What is the best age to take newborn photos?

As a Munich Newborn Photographer, I am often asked the same thing: “When is the best time to take newborn photos?”. My simple answer: when it is best for YOU.

My longer answer? Well, it depends.

Every family has a different story with different needs and a different idea as to what newborn photos look like. Choosing when to take newborn photos depends on the type of session and the types of photos you want. It is also important to plan a session when it feels right to you as a new mom. As a lifestyle photographer, my focus is on the connection of the family as a whole, and that means we have a lot of flexibility with timing.

Your recovery and family needs will decide when you should take newborn photos.

My personal style and preference for photography is a mix between what photographers call “Lifestyle” and “Storytelling”. What it means in reality is that newborn photography happens anywhere between the first 5–15 days of life and up to 3 months old. There is flexibility and breathing room for real life and individual family’s needs and preferences.

Every birth and postpartum experience is different. Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all plan where you will know exactly how you’ll feel and when. The last thing I want you to be stressing about during this vulnerable and sensitive time is finding the “perfect” time to have newborn photos before it is “too late”. You’re already juggling so much. The end of pregnancy isn’t easy, you’ve just given birth, and now you’re juggling recovery, feeding, sleep (haha), and keeping a tiny human alive and safe (and you may have other kids on top of everything!).

That said, I think it is helpful to know what a newborn session can look like at the different stages so that you can make a decision that feels best for your family.

The “Golden Window” for newborn photos

If you’re envisioning those extra peaceful, sleepy photos where your baby is curled up and looking utterly serene, then you are likely thinking of the “Golden Window” for newborn photos. During the first two weeks, it is easiest to gently guide babies into those classic, natural poses without much fussing. Babies under two weeks are often still very sleepy making for a calm and smooth session.

Most families I work with choose to have newborn photos taken around 5–10 days old. This sweet spot allows families the chance to settle in a bit while still capturing them at their tiniest. You’ll be surprised how quickly they grow!

After about two weeks, there is a a growth spurt and a shift in how your baby behaves. Just as soon as you feel settled in, your baby starts to wake up to the world around them. They will begin to stretch out their limbs more, they become more alert, and they often become more senstitive to being moved around. A once deep sleeper, may now startle and take more efforts to settle into sleep.

Does this mean I missed out if my baby is older than 2 weeks?

Not at all!

The best part about lifestyle newborn photography is the flexibility. There is really no set-in-stone date as to what the best age to take newborn photos is. There are just different outcomes with different ages and with different babies.

And honestly, that’s great news for parents.

We’ll approach the session differently and instead focus on on capturing those interactive moments like their big eyed gazes, their yawns and cuddling close with you. Ultimately, whether we’re capturing those first week sleep poses or the curious, alert one-month-old, our end goal is always the same: to create beautiful, heartfelt photos that tell your family’s unique story.

Here’s an overview on what to expect at a newborn session based on age:

5-10 days

• Baby is at his/her most sleepy and most tiny
• Most will have re-gained birth weight / feeding becomes more established
• Jaundice improves
• Your postpartum hormones begin to stabilize

~10 Days

• Growth spurt, cluster feed, baby acne and/or flaky skin develops
• Routines start to appear and everyone starts to feel a bit more settled

>2 Weeks

• Baby becomes more alert
• However, baby may feel more unsettled between 3–5 weeks which mean cluster feeding and witching hour may be your new norm

6-8 weeks

• Baby tends to feel more settled, awake and curious
• Baby is often starting to smile
• Sibling bond has the chance to develop

A Few Common Questions About Newborn Photos

Planning a newborn session can feel like one more thing on a neverending to-do list. I’m here to help make it easier. Here are some simple answers to the questions I hear most often from Munich families.

What If My Baby Arrives Early or Needs NICU Time?

Life doesn’t always go to plan, and that’s perfectly okay. If your little one decides to make an early entrance or needs a bit of extra care in the NICU, please don’t worry about the photoshoot.

Your’s and your baby’s wellbeing is the only thing that matters. We simply adjust. The “golden window” for sleepy, curled-up photos will be based on their corrected age and, more importantly, when they are home, healthy, and ready. Just keep me in the loop, and I promise no matter what time we find, it will be the right time.

Is It Too Late If I’ve Missed the Two-Week Window?

Absolutely not! While those first two weeks are ideal for capturing those sleepy, womb-like poses, there is so much beauty in photographing an older newborn. It’s not a missed opportunity; it’s just a different one.

Lifestyle sessions are perfect for babies aged 3-12 weeks. We shift our focus to capture their budding personality—those first wide-eyed gazes, tiny stretches, and heartwarming cuddles with you. These moments are every bit as special.

How far in advance should I book?

Now that you know a bit more of what to expect when you’re taking newborn photos, when should you book a photographer?

I encourage you to book while pregnant, especially in your second trimester. Booking early gives you one less thing to think about and ensures you won’t miss out on the timing you hope for the most. Remember, there’s no need to set a final date until your baby arrives.

If your baby is already here, you’re not too late! Reach out as soon as possible and we’ll get you on my calendar.