’s schedule may line up perfectly. Your photographer will likely have other photography sessions during that same timeframe and can only take on so many newborn sessions due to the window of time that they would likely be born. If you have a newborn photographer in mind, it’s best to book them early on in your pregnancy to reserve your spot on their calendar. If you decide later on in your pregnancy, I encourage you to still reach out! You may be able to book one of their few remaining newborn sessions.
The Recommended Age for Newborn Photos
I hope you’ve found this guide helpful to learn more about the best age for newborn photos. Keep in mind there are so many factors that can come into play, and a different age may work best for your family’s needs. If you’re looking for more information on how to choose your newborn photographer in Richmond, I created a guide to support you in your decision. If you’d like to learn more about my sessions as your Richmond newborn photographer, feel free to contact me today.
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