Mr Nicholas has been in front of my camera once already, but this time, he was no longer hiding in his mommy’s tummy 🙂 (we did his mommy’s maternity photoshoot a little less than 2 months before his newborn session) 🙂 She looked amazing as well!

For Nicholas’s newborn color scheme, his mama requested greens & blues and we also got lots of family & sibling photos! I really couldn’t pick a favorite. Big brother was a ham and totally loved baby brother and smiling for the camera! They both have such loving and sweet families, it wasn’t a surprise to see two happy boys. They are such a picture perfect family 🙂

Back to Nicholas… he did so great for his newborn session and slept so awesome. I am so thankful for the families that choose me to document their babies. To be apart of capturing these memories mean the world to me.

Want to book a session? Make sure to view prices and contact me! It’s always best to book in your second trimester to guarantee openings ? Newborns are best booked under 2 weeks so they’re still flexible and sleepy for their photoshoot.

San Antonio’s Premier and award winning Maternity & Newborn Photographer. Krystal Garcia Photography has been a Photographer in San Antonio & Surrounding areas for over 14 years and photographs Newborns, Maternity, Family and cake smash sessions She offers unique and customized photography that will be timeless in your home. She takes pride in her work and handles each newborn with ease and gentleness and carefully poses all family members and children so that each photo looks perfect. Krystal Garcia Photography includes digital images with every session and sells prints and canvas as an optional addition. Portrait sessions can be done in studio or outdoors. She offers sessions in San Antonio, Boerne, Bulverde, Helotes and surrounding areas. 

(Family, maternity & Child sessions can be done outdoors or in studio). For pricing and information on booking, please click this link. Thank you Pricing and information can be found under the pricing tab. All sessions are all inclusive and include digital images.

I have been a newborn photographer here in San Antonio and no matter how many times I have a baby come in, I get so excited 🙂 I had the pleasure of photographing baby while he was still growing in his mama’s tummy a few months ago and I was so thrilled to see how perfect he was at his newborn session. He’s actually moved for a milestone package and I’ll get to photograph him at a 6 month and one year/cake smash session.

For Gabriel’s newborn session, we did lots of family photos, photos with his mom and dad individually and then we moved on to just baby. His mom asked for white, turquoise, green and blue. All of the colors looked great on him 🙂 Did I mention how sleepy of a baby he was? Little pro at modeling already 🙂

 I am so glad this family chose me to document their baby ???? He was so great to work with ????

Want to book a session? Make sure to view prices and contact me! It’s always best to book in your second trimester to guarantee openings ? Newborns are best booked under 2 weeks so they’re still flexible and sleepy for their photoshoot.

San Antonio’s Premier and award winning Maternity & Newborn Photographer. Krystal Garcia Photography has been a Photographer in San Antonio & Surrounding areas for over 14 years and photographs Newborns, Maternity, Family and cake smash sessions She offers unique and customized photography that will be timeless in your home. She takes pride in her work and handles each newborn with ease and gentleness and carefully poses all family members and children so that each photo looks perfect. Krystal Garcia Photography includes digital images with every session and sells prints and canvas as an optional addition. Portrait sessions can be done in studio or outdoors. She offers sessions in San Antonio, Boerne, Bulverde, Helotes and surrounding areas. 

(Family, maternity & Child sessions can be done outdoors or in studio). For pricing and information on booking, please click this link. Thank you Pricing and information can be found under the pricing tab. All sessions are all inclusive and include digital images.

When Is the Best Time to Hold a Newborn Photography Session?

Capturing the First Moments of Your Baby’s Life: A Timeless Memory

What an exciting and unforgettable time this is! You’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of your precious little one, and you can already imagine how much joy and love they will bring into your life. As you prepare for baby’s arrival, one of the most cherished decisions you’ll make is scheduling their first professional photography session. These images will forever document the early days of their life—moments you’ll never want to forget.

But you might be wondering: When is the best time to take newborn photos? If baby has already arrived, you may be asking yourself how soon after birth you should book a session to capture those fleeting moments. Whether you’re planning ahead or already holding your bundle of joy in your arms, we have all the answers you need to help you decide when to schedule the perfect newborn photo shoot.

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The Ideal Timeframe for Newborn Photos

Newborn photos are best taken within the first 14 days of life. This is a crucial window to capture the most serene, sleepy moments that you may have seen in other parents’ beautiful newborn photos. Babies at this age are still adjusting to life outside the womb, which makes them sleepier, more flexible, and easier to pose into those cute, curly positions that are signature to newborn photography.

In the first two weeks, babies also still have that sweet, newborn “look”—soft skin, delicate features, and the slight remnants of that newborn fuzz that many parents adore. These are the moments you’ll want to immortalize in pictures before they start to grow and change rapid

Why Timing Matters

You might be wondering, “Why is timing so important for newborn photos?” The key reason is that newborns are at their most pliable and peaceful in the first few days of life. This is when they are still in that sleepy phase, and they tend to sleep deeply during sessions, making it easier for photographers to capture those beautiful, still moments.

Moreover, newborns typically have less of the common issues like colic, gassiness, or other discomforts during this early period, which can make them a little more cooperative for the session. While every baby is different, timing your session within the first two weeks ensures you’ll have a much smoother experience.

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When Should You Book Your Session?

So, when should you book your baby’s newborn photo session? It’s best to reserve your spot during your pregnancy, ideally around the second trimester. This gives you ample time to plan ahead and choose a photographer whose style and approach resonate with you. While newborn photographers typically book up quickly, particularly during peak seasons, securing your spot early ensures that you won’t have to rush when your little one arrives.

Pro Tip: Be sure to confirm with your photographer that they have availability in that first two-week window after baby arrives. This may mean setting a tentative date, with flexibility for your actual due date.

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What Happens If You Miss the “Ideal” Timeframe?

While the first two weeks are considered the best time for newborn photos, don’t worry if your baby arrives earlier or later than expected! Babies are still incredibly photogenic at any age. If your little one is a bit older, you can still schedule a session that works for you. Babies between two to three months are typically more alert and may even be able to hold their head up during tummy time, offering a different yet equally beautiful kind of portrait.

It’s always worth discussing your options with your photographer to determine what works best for your situation. Some photographers also offer milestone sessions at other points during your baby’s first year, like at three, six, or twelve months, to capture their growth and milestones in a more active way.

How Old Should My Newborn Be for the Photography Session?

Is There a “Best” Time to Capture Newborn Photos?

When it comes to newborn photography, timing is everything! While there’s no strict rule about the exact age for your baby’s first photo session, there is a general timeframe that will help you achieve those classic, curly, snuggly, sleepy newborn poses we all adore. The sweet spot for newborn photos is typically within the first two weeks of life—but more specifically, I always recommend scheduling your session for days 6 to 10. Here’s why this window is ideal for capturing those perfect first moments.

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Why Days 6 to 10 Are the Best Time for Newborn Photos

As much as every newborn is unique, there are a few key reasons why days 6 to 10 after birth tend to be the perfect time for a photo session. Let’s break it down:

1. First Days Are for Transitioning: In the first few days of life, you’re still settling in after birth. Days 1-4 are usually spent in the hospital or birthing center, especially if there were complications or if your baby was born via C-section, which may extend your hospital stay. In some cases, babies may need extra monitoring for issues like jaundice or low blood sugar, which can lead to a slightly longer hospital stay.

2. Adjusting to Life at Home: Once you’re home, the first few days can be a whirlwind of feeding, bonding, and adjusting to life with a newborn. It’s a good idea to leave some time for you and your baby to get settled into your new routine before jumping into a photo session. During this initial adjustment period, mom and baby are learning to navigate feeding schedules and recognizing hunger cues.

3. Sleepy, Curly Babies = Perfect Poses: Around days 6 to 10, your baby will still be in that super sleepy, relaxed phase, making them easier to pose into those iconic curly, snuggled-up positions. Babies at this age are still adjusting to life outside the womb and tend to sleep more deeply, allowing the photographer to capture those peaceful, dreamy moments. This phase also gives you the opportunity to take advantage of the baby’s natural flexibility, which tends to disappear after the first couple of weeks.

4. The Two-Week Window: After about two weeks, your newborn begins to wake up and become more alert. While they’re still adorable at this age, they’re less likely to sleep through the entire session or curl up into those comfy poses. By days 6-10, your little one will be in the perfect balance of being sleepy enough for those stunning newborn poses but awake enough to engage with you in those more awake, wide-eyed shots too.

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The Perfect Window: Days 6-10

So, what’s the magic number? I recommend aiming for your session when your baby is between days 6 and 10. This is when they are likely to be the sleepiest and most cooperative, which allows us to create stunning images of your newborn. It’s also when you’re getting more comfortable with your new routine, meaning you can enjoy the photo shoot without the stress of just having come home from the hospital.

By this stage, mom and baby typically start to find their rhythm with feeding and settling in. You’ll also get that beautiful, fresh newborn look that parents love—soft, delicate features and that gorgeous, natural curl from being in the womb. This period is fleeting, so it’s best to take advantage of it while it lasts!

Is Two Weeks Old Too Late for Newborn Photos?

Can Posed Newborn Photos Still Be Achieved with an Older Newborn?

It’s a common question for new parents: Is two weeks old too late for newborn photos? The short answer is no—definitely not! While the first two weeks of life are typically the ideal time to capture those adorable, sleepy, and curly newborn poses, it’s never too late to schedule a newborn photo session. Let me explain why.

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Why the First Two Weeks Are Ideal

Newborns are sleepiest and most flexible during their first two weeks. After spending nine months curled up in the cozy, snug environment of the womb, they’re still adjusting to life outside, which makes them extra sleepy and more likely to curl up into those classic newborn poses. This is why most photographers recommend scheduling your session during those early days, ideally within the first two weeks of life.

During this time, babies are typically more relaxed and easier to pose, allowing us to achieve those perfectly curled-up, peaceful photos that many parents love. But that doesn’t mean you’ve missed the window if your little one is older than two weeks!

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Can Posed Newborn Photos Be Done After Two Weeks?

Absolutely! Newborn photos can still be done with great success after the two-week mark—with a few adjustments, of course. After two weeks, your baby will begin to have longer periods of wakefulness and will be more alert. This means your newborn session may look a bit different than a typical session for babies under two weeks, but it can still be beautiful!

For older newborns, we may adjust the session to capture more awake, expressive photos, and you might see some more natural, lifestyle-inspired shots rather than strictly posed images. While your baby may no longer be in that deeply sleepy phase, we can still capture the beauty of their personality as they start to show more alertness and curiosity.

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Can Newborn Photos Be Taken Up to Six Weeks?

Yes! Newborn photo sessions can be held successfully up to about six weeks old—though, as mentioned, there will be modifications. At this age, babies are more active and awake, but that can lead to some amazing photos of your baby’s personality shining through! Instead of relying on the super curly poses that are possible in the first two weeks, we’ll focus on capturing natural expressions, details like tiny hands and feet, and those adorable, wide-eyed moments that make your baby so unique.

It’s important to remember that every baby is different, so while six weeks may still be ideal for some, the timing depends on your baby’s temperament and development. Regardless of when you choose to schedule your newborn session, the key is to capture your baby as they are—whether they’re in the sleepy, curled-up stage or showing off their alert, wide-eyed personality.

What photography poses can my older newborn do?

Older newborns (2-6 ish week old babies) can still do many of the same poses as a younger newborn (2 weeks or younger), but with modifications.  As newborns get older, they begin to have more awake and alert time, have put on a little bit of weight and and begin to become a little less ‘curly’.  Your professional newborn photographer will know exactly which poses to modify to make sure your baby is safe and comfortable at all times.  In general, older newborns may not be ‘squished’ into those curly shots as much, as they will prefer to have a little more room to stretch.  Let’s take the froggy pose, for example.  For a younger newborn, the feet are easily and comfortably positioned right behind the elbows, touching them.  With older newborns, as their bodies elongate and they’ve begun to put on weight, their feet might not naturally reach the backs of the elbows enough to touch them, leaving a comfortable little gap between the feet and the elbows.  This is just a minor issue but is one to be taken into account by your newborn photographer.

Another issue with older newborns that I have learned over my fourteen years of experience, is that older newborns don’t care to be bothered as much in their sleep.  For me, I LOVE to pay attention to detail, and to get those cute little fingers perfectly aligned and relaxed.  For an older newborn that may naturally prefer keeping their fists closed, gently and patiently trying to open them and lay them in a relaxed manner might be annoying for a little one who just want to take a nap without being bothered.  It takes time, patience and slow movements to work around an older newborn to make sure they are happy and comfortable for the session.

Your older newborn may be awake for a good chunk of your three hour newborn session.  If that is the case, your photographer will accommodate by aiming for alternate poses, such as swaddled and ‘freestyle’ photos, all while aiming to capture some great eye contact or even a little smile or expression.

An older newborn can do most of the poses that a younger newborn can, but with more time to allow for gentle modifications.

How long is a newborn photo session?

Why are newborn photo sessions so long?

Count on your newborn photography session lasting about three hours.  This sounds like a long time, but in reality, it’s the perfect amount of time to make sure baby is always comfortable, fully fed and patiently worked with.  I’d say that a good 90% of those three hours is spent focusing on baby’s needs (feeding, comforting, gently posing) and 10% is actually spent taking photos.  It’s a long process but soooooo worth it!

Newborn Photography Tips

Here are a few things to do to help your newborn photography session run smoothly:

– Begin your newborn photography session with a full belly.  Depending on your proximity to the newborn photography studio, your photographer may ask you to feed before arrival or will allot a good chunk of time upon arrival to feed, so that baby is fully fed, comfortable and sleepy to begin the session.

– Wear light clothing.  The newborn photography studio will be warm (temperature of around 80 degrees) to accommodate a clothless baby and to make sure they don’t get a chill.  The warmth keeps baby comfortable and sleepy but can be hot and sweaty, especially for a new mom who’s hormones can make the heat unbearable.  Wear light clothing to ensure that you don’t get too warm while in the studio.

– Bring a pacifier along.  Many babies may not be hungry, but need to be comforted.  One of the most soothing things for newborns is sucking.  It calms them and allows them to satisfy their instincts while your photography gently poses them.  The best pacifiers for newborns is the Soothie.

– Relax.  Babies can feel your energy, and if you’re stressed, they are stressed too.  Come to the studio ready to relax and enjoy seeing your newborn being cutely posed and photographed.  This is a time to remember!

In conclusion, if you’re wondering when to take newborn photos, the ideal time to hold your session is within those first two weeks of life, but don’t worry if your little one is older – some of my most favorite newborn photos were taken with older newborns!  Ready to book your newborn session?  Message me below!

San Antonio’s Premier and award winning Maternity & top Newborn Photographer. Krystal Garcia Photography has been a Photographer in San Antonio & Surrounding areas for over 14 years and photographs Newborns, Maternity, Family and cake smash sessions She offers unique and customized photography that will be timeless in your home. She takes pride in her work and handles each newborn with ease and gentleness and carefully poses all family members and children so that each photo looks perfect. Krystal Garcia Photography includes digital images with every session and sells prints and canvas as an optional addition. Portrait sessions can be done in studio or outdoors. She offers sessions in San Antonio, Boerne, Bulverde, Helotes and surrounding areas. 

(Family, maternity & Child sessions can be done outdoors or in studio). For pricing and information on booking, please click this link. Thank you Pricing and information can be found under the pricing tab. All sessions are all inclusive and include digital images.

• credit to sophie crew photography for her post online