Newborn Photography – when is the best time to have professional photographs taken of your baby


Welcoming a baby into the family is a new beginning, a time filled with boundless love and joy – and it makes perfect sense to want to capture this special moment and hold onto it forever.


Newborn photography sessions are one of my offerings as a professional lifestyle photographer. As a mother myself, I understand that having a baby is a deeply personal experience, so there are no rights and wrongs when it comes to booking a newborn photoshoot. But to help make things a little clearer, I do offer some guidance based on what I’ve found during my time as a family photographer.

Once you have given birth to your baby, the last thing you want to be thinking about is planning and arranging a newborn photography session, so I always recommend allowing plenty of time to prepare in advance. To help you feel at your most confident, it’s a good idea to have a think about how you would like to be dressed. Are you going for a super smart, formal look or do you want something more laid-back and casual? Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to be comfortable. If this is your first baby, it may be easy to overlook the fact that you won’t immediately be able to squeeze back into your pre-pregnancy clothes. When it comes to selecting what to wear, soft lines are generally the best option. You may have a suitable outfit already hanging in your wardrobe but, if not, perhaps treat yourself to a shopping trip before the birth. It’s also the perfect time to indulge in some self-care with hair and make-up appointments too – if you have the time and energy, of course! For the baby, a plain, simple onesie is ideal.


When it comes to deciding on the best time for your newborn photography session, the choice is ultimately yours. Everyone is different, but I would suggest arranging your photoshoot around two weeks after the birth of your baby. By this time, if everything has gone smoothly, you will hopefully be healing and regaining some energy, and baby will have settled into life outside the womb. As a family, you’ll be finding your new rhythm, incorporating this brand new little human into your daily routine. As the days and weeks pass by, your baby will be awake for longer periods of time. At two weeks old, your baby will mostly snuggle up in your arms, creating the perfect opportunity for the most adorable newborn snaps. You can read more of my tips on how to get the most out of your newborn photography session here.

Something else to consider is how you’d like to display your newborn photographs. Once your photoshoot has taken place, you’ll want to make the most of these beautiful images. Whether you’re looking for a photobook, print or canvas, we can discuss the best printed products for you. As a lifestyle family photographer, I want to give my clients an experience that they will treasure, and I am truly grateful to you for allowing me to be part of your journey.


If you would like to find out more about my newborn photography sessions , or any of my other lifestyle photography sessions, please do get in touch. If you would like to arrange a newborn photography session, you can make a booking here.