A common question I get a lot is how old is too old for newborn photos? Honestly you’ll get a million different answers from every photographer.
Newborn pictures are typically taken within the first two weeks of a baby’s life, but some photographers may consider babies up to six weeks old as “newborns” for the purpose of a photo session.
However, it is important to see that the older the baby, the less likely they are to sleep through the session and pose in the curly, womb-like positions that are characteristic of newborn photography.
That being said, there is no hard and fast rule about the latest age for newborn pictures, as every photographer has their own approach and style.
Photographers typically prefer to take pictures of newborns within the first two weeks of their life because during this time, babies are more likely to sleep for long periods of time and be more cooperative during the photo session.
Also, their bodies are more flexible and they can be easily posed in the curly positions that are characteristic of newborn photography. As babies grow older, they become more alert and active, making it difficult to capture those peaceful, sleeping shots.
Will I turn you away if your baby is older than 2-3 weeks? NOOOOOOO. I will do your newborn photos at any age. I have done newborn photos at 3 months old! Bring me your baby, I’ll capture them beautifully.
Want to see some more newborn photos? Or Maternity photos? Click here!
You are looking to book a newborn session for your baby. How do you pick? How do you book your session? How old should your baby be? Do you need all of the props? Here are the top questions I get about booking a newborn photographer Katy
Let me help you by answering the top questions I get as a newborn photographer in Katy.
When should I book my newborn session?
How old should my baby be for their newborn session?
Can I bring my other kids and do family images as well?
Do you have a studio or shoot in the clients home?
Do you provide all of the outfits and props or do I need to bring them?
Are you trained on photographing newborns? Are you new?
How long does a newborn session typically last?
What if my baby needs to nurse or feed during the session?
Do you have a time limit on your sessions?
What is the latest age for newborn pictures?
*When should you book your newborn session? Every photographer is different for this, but ideally you should book during your first or second trimester. This makes sure the photographer has your due date available! Most photographers only book a certain amount of newborns a month, make sure you are in there!
*What age should your baby be for their newborn session? Newborns should be between age 5-14 days old for their newborn session. Why? Because this is the time frame where they are the most sleepy and posable. They are still used to being inside your stomach, so they fold up really well. After two weeks, most babies start being alert and having more wake times
*Can I bring my other kids and do family images as well? Every photographer is different, so make sure you ask this question. For me, the price is exactly the same whether you photograph just your newborn or if you include your whole family. I even provide hair and makeup for mom at no additional cost.
*Do you have a studio or shoot in the clients home? I have an in home studio where I shoot all of my newborn sessions. I do travel to clients home upon request for an additional travel fee. Why? It takes over an hour just to load the car with all of the equipment and props! Whew!
*Do you provide all of the outfits and props or do I need to bring them? I provide all of the newborn props for my sessions. I have bonnets for boys and girls, rompers, outfits, bows, crates, bowls, wreaths, tiny baby beds, and more! I even have the gowns and dresses for momma and sister!
*Are you trained on photographing newborns? Are you new? This is a good question to ask! If you have a low budget, you’ll have to use someone that is just starting out. But you want to make sure that they know how to handle newborn babies! You do not want to just hand your precious newborn over to anyone. I am not new, I have been photographing newborns since 2015. I am trained by other photographers to pose and handle newborns in a safe way.
Take this pose for example. If a new photographer saw this, they would think the baby is sitting up unsupported. That is not the case. The baby is in a little hole in the rug and the baby has a little neck brace support under the wrap. Additionally by hand is right outside the frame just in case he were to startle. This is safe if shot properly, but can be VERY unsafe if not done correctly.
*How long does a newborn session typically last? My sessions average around 2.5-3 hours long. This includes family and sibling portraits. I do not time my sessions. Meaning, if your little one takes longer (due to feeding or needing additional time being settled) then we will simply take longer. I will never cut your session time off.
*What if my baby needs to nurse or feed during the session? I can guarantee you that they will! Most babies need to break the session up and nurse or feed for a bit. That is totally fine. If someone tries to push through your newborn session and not feed your baby, they are more worried about their time and not your baby. Do not let that happen! Your baby calls the cues.
Newborn photographer Katy
*Do you have a time limit on your sessions? This is a great question to ask your photographer. Most newborns take around 2.5-3 hours long, but some of mine have taken up to 5 hours! On the other hand I have had some done in just an hour. I do not time my sessions because I do not know how your baby will be during the session. I do not want you or your little one stressed out. Make sure you ask your photographer this! What happens if my baby cries and we cannot get the shots within your time frame? They need to have a back up plan for you.
*What is the latest age for newborn pictures? I have photographed newborns up to 3 months old. This is not ideal, but it is possible. A photographer should never turn you away because your baby is to old. The session will last a lot longer, simply because it is harder to get them asleep between each pose. But it is not impossible!
