When Is The Best Time For A Newborn Photography Session?
Monochrome image of sleeping newborn baby swaddled in a blanket
The Best Time to Take Newborn Photos (and Why It Matters)
The newborn stage passes in a blink of a sleepy parent’s eye. One minute, your baby is all curly in that sweet foetal way, impossibly tiny and sleepy—and the next, they’re stretching out, opening their eyes, and taking on the world. That’s why timing is everything when it comes to newborn photography.
So when is the best time to capture those precious early days?
The Ideal Window: 5 to 14 Days Old
Generally, the sweet spot for newborn photography is between 5 and 14 days after birth.
This is because:
Babies are still super sleepy during this time, which means they’re more likely to settle into those beautifully curled-up poses.
They have that special fresh newborn look—flaky skin, tiny fingers, and squishy cheeks—is still very much present and there to be recorded.
Of course, every baby is different. If your baby arrives early, we can push back that window if needed. My goal is always to create a calm, safe and happy experience and memory for your baby and for you and your fam.
What If We Miss That Window?
Don’t stress! While those first two weeks are ideal for certain poses, beautiful images can still be captured later. From three weeks onward, your baby will likely be more alert, which may allow us to focus on eye contact, gentle swaddling, andmoments that reflect your growing bond.
You can also opt for a more relaxed 4–6 week session, especially if the early days feel too overwhelming. These sessions are just as special—just different what they may capture and in feel and style.
Planning Ahead
If you’re expecting, it’s best to book your session while you’re still pregnant. Thinking in advance is a lot, I know but it secures your spot with me, and then you don’t have to think about it until your shoot date after your baby is born. When you book, we will pencil in your due date and adjust once your baby arrives if required. This way, we can make sure there is space in my diary during the ideal timeframe.
In conclusion, the “best” time is when you feel ready. Whether that’s in the first week or the fourth, no one ever regrets capturing the magic of their newborn. It’s about preserving the love, your connection, and the beginning of your story together.
