The Perfect Age for Newborn Photos: Why Timing Matters

El Dorado Hills, CA Newborn Photographer

Welcoming a newborn is one of life’s most cherished experiences. Those first few days are filled with tender moments and precious details—tiny hands, sleepy yawns, and the way your baby curls up so naturally. Capturing these moments with professional newborn photography ensures you can preserve those memories forever. But when is the best time for a newborn photoshoot?

As a specialized newborn photographer in El Dorado County, I recommend scheduling your session when your baby is between 5 and 21 days old. This is the perfect time to capture the soft, sleepy poses that make newborn photography so special. Here’s why timing is essential for getting the most out of your newborn photos.

Why the First 2 Weeks Are Ideal for Newborn Photography

Babies are typically sleepier and more flexible in their first two weeks. During this time, they still naturally curl into those sweet, womb-like poses, which are perfect for newborn portraits. In these early days, babies also tend to sleep deeply, making it easier to pose them in those adorable setups.

At Nicole Allene Photography, I offer a variety of packages that cater to different needs, but for the best results, I always recommend scheduling the session when your baby is under 3 weeks old.

Comparison of a newborn at 10 days and 5 weeks during a photography session with Nicole Allene Photography

What If My Baby Is Older Than 2 Weeks?

While the first 2 weeks are ideal, I understand that life can be hectic after bringing your newborn home. I can photograph babies up to 5-6 weeks old, though after the 2-week mark, the session depends on your baby’s temperament. Older newborns tend to be more alert, which may make posing them in traditional newborn setups a bit more challenging. However, there are still plenty of beautiful moments we can capture!

If your baby is past 2 weeks but still under 6 weeks old, we can focus on more natural, awake portraits or wrapped poses that highlight your baby’s growing personality. Whether sleepy or wide-eyed, these sessions can still result in stunning, timeless images that you’ll cherish forever.

3-6 week old baby during a newborn photoshoot Newborn photographer El Dorado Hills, El Dorado County, CA Newborn Photography

The Importance of Booking Early

Because the newborn stage is so brief, I recommend booking your session during your pregnancy—ideally in your second or early third trimester. This allows us to secure a date on my calendar for when your baby is between 5 and 21 days old. At Nicole Allene Photography, I understand that babies don’t always arrive on their due date, so I always keep flexibility in mind when booking your newborn session.

Folsom Lake Maternity Session by Nicole Allene Photography

What to Expect From a Newborn Session at Nicole Allene Photography

At my newborn photography studio in Rescue, CA, I provide everything needed for your session, including a wide variety of props, wraps, and outfits for both baby and mom. My studio is designed with your baby’s comfort and safety in mind, and I’m trained in expert posing and newborn safety techniques.

Whether you choose a mini all-wrapped session or our deluxe package, you’ll receive beautiful, professionally edited photos that reflect your baby’s earliest days. My goal is to give you not just photos, but memories that you can treasure for a lifetime.

Newborn photography setup at Nicole Allene Photography studio in Rescue, CA.

Ready to Book Your Newborn Photoshoot?

Don’t wait too long to capture those precious early moments! If you’re expecting or recently welcomed your little one, contact me today to schedule your newborn photography session in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, or Roseville. Let’s make sure you don’t miss a single detail of this magical time.