Best Age for Newborn Photoshoot:
I have been doing newborn photography for more than 10 years, and I want to share my professional recommendation about the best age for a newborn photoshoot.
Most photographers say that the ideal time is up to 21 days old. They explain it this way:
1) The baby is still very small.
2) They can sleep deeply through the whole session.
3) No colics yet.
4) The baby can easily be posed in all classic newborn positions.
And yes, this age is perfect for many reasons.
But my favorite age is 6 weeks! Let me tell you why.
Why I Love 6-Week-Old Babies for Photoshoots
1) The baby’s face already looks more defined, without swelling, with clear and beautiful features.
2) Many babies at this age can already look straight into the camera – these photos are always parents’ favorites!
3) They still sleep very well. Colics can happen, but with wrapping, the gas goes away and babies calm down.
4) Most of the newborn poses are still possible. Wrapping not only looks beautiful but also helps to relax the baby.
5) By 6 weeks, the baby’s skin is usually perfect – no acne or puffiness.
6) They don’t poop as often anymore, which makes the session easier.
Tricks and Tips for 5–7 Weeks Old Photoshoots
Babies between 5–7 weeks are already a little bigger and stronger, remember it!
1) Wrapping – Almost all babies up to 8 weeks old love to be wrapped tightly. Wrapping calms down almost any baby and helps them sleep deeply.
Be sure to swaddle well, because these little ones are already strong!
2) Proportions – In wrapping, the body may look big. Place the lower body deeper into a basket/prop so the head is on top – this visually balances the proportions.
3) Family portraits while the baby is wrapped – It’s usually better to let Daddy hold the baby. In his hands, the baby appears smaller than with Mommy. Make sure the baby’s lower body is positioned behind Daddy’s elbow – this helps to hide and balance the proportions of the baby’s body (see family pictures below).
4) Composition tip – Position the baby so that the lower body is hidden behind Dad’s arm (check the sample photos below).
5) Use Parents’ Hands as a Prop – You can create many different pictures with just the parents’ hands on a simple one-color backdrop on a beanbag. This not only shows how tiny the baby is compared to adult hands, but also creates a strong feeling of protection and care.
6) Safety first – When the baby is on the tummy in a prop, for example a bed prop, make sure a parent or assistant is always close by to prevent falling.
The older the baby gets, the higher the risk that they may roll over, so keep that in mind.
7) Crying – Babies 5–7 weeks cry louder than newborns, but don’t worry. Stay calm, start with wrapping, and once the baby falls asleep, you can carefully unwrap.
My Usual Workflow with 5–7 Weeks Old Babies
Usually, when parents bring their baby, the little one is still asleep. You can place the sleeping baby in one of the baskets, dressed in their own clothes, and capture lifestyle-style photos. Once you change the clothes, the baby will most likely wake up.
1) Beanbag poses – Start with simple back poses. At this age, babies are curious and enjoy when you talk to them.
This is the perfect moment to capture eye contact, as they often look straight at you. Using bright objects can also help catch their attention.
2) Props (baskets, boxes, heart bowl) – If the baby is still in a good mood, gently place them into one of the props. Keep talking and engaging with them, as this helps capture natural expressions and keeps the baby comfortable.
3) Wrapped poses – Wait until the baby sleeps and do a full series of wrapped photos, changing fabrics and colors.
4) Family portraits – Take photos with parents while the baby is wrapped
5) Unwrapping – Slowly unwrap the baby and capture poses on a small bed or beanbag (hands under cheeks) and in a basket (hands under the face).
6) Family portraits, second setup – the baby lying on a parent’s chest, or the parent holding the baby’s head in their hand. These photos always look timeless.
7) Shadow photos with parents – These photos are always among parents’ favorites because they feel like true family art.
Final Thoughts
Many photographers prefer working only with babies up to 21 days old, and yes – this time is magical. But don’t be afraid to book a session at 5–7 weeks. With the right approach, wrapping, patience, and professional techniques, you can still achieve stunning newborn-style photos and capture your baby’s unique beauty.
Personally, I love 6 weeks because babies already show personality, parents get more variety in photos, and we can still keep the sweet newborn feeling.
