Welcoming a new baby into the world is such a joy – and it goes by in the blink of an eye! One of the most common questions I hear as a newborn photographer in Forest, Virginia is: “What is the best age for newborn photos?”

1-3 weeks of age is usually the sweet spot. But that doesn’t mean it’s too late if your baby is a little older. This post will highlight baby Jack’s 6-day-old portrait session as a perfect example. I’ll also talk about photographing older newborns (up to 6 weeks old) and why you can still get beautiful photos even if you missed that early window.

Jack’s Session- 6 Days Old

Meet baby Jack. I photographed him when he was just 6 days new, and his session shows exactly why this stage is often called the golden window for newborn photos. Typically, babies under two weeks old tend to be very sleepy and still naturally curl up the way they did in the womb. That means we can capture those dreamy, cozy poses with ease. But it doesn’t always work that way! I’ve learned that it is better to go with the flow and let the baby lead the session. If a baby is more content in a swaddle, we can still get plenty of beautiful images.

During Jack’s session, he had some awake periods but did drift off to sleep through swaddles, gentle posing, and outfit changes. We captured all the tiny details that change so quickly – tiny toes, curled-up fingers, and peaceful little expressions. His parents now have beautiful photos that will always remind them of just how small and brand-new he once was.

Why 1-3 weeks Is Ideal

Most photographers recommend scheduling newborn sessions between 1-3 weeks old. Here’s why:

Sleepier Babies – In those early days, babies sleep most of the day, which makes it easier to gently pose them without too many interruptions. A baby who is in a deep sleep makes it easier to capture more squishy up poses without waking up.
Curled-Up Poses – Babies are still flexible and naturally tuck their legs and arms in, which makes for those sweet, womb-like positions.
Fresh Newborn Details – Their tiny features, from flaky skin to soft hair, are still so delicate and new. Your newborn photos will capture exactly what they looked like when they were still brand new.
Easier to Soothe – With a full tummy and a cozy swaddle, most babies drift right back to sleep, making the whole session calm and smooth. In Jack’s case, a short nursing break and some gentle rocking was all he needed to drift back to dreamland.

In short, the first 1 to 3 weeks of life the “perfect, golden window” for newborn portraits. But every birth story and every baby are different. Some babies are born premature or some might arrive late. Some need a little extra time in the hospital or at home, and that’s okay! No matter the age, we can still collaborate on a plan to get portraits that you will love.

Photographing Older Newborns- Yes, we can! Up to 6 Weeks Old

So, what if your baby is already a month old or more? The good news: it’s never too late. I’ve had “newborn” sessions up to 6 weeks of age (and beyond) and the images are every bit as meaningful.

With older newborns, the session looks a little different. By 4–6 weeks, babies are more awake and alert, which means we often capture bright eyes, sweet smirks, and growing personality. They’ve filled out a bit, so you’ll see more of those adorable chubby cheeks and little baby rolls. When I photograph an old baby, the approach might be a little different because the baby will probably be awake for most of the session. And that is perfect because it gives us the opportunity to capture more interaction between mom/dad and the baby. The pictures with baby gazing up and mom, or grasping dad’s finger just melt my heart!

The poses might be simpler, swaddled, cuddled in your arms, or snuggled with siblings, but the connection and emotion are just as beautiful. Parents often love seeing those wide-eyed expressions that younger newborns are typically too sleepy to give just yet.

Baby Honor was 1 month and 1 day old in this beautiful portrait.

The bottom line is: If your baby has already arrived and you’re worrying you “missed” that tiny newborn window – take a deep breath. You can still capture gorgeous portraits of your newborn at 3, 4, 5, or 6 weeks old. (and beyond!) The images will be a little different from the super-posed sleepy shots of a 7-day-old, but they will be just as beautiful. In fact, many parents adore seeing their baby’s growing personality shine through at one month old. We’ll adjust our approach and embrace whatever stage your little one is in. As an experienced newborn photographer, I’ve worked with babies of many ages, and I can confidently say: every age has its own magic to cherish

When to Book Your Session

If you’re expecting, it’s best to book your newborn session while you’re still pregnant so we can pencil in a spot around your due date. That way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing we’ll capture your baby during that ideal first two weeks. Newborn Photographers can take a limited number of sessions, so most parents book during thier second trimester to secure their spot. When you reserve your session, I will pencil you in for 1 week after your due date, but babies arrive on their own timeline, so we are flexible with dates.

But don’t stress if life got busy and your baby is already here. Maybe you found yourself sleep-deprived with a 3-week-old when you realized you never scheduled newborn photos, it’s okay! Reach out anyway. I always do my best to fit in older newborn sessions when possible. My goal is to deliver beautiful images of your baby at any age, whether they’re 6 days old or 6 weeks old.

Ready to book your newborn photoshoot? I’d love to help you document this special time for your family. Whether it’s the dreamy newborn photos at 6 days old like we did for baby Jack, or a heartwarming 6-week-old newborn session full of smiles and cuddles, I would be honored to photograph your family’s newest addition. Feel free to reach out to me to schedule your session or ask any questions. I’m here to help you every step of the way, and I can’t wait to create some gorgeous memories of your little one’s first days of life.