Best Age for Newborn Photos in Raleigh, NC
If you’re expecting or you just had a baby, you may be wondering, “When is the best time to schedule newborn photos?”
While there is some flexibility, I typically recommend newborn sessions take place when babies are around two weeks old.
At this stage, babies are usually still very sleepy, which makes it easier to gently pose them in those soft, natural positions you see in newborn portraits. As babies age, they become more alert and their wake window extends. This is great for development, but not so great if we want those sweet sleeping photos.
At the two week mark, they’re also still nice and curly from being tucked in for nine months, which adds to that classic newborn look. Some of my favorite poses are when they are swaddled with their legs crossed and curled up, showing off those sweet baby toes. As babies inch closer to the one month mark, they lose that “newborn scrunch” as they start to gain control of their muscles.
Another reason I recommend the two-week mark is that many babies haven’t yet developed newborn acne. While acne is completely normal, photographing babies earlier can help keep the focus on their tiny features. And, selfishly, it helps me out tremendously when it comes to editing.
That said, every baby is different. If your baby is older than two weeks, it doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance at a newborn photo session in Raleigh. A newborn sessions can absolutely still happen — they may just take a bit longer, and your baby may be more alert. I always follow baby’s lead and allow plenty of time for feeding, soothing, and breaks as needed. This is especially true for preemies or babies who have had a NICU stay.
Newborn Photography Timing for Preemies or NICU Babies
For preemie newborn photography, timing looks a little different than it does for full-term babies. Instead of focusing on the typical two week window, the most important factor is always your baby’s health and readiness.
The first step is hospital release. Your baby must be fully cleared to go home and stable enough to travel safely before we even think about scheduling a session. Just keep me in the loop! Your tentative newborn session date is exactly that - tentative. It can be adjusted as needed.
From there, I often look at adjusted age, which is based on your baby’s due date rather than their birth date. For many preemies, the ideal window for that sleepy, curled newborn look is around 2–3 weeks adjusted age. This allows time for your baby to grow, settle, and regain some of that natural newborn sleepiness.
Flexibility is key here. Some preemies are ready sooner, while others need a bit more time — and that is completely okay. I always encourage parents to communicate openly with me about their baby’s health, weight, and NICU stay so I can help guide you to the best timing for a successful and safe session.
If your baby is a bit older — even 2–3 months old — but still small, newborn sessions are absolutely still possible. These sessions may include fewer sleepy poses and focus more on awake, interactive images, tiny details, and natural moments. They are just as meaningful and beautiful, simply different.
The Most Important Thing
Whether your baby arrives early, spends time in the NICU, or follows a more traditional timeline, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to newborn photography. My priority is always your baby’s comfort, safety, and well-being.
If you’re expecting and searching for a Raleigh newborn photographer, the best time to reach out is during your second or early third trimester. We can tentatively plan your session and adjust once your baby arrives — especially if flexibility may be needed.
If you’d like to learn more about what happens during a session, you can read all about what to expect at your newborn session here, or reach out to book your newborn photography session in Raleigh.
