When, How, and Why to Book a Newborn Photoshoot

adelemorris
Apr 17
7 min read

As a parent, your newborn’s early days are filled with unforgettable moments, from their tiny fingers and toes to their soft, sweet expressions. These early days pass quickly, and a newborn photoshoot is a wonderful way to capture these fleeting moments in a meaningful way. However, if you’ve never booked one before, you may have questions about the process.

When is the best time to book a photoshoot?

How do you choose the right photographer?

Why is it so important to have professional photos taken?

This guide will walk you through the when, how, and why of booking a newborn photoshoot, so you can make an informed decision and feel confident about the process.

Why a Newborn Photoshoot is Important

Before diving into the details of booking a photoshoot, let’s first address the why. Newborn photography is not just about pretty pictures; it’s about preserving an incredibly special moment in time. The first few weeks of a baby’s life are essential for their growth and development, and these early days often pass in the blink of an eye.

There are many reasons to consider booking a professional newborn photoshoot:

Capture Timeless Memories: These photos will serve as precious memories of your baby’s earliest days. In years to come, you’ll be able to look back and remember the softness of their skin, the tiny curls of their hair, and their peaceful expressions.

Celebrate New Beginnings: A newborn photoshoot is a celebration of your growing family and a way to mark the beginning of an important new chapter in your life.

Create Family Heirlooms: Newborn photos often become treasured family heirlooms, passed down through generations. They serve as a legacy of your family’s history, filled with emotion and love.

Professional Quality: Professional newborn photographers bring expertise in capturing the smallest details in a way that highlights the beauty of the moment. They also use high-quality equipment to ensure your photos are clear, sharp, and beautifully composed.

When to Book a Newborn Photoshoot

Knowing the best time to book a newborn photoshoot is crucial to getting the most out of your session. The timing of your session affects the quality of the images you’ll receive and the overall experience for both you and your baby.

The Best Time for a Newborn Photoshoot

For optimal results, it’s ideal to schedule a newborn photoshoot during the first two weeks of your baby’s life. This timeframe is often referred to as the "golden window" for newborn photography.

5 to 10 Days Old: Babies within this age range are typically very sleepy, which allows for the peaceful, curled-up poses that are popular in newborn photography. Their muscles are still flexible, and they’re easier to settle into those adorable poses. It also helps that babies are usually very sleepy during this stage, which makes it easier to capture them without being disturbed.

Why Timing Matters: The first two weeks are crucial because your baby is still adjusting to life outside the womb, and their physical features, such as their tiny hands, feet, and soft skin, are still very pronounced. As they grow, babies become more alert, which may make posing for photos more challenging.

Booking in Advance: Newborn photographers typically book their sessions several weeks in advance, so it’s recommended to book your photoshoot during your second trimester or early in your third trimester. This ensures you get the date that works best for you, and it also allows flexibility in case your baby arrives early or late.

How to Book a Newborn Photoshoot

Booking a newborn photoshoot involves more than just choosing a photographer. To ensure the process goes smoothly, you’ll need to consider several factors:

Researching Newborn Photographers When choosing a photographer, look for someone who specializes in newborn photography. Newborn photography is different from other types of photography and requires specific skills in handling babies safely. A professional photographer will have experience in posing babies in safe, gentle ways, and will ensure the session is as comfortable as possible for both you and your baby.
- Safety is Key: A good newborn photographer will have training in newborn safety posing and will use safe, gentle techniques to ensure your baby’s comfort. As a professional, I’ve completed newborn safety posing certifications and have experience handling newborns in a calm and secure environment.
Discuss Your Preferences Once you’ve found a photographer, it’s important to discuss your vision for the session. Consider the type of photos you’d like: do you want posed, studio-style images, or more natural, lifestyle shots? You should also discuss any preferences regarding color schemes, props, and how much of a role you’d like your family members to play in the session.
Booking and Pre-Session Communication Once you’ve selected your photographer, reach out to schedule your session. Many photographers offer package deals, which may include digital files, prints, or albums. Discuss your options thoroughly to determine what package best fits your needs.

Additionally, some photographers may send a pre-session questionnaire to get a sense of your style preferences, any special requests you have, and your baby’s temperament. This helps them prepare for your shoot and ensures a smooth, tailored experience.
Confirming the Timing Ideally, your newborn photoshoot should be scheduled in the morning when babies are typically the sleepiest. You should expect the shoot to take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on your baby’s needs (feeding, changing, comforting). Plan for breaks and allow for flexibility in case the baby needs to rest or feed.

What to Expect During a Newborn Photoshoot

A newborn photoshoot is a carefully planned experience designed to capture your baby in the most beautiful way possible while ensuring their comfort and safety. Here’s a closer look at what to expect:

Comfortable Environment Photographers who specialize in newborn photography understand the need to create a calm and warm environment. Most newborn photoshoots take place in a studio setting, but some photographers may offer in-home sessions. Regardless of the location, the room will be kept warm, and soft fabrics will be used to create a comfortable, safe space for your baby.

Gentle Posing and Handling During the photoshoot, the photographer will guide your baby into various poses, often with the assistance of gentle props like wraps, blankets, and baskets. Posing is done slowly and carefully, taking into account your baby’s comfort at all times.
A professional photographer will also use natural props (such as organic fabrics) to help create beautiful, timeless shots. The session may also include parent and sibling shots to create a full family portrait.

Patience and Flexibility Newborn photography requires a great deal of patience. Your photographer will give your baby the time they need to feel settled and comfortable, and they’ll make sure the session is paced according to your baby’s needs. It’s important to allow plenty of time for breaks—whether for feeding, diaper changes, or simply comforting your baby.

Why a Newborn Photoshoot Matters

Booking a professional newborn photoshoot is an investment in precious memories that will last a lifetime. Here are a few key reasons why it’s important:

Preserve Fleeting Moments Babies grow and change so quickly during their first few weeks of life. A newborn photoshoot captures those first few moments in time that you’ll cherish for years to come. These photos are a reminder of how small and fragile your baby once was.

Create Beautiful Heirlooms The images captured during a newborn photoshoot are not just for today—they become family heirlooms that can be passed down for generations. These photos will be part of your family’s story and will be cherished by your children and grandchildren.

Celebrate Your Baby’s Arrival A newborn photoshoot is a way to celebrate your new baby and mark the beginning of this new chapter in your life. It’s a chance to document the joy and love you feel as you begin your journey as parents.

Professional Quality and Care A professional photographer brings expertise to the table, ensuring that every detail is captured beautifully. From lighting to composition, they will create stunning images that truly highlight your baby’s beauty in a way that everyday photos might not.

About Me: Adele Morris

I’m Adele Morris, a multi-award-winning newborn photographer based in Porthcawl, South Wales. As a mother, I understand how precious those first few weeks with your newborn are, and I approach every photoshoot with care, patience, and attention to detail. My goal is to create timeless images that showcase your baby’s unique beauty and help you preserve those fleeting moments for years to come.

I’ve completed specialized training in newborn safety posing, and I always ensure that each session is conducted in a relaxed, comfortable, and safe environment. Whether you’re looking for posed, studio-style portraits or more natural, lifestyle shots, I tailor each session to your family’s needs and preferences.