When should I do newborn photos?
The first few weeks with a new baby can be busy and unpredictable. You’re recovering, working out feeding and adjusting to a completely different routine. Organising photos may feel easy for you, or it may be one thing too many.
There’s no tiny window you have to squeeze into.
You don’t need to have newborn photos taken within the first two weeks, and you haven’t missed your chance if your baby is already six weeks or three months old. The best timing depends on the kind of photos you want, how your baby is settling and how you’re feeling.
Some families want the sleepy, curled-up photos from the early days. Others prefer to wait until they feel more settled and their baby is a little more alert.
Each stage looks different. Here’s what you can expect at different ages, along with a few times when it may be better to wait.
What do the different stages look like?
In the first 2 weeks
This is the stage people usually think of when they hear “newborn photos”.
In the first couple of weeks, babies are often sleepier and naturally curl their legs towards their body. Their toes are tiny, their clothes may still be slightly too big, and they fit closely against your chest.
This can be a lovely time for sleepy photos and the small details that change quickly. Sessions are relaxed and planned around feeds, cuddles and settling, so there’s no expectation that your baby will sleep the whole time.
2 to 4 weeks old
At two to four weeks, your baby is still very new. They may continue to sleep for parts of the session while also having longer periods with their eyes open.
This stage can give you a mix of sleepy photos, close-up details and more alert moments. You may notice your baby beginning to look towards your voice or take in the people around them.
There’s still plenty of time for feeding and settling during the session. We work around your baby rather than trying to follow a fixed schedule.
4 to 6 weeks old
By four to six weeks, babies often spend more time awake and looking around. You may see more eye contact and a wider range of expressions. Your baby might stretch and move more instead of staying curled up, giving the photos a slightly different feel from an early newborn session. At this age, I tend to focus on natural interaction. How your baby looks up at you, how they settle in your arms and the way everyone is adjusting to having a new person in the family.
8 weeks onwards
Once your baby is past the six to eight-week stage, we can book whenever it suits your family. Older babies are often more alert and interested in what’s happening around them. You may get stronger eye contact, early smiles and more interaction.
The photos will feel different from an early newborn session, but you haven’t left it too late. We’ll focus on your baby’s expressions, their connection with you and the details of the stage they’re in now.
5 reasons to book a newborn session
Blink and you miss it
The tiny toes, milk-drunk expressions and the way your baby fits against your chest don’t stay the same for long.
A newborn session gives you a record of those small details before they change. Whether your baby is two weeks or three months old, there will be something about this stage you’ll want to remember.
You'll be in the photos
Yes, your camera roll is probably full of photos of your baby. But you may have fewer photos showing you together.
A newborn session makes sure the people doing the feeding, settling and middle-of-the-night cuddles are part of the story too.
It capture your family as it is right now
Bringing home a baby changes the whole family.
If there are older siblings, they’re part of the session. We’ll photograph their curiosity, cuddles and reactions without expecting them to sit still or smile on cue.
These photos aren’t only about your new baby. They’re about everyone finding their place in this new version of family life.
I have zero expectations (excluding amazing memories captured)
There’s no expectation that your baby will sleep through the session or follow a schedule.
We’ll pause for feeds, nappy changes and cuddles whenever needed. Crying, wriggling and needing to be held are all normal parts of photographing a baby.
I’ll gently guide you through the session, so you don’t need to arrive knowing what to do.
It's easier than you expect
Most newborn sessions take place in your home. You don’t need to pack a bag, travel with a new baby or prepare every room.
We’ll use a few areas with good natural light and work around your baby’s rhythm. The washing basket can move out of frame. Everything else can stay exactly as it is.
FAQ
Why don't you recommend taking photos at 6 - 8 weeks?
If your baby will be six to eight weeks old, I’ll usually suggest booking a little earlier or waiting until they’re past eight weeks.
Where possible, I don’t book newborn sessions when babies are between six and eight weeks old. Many babies go through a fussier and less predictable stage around this age. Every baby is different, but I’ve found sessions generally run more smoothly before or after this window.
It’s only a short wait, and you won’t miss your chance to have beautiful photos.
Does my baby need to sleep the whole session?
No. Your baby can be asleep, awake or a mixture of both.
There’s no need to keep them awake before the session or change their usual feeding routine. If they’re hungry, you can feed them. If they need to be held, we can photograph them in your arms.
Some babies sleep through most of their session. Others stay awake and look around. Both give us plenty to work with.
What if my baby cries?
Crying is normal and doesn’t mean the session isn’t going well.
We can stop whenever your baby needs something. There’s time for feeding, changing, walking around or simply having a cuddle.
I don’t expect babies to follow instructions or settle on demand. My job is to work around them and keep the session calm.
Where should I have the photos taken?
In-home sessions are a simple option during the newborn stage. You don’t need to pack a bag or travel, and everything you need is nearby.
We can use the rooms with the best natural light, which are often the bedroom, nursery or living room. Your whole home doesn’t need to be prepared. I’ll look for a few suitable areas when I arrive, and we can move anything distracting out of the way if needed.
Outdoor sessions are another option, particularly with a slightly older baby or when there are siblings who enjoy having space to move. The best time will depend on the weather, the light and your baby’s usual rhythm.
I can help you choose between an in-home or outdoor session based on the kind of photos you want.
When should I book?
Choose a time that suits your family and the stage you’d like to remember.
The first two weeks often bring sleepier photos and curled-up details. At four to six weeks, your baby may be more alert. By three months, you’re more likely to see smiles and stronger interaction.
There isn’t one correct time for newborn photos. There are simply different options.
If you’re not sure which timing would suit you, send me a message. Tell me your due date or how old your baby is, and I’ll help you choose.
Can siblings join?
Of course. Siblings are absolutely part of the session. That’s non-negotiable.
They don’t need to sit still, hold the baby or smile on cue. I’ll gently involve them in ways that suit their age and personality, whether that’s a cuddle, lying beside the baby or popping in and out when they feel ready.
We’ll keep it relaxed, take snack breaks when needed and let the connection happen naturally.
Can I do a studio newborn session?
I don’t have a permanent studio, as most of my newborn sessions take place in your home or outdoors.
If you’d prefer a studio setting, I can arrange one for you. Studio hire is an additional cost, and I’ll share the available options and pricing with you before anything is booked.
Ready when you are
There’s no single perfect time for newborn photos. Whether you book in the early sleepy weeks or wait until your baby is more alert, we’ll photograph the stage you’re in without expecting anyone to perform. If you’re unsure about timing, send me a message with your due date or your baby’s age, and I’ll help you choose a date that works.
