The first few weeks with a newborn are a lot of things at once. Beautiful. Overwhelming. Tender. Exhausting. And so, so fast.

Before you know it, those tiny curled fingers are stretching out, the sleepy little face is alert and curious, and the baby who once fit perfectly in the crook of your arm is wriggling and growing and becoming their own person. It happens in a blink. Which is exactly why so many first-time parents find themselves wondering: Should we get newborn photos done?

The short answer is yes. But I understand it can feel like one more thing to organise when you're having a baby. So here's everything you actually need to know.

When is the Best Time to Book?

Ideally, before your baby arrives.

As a Melbourne newborn photographer, I recommend booking your session during your second third trimester (usually after your 20-week scan). We pencil in a date around your due date, then confirm once your baby is close to arriving.

The sweet spot for newborn photos is within the first 7–14 days. At this stage, babies sleep deeply and naturally curl into those soft, womb-like positions that make for the most timeless portraits.

But if that window passes? Please don't stress. There's beauty in every stage, and we'll create something you love regardless of timing. I go into much more detail about this in my guide on timing your newborn photos right.

What Happens During Your Session

If you’re picturing something stressful (a crying baby, a ticking clock, pressure to get it right), please rest assured that it’s nothing like that.

My sessions are completely baby-led. If your baby needs to feed, we feed. If they need a cuddle, we cuddle. If they have other plans entirely for the first hour, we wait. There's no rushing, and nothing is ever forced. Some of my favourite images have come from sessions that went completely off-script.

Your only job on the day is to show up and be present. Everything else is mine to manage.

Your Little One’s Safety Always Comes First

Safety is always the first priority. With my background as a physiotherapist, I have a genuine understanding of newborn anatomy, safe positioning, and gentle handling.

Every wrap, pose, and transition is guided with care. If something doesn't feel right for your baby, we simply don't do it. In my sessions, you are always safe and supported.

Bringing the Whole Family Along

I assume you will bring your partner and children for photos! We will discuss this in your pre-shoot phone chat.

Some of my favourite images are the ones that capture a whole family falling in love at once. If you would like to bring grandparents, please let me know before the session so I can accommodate them and plan this into your session. They definitely add something irreplaceable to the story. In fact, there's something really special about including grandparents in your newborn session. Those images become some of the most treasured over time.

If You’re Still Expecting…

It's not too late for maternity photos. I genuinely believe that documenting your pregnancy is just as important as capturing those first days with your baby. If you're on the fence, my thoughts on the value of a maternity session might help you decide.

And if your baby is already here, the story doesn't end with birth. Baby photography, family milestones, first birthdays, there's really no shortage of chapters worth capturing. Read more about why family photography matters and how these images become part of your family's history over time.

How to Prepare

A warm feed just before the session makes a difference, and so does keeping the morning calm. Once you book, I'll send through everything you need to know so there are no surprises.

Beyond that? All you need to do is relax, so your baby feels at ease too. I’ll handle everything else.

Ready to Book Your Session?

This time flies by. A newborn session isn't about perfect photos, but pressing pause on a season of life that moves so fast. Having something real and beautiful to hold onto is more than worth it.

If you are ready to book, or just starting to wonder, I'd love to hear from you.