I’ve been incredibly fortunate in the last year and a half to get to photograph a number of beautiful newborns and their proud (albeit tired) parents in their newborn photoshoot sessions. There is nothing more special than getting to capture those early days; the ones that go by so fast. Especially for brand new parents, it can be an overwhelming time – that by the time they figure each other out, the new baby is no longer a teeny, tiny newborn -rather an infant ready to grow and explore the world around them.

I have many parents-to-be asking me when the best time to photograph their newborn is.   The simple answer is: the earlier the better.

Specifically, though, between 3 and 13 days.

Why does my Newborn Photoshoot have to be in that age range?

Well – it doesn’t HAVE to be. But according to newborn photographers who have been in the game for much longer than I have been – between 3 and 13 days old is the time at which baby is the sleepiest and most malleable (for lack of a better term). It is during this time that you (the parents) and I (the photographer) are able to “pose” or move baby around without too much disturbance (hopefully!). This time is especially crucial if you are planning on having Anne Geddes-like studio newborn photos.

I, personally, prefer to capture baby and parents in their “natural habitat” – ie. in the home. I am a lifestyle photographer, which means I try to avoid artificial lighting and sets.   So your newborn photoshoot with me will be a few hours when I try to capture mum and dad (and any siblings) bonding with baby. Those little forehead kisses; counting all those itsy, bitsy fingers and toes; the proud momma and poppa gazes – all in the comfort of your own home.

Due to my style during my newborn photoshoots, it is actually okay to do it after that specific window. I’ve personally photographed a newborn as young as 5 days old as in the case with Nathan, and as “old” as a month as in the case with Penelope. For some, baby needs some assistance when being born and they can sometimes have some awful bruising due to the use of forceps or a really obvious “cone head”. Some parents would prefer if we hold off until these things have healed– and at the end of the day, I’m happy to oblige.

If you have any questions or concerns about booking a newborn photoshoot- please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m always happy to answer any questions.

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Toronto Lifestyle & Travel Photographer

Specializing in business lifestyle portrait photography, maternity photography newborn photography, couples and engagement photography, family photography, fur family photography, pet photography, event photography, retreat photography, travel photography

Serving the GTA, Toronto, Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Markham, Whitby, Muskoka, Parry Sound District, York Region, Halton Region, Durham Region, Niagara Region, Worldwide, International, Destination