When Should Newborns Be Photographed?

Hello there, tired-but-glowing parents! I’m Michelle Gunton, your friendly neighborhood baby whisperer and professional photographer serving Wake Forest and Raleigh, NC. If you’ve landed here mid-diaper change or during your 3rd coffee of the morning, welcome—this blog is for you.

So… when should newborns be photographed? Let’s break it down (and have a little fun while we’re at it).

The Sweet Spot: 5 to 14 Days Old

Most photographers—myself included—recommend doing your newborn photoshoot between 5 and 14 days old. Why?

• Babies are still in that adorable, squishy, sleepy phase.

• They’re more likely to stay curled up and calm (like a baby burrito).

• Fewer baby acne flare-ups and colicky episodes.

But let’s be honest: babies don’t always show up on schedule, and neither does real life.

Wait… Is 2 Weeks Old Too Late for Newborn Photos?

Nope! Not at all.
I photograph babies up to 4 or even 5 weeks old all the time, and guess what? They're still ridiculously cute. While they might be a bit more alert, we can still capture dreamy, heartfelt photos.

💡Pro Tip: If your baby is 3+ weeks, I may recommend more swaddled or lifestyle-style shots to keep everyone happy.

What Age Do You Do a Newborn Photoshoot?

If we’re talking the ideal window:
5–10 days old is prime time, but again—2–3 weeks works too. Some parents prefer to wait a bit, especially if their baby needs extra time at home or mom needs time to rest (which you absolutely deserve!).

And if your baby is over a month old? We just call it a “young baby session” and roll with it. The snuggles and snorts are just as sweet.

Book Early, Rest Easy

I recommend booking your session during your 2nd or early 3rd trimester. That way, I can pencil you in based on your due date, and we adjust once baby makes their grand arrival.

Final Thoughts from a Baby Whisperer (That’s Me!)

So no, 2 weeks isn’t too late. 3 weeks isn’t either. And if you’re sitting there wondering if you “missed the window”—breathe. We’ll make magic no matter what.

And yes, I’ve seen it all: explosive diapers mid-shot, spontaneous smiles.

My home studio is located in Youngsville just north of Wake Forest, and Raleigh, —let’s capture those early moments before they turn into crawling chaos.

Newborn Photography Wake Forest NC by Michelle Gunton Photography