In my 15 years of experience, the best time to photograph newborns is within the first 10 to 21 days.

During this window, babies are still wonderfully sleepy but are starting to settle into a bit of a routine, making it the perfect time to capture those peaceful, posed moments. It also gives Mom some much-needed time to recover and allows the family to adjust to the rhythm of having a new baby at home.

I’ve come to realize just how important it is for families to settle into a routine before their newborn session. Giving parents those 2-3 weeks after birth to adjust, even if it’s just a small feeding and sleep schedule, can make a big difference in how smoothly the session goes. By then, parents have a better sense of their baby’s needs and patterns. Plus, it gives Mom time to recover, which helps her feel more comfortable and relaxed—something that can positively affect the baby’s mood during the session. I always want moms to feel at ease and comfortable in their own home.

Babies in this age range are typically still quite sleepy, making it ideal for capturing those serene, dreamy images. They’re also wonderfully flexible, allowing for gentle posing in those sweet, curled-up newborn positions.

At the same time, they’re starting to have brief moments of alertness, which means you might even get some beautiful eye contact during the session—creating stunning, unforgettable newborn portraits.

At 10-21 days old, babies still have all those classic newborn features—tiny hands, delicate feet, and soft, wrinkly skin—but these precious details start to change quickly as they grow. This is the perfect window to capture those fleeting moments before they evolve.

Because this timeframe is so brief, it’s important to book your newborn session in advance. Ideally, parents should schedule their session during the second or third trimester to ensure availability with their preferred photographer during this prime stage.