Taking photos of your growing family is a beautiful way to celebrate this new chapter in your lives and welcome your newest addition. As a Boston family photographer, I often hear parents ask about when to take newborn photos. And my answer is, honestly anytime!
All of the different stages of your baby’s first year of life (or two!) are so fun to document, and photos during any of these stages will make for such treasured keepsakes. In this post, I’m sharing lots of ideas for taking newborn photos at any age.
My Approach to Newborn Photos
My approach to newborn photos is ‘guided documentary.’ I focus on artfully capturing the real moments of this incredible time in your lives.
I like to take a natural approach rather than posed, and I focus on the interactions and connection between you and your baby, as well as you two as new parents.
Some of my favorite sessions are with you and your baby at home in your element. This allows us to capture what these moments are really like, and for all of your authentic emotions to shine in the photos.
And other options that can be fun are to explore your local neighborhood, or even just to hang out at a park by your home. Wherever we decide to have your session, I will help you feel comfortable and gently guide you into natural interactions with each other.
When To Take Newborn Photos?
I love family photos at all stages of your new baby’s life. But here are some ideas for you as you’re deciding what will be best for your family.
5 Months and Younger
Taking photos of your newborn at less than five months can be absolutely precious. They are still relatively in the newborn phase, so we’ll get lots of photos of you leading the interactions.
We’ll be able to capture you holding, rocking, snuggling, and kissing the baby, or interactions such as you changing them.
As they won’t be sitting on their own yet, we’ll get lots of photos of the baby lying down and some beautiful details of your sweet new baby.
5-12 Months
At between five and twelve months, your baby can start to lead and initiate some of the interactions during our photo session. They will be able to sit and will have stronger head control.
So for example, we’ll be able to capture lots of moments of your baby laughing and smiling, or reaching out toward you. You can play with your baby in the air, and you can all interact with each other in a more active way.
Depending on the age, they may even be starting to stand, which makes for a really fun session!
The other benefit of taking photos during this stage is that your baby will have longer wake windows which can be helpful.
12 Months+
This age is SO much fun to photograph. Though not a newborn, your baby will be full of personality at this stage. So we’ll be able to capture so many emotions and beautiful memories in your photos!
The session will be highly interactive between all of you, and your baby may even be close to walking on their own which is an incredible energy to have in your photos.
Boston Family Photographer
Regardless of when you choose to take newborn photos, you will be so glad that you did.
Whether it’s those first few snuggly months, or an energetic session with your toddler, you will have such sweet memories to look back through in your photos.
Photographing growing families in Boston and across New England is my favorite part of what I do. If my approach of natural, unposed, and guided documentary newborn photos resonates with you, I’d love to meet you!
Reach out to me through my contact form, and I will be in touch to learn all about you and your family 😊
