How to Choose the best time to take lifestyle newborn photos || Blaiss Family in Raleigh North Carolina

How to Choose the best time to take lifestyle newborn photos.

I’m often asked about the best time to take lifestyle newborn photos. The answer is, “it depends”. Every family is unique and has different goals for newborn pictures. Choosing the best time for your newborn photos depends on type of photos and session you want. It’s also important to choose a time that works well for your family. Since I specialize in lifestyle newborn and family photography sessions, I’ll share my recommendations from that particular perspective. Follow these three tips to help you choose the best time for your family’s lifestyle, newborn session.

FatherHoldingHisChildInHisArms
YoungBoyLookingAtHisNewBornSibling
MotherHoldingHerNewBornInHerLap
MotherHoldingHerNewBornInHerLap
FamilyOfFourSittingTogetherOnACouch

For photos that show how new and little your baby is, have photos taken when he is 7-14 days old

Many parents want to document those precious details when their baby is still so small and brand new. If this sounds like you, then you might want to consider taking newborn photos during the first two weeks after birth. This is also a great time to take photos if you love sleepy baby images since babies are more likely to sleep a lot during the first few weeks of life.

YoungBoyLookingAtHisNewBornSibling
FamilyOfFourPlaningOnTheBed
FatherHoldingHisNewBornInHisArms
MotherPlayingHerHerNewBornOnTheBed
FatherHoldingHisNewBornInHisArms
FatherHoldingHisNewBornInHisArms

If you prefer some time to settle in at home, plan photos when your baby is 2-4 weeks old

When it comes to lifestyle photography, there are no rules or restrictions about the best age for newborn photos. That’s great news for parents who may prefer to wait a few weeks to settle in at home with their new baby before having a photo session. Whether you’re bringing home your first baby or your second or third, settling into life with a newborn is an adjustment–especially if you have other young children. You don’t need any added pressure to schedule your session soon after birth. Instead, consider planning your session when your baby is between two and four weeks old. This still allows us to capture those fleeting first memories of life with your new baby. But, it also gives you a chance to catch your breath a bit before your session.

MotherKissingNewBornsHeadWhileFatherHoldsHimInHisLap
MotherHoldingHerNewBorn
FamilyOfFourLaughingTogether
FatherHoldingHisNewBornInHisArms
FamilyOfFourLaughingTogether
FamilyOfFourLaughingTogether
MotherAndFatherLookingAtTheirNewBorn

For more alert photos of your baby, schedule your session between 6 weeks and 3 months 

If you’re hoping to capture your newborn when she’s a bit more alert, consider scheduling your session when your baby is older than four weeks. By six weeks, your baby may be sleeping less, making for a greater likelihood of us getting images of her looking intently into your eyes. Those are among my most favorite newborn photos to capture because as a mom, I know how special and fleeting those moments feel.

After the first month of life, it’s also likely that you baby’s personality will have begun to emerge. If you’re hoping to capture more of her personality and more alert photos, consider having photos taken between six weeks and three months. Of course, there’s no guarantee that your super smiley baby will give us great grins during her photos, but it can’t hurt to hope she does!

Scheduling a session later is also a good option if you had a baby during winter and prefer to book an outdoor spring session rather than an in-home newborn session. 

MotherHoldingHerSonInTheKitchen
MotherAndFatherLookingAtTheirNewBorn
FatherSmilingHoldingHisNewBornInFrontOfAWindow
MotherHoldingHerNewBorn
MotherSnugglingWithHerNewBornInBed
MotherHoldingHerNewBorn
MotherSnugglingWithHerNewBornInBed
FamilyOfFourWalkingDownTheStairs
FamilyOfFourWalkingDownTheStairs

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Hello there and thank you for stopping by! I’m Katrina, the heartbeat behind Fifty Two Hundred Photo + Film, in Durham, North Carolina. I specialize in capturing meaningful and precious memories for remarkable families in North Carolina. I hope you enjoyed this story I shared today and if you are interested in learning more about The Time Capsule membership, or let’s connect. Not quite ready to connect, but you would like to follow along the journey? Follow me on Instagram and let’s be friends!


Katrina is a family photographer and family filmmaker in Durham, North Carolina. She offers lifestyle newborn photography, family photography and family videography which focuses on capturing authentic and honest moments for families. Her clients love that not only do they get digital files from their session but artwork to display in their home. She is happy to custom albums so you can revisit your favorite memories for years to come! Be sure to check out the Adobe partnership to see Katrina sharing her knowledge on capturing magical light to highlight the essence of each family. 

Want an easy way to make something beautiful out of all your phone photos and videos? Learn more about the Time Capsule Membership here

Katrina serves Durham, Raleigh, Cary, Carrboro, Apex, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

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