When Is The Best Time For A Newborn Photography Session?
Monochrome image of sleeping newborn baby swaddled in a blanket
The newborn stage is fleeting. One moment you’re cradling a tiny bundle who fits neatly into the crook of your arm, and the next, they’re stretching out, growing rapidly, and showing off their brand-new personality.
It’s no wonder so many families want to freeze this moment in time with a professional newborn photoshoot. However, one of the most common questions I'm asked is: When should we do it?
While there’s no right or wrong answer for every case, the best window for newborn photography tends to be within the first 7 to 14 days.
Why Timing Matters for Newborn Photography
Newborn photography is all about capturing a short-lived stage that passes in the blink of an eye. Within just a few weeks, your baby will grow, wake more often, and develop new facial expressions. That means the feel and style of your photos will shift quickly depending on the age of your baby.
Some parents love those dreamy, curled-up poses, while others prefer images that show more connection and personality. Choosing the right timing helps us achieve the look and energy you’re hoping for.
The Best Age for Newborn Portraits
If you're dreaming of soft, swaddled photos with your baby sleeping peacefully, the ideal window is within the first 7–14 days after birth. During this stage, newborns tend to sleep deeply and curl naturally into womb-like positions. They’re more settled, flexible, and content – which makes it easier to capture those timeless, posed portraits.
For many families, this is the classic newborn photoshoot window, perfect for creating peaceful images that highlight just how tiny and new your baby is.
What If You’ve Missed the Early Window?
You haven’t missed a thing.
If your baby is already 3 to 6 weeks old, your newborn session will simply take on a different, yet equally beautiful, feel. At this stage, your baby may be more awake and expressive. Instead of sleepy swaddles, you might get wide-eyed looks, soft stretches, and a bit more movement. We focus more on connection, personality, and those little in-between moments that make your baby unique.
These sessions often have a more lifestyle feel, with a focus on your family bond, especially if you’d like to include parents or siblings in the session.
Every baby and every stage is different, and no age is too “late” for beautiful, natural images.
Booking Your Newborn Photoshoot: What to Know
To secure your spot, it’s best to book while you’re still pregnant, ideally sometime after your 20-week scan. I’ll pencil in a tentative date based on your due date, and once your baby arrives, we’ll confirm the final session date to suit you and your recovery.
Once your session is booked, I’ll guide you through what to expect, how to prepare, and how to ensure the entire experience is stress-free and enjoyable. Whether we shoot in my Brighton portrait studio, everything is designed to help you feel calm, confident, and cared for.
My Background in Physiotherapy = Extra Care
As both an award-winning newborn photographer and a former physiotherapist, I bring a unique layer of care and confidence to every baby photography session.
Understanding baby comfort, safe positioning, and gentle movement is second nature, so you can feel completely at ease knowing your little one is in safe hands. Every wrap, pose, and transition is done with your baby’s well-being in mind.
My approach is always baby-led, flexible, and supportive – never rushed.
Every Stage is Worth Capturing
While the best window is between 7 to 14 days, there’s beauty in every stage. A newborn photography session is not about hitting a deadline, it’s about preserving the details that matter most.
So, when is the best time for a newborn photography session? 7 to 14 days if you can, but most of all, whenever you and your baby are ready.
Some families want to capture that peaceful newborn stage as early as possible, while others prefer to wait a few weeks for a more relaxed, connected feel. Both options are completely valid. What matters most is creating space to celebrate your journey, whether it's through maternity photography, newborn portraits, or baby photography as your little one grows.
Ready to Book Your Newborn Photoshoot?
If you’re expecting or have recently welcomed your baby and are wondering when to book your newborn photography session, I’d love to help you plan the perfect shoot.
Whether you’re drawn to sleepy swaddled poses, natural family moments, or a soft mix of both, I’ll work with you to create images that feel true to your story, calm, honest, and beautifully preserved.
Get in touch today to secure your session. Let’s create something special that you and your family will treasure forever.
