When Should You Do Newborn Photos
Welcoming a newborn into your family is one of life’s most beautiful and fleeting moments. Those first few weeks are filled with cuddles, late-night feedings, and a love that grows deeper by the day. If you’re considering newborn photography, you might be wondering—when is the best time to schedule your session? Let’s break it down so you can plan ahead and capture these precious memories effortlessly.
When Should You Book Newborn Photos?
The best time to book your newborn session is before your baby arrives—ideally during your second or early third trimester. Since professional newborn photographers only take a limited number of sessions per month, booking early ensures you secure a spot on the calendar. But there are many times when a baby arrives earlier or later and so our calendar is available to take on last minute bookings. It never hurts to ask!
Our studio, for example, only accepts six newborns per month to provide each family with a luxury, stress-free experience. With many of our clients opting for our Baby’s First Year Collective, our schedule fills up months in advance. By reserving your session ahead of time, you can relax knowing that your baby’s first portraits are already planned.
How Old Should Baby Be for Newborn Photos?
A general rule of thumb for newborn photography is to schedule the session within the first two weeks after birth. During this time, babies are typically sleepier, easier to pose, and still curl up naturally, making it the ideal window for those peaceful, squishy newborn portraits. In our experience the sweet spot is 10-15 days old.
However, every baby is different! As an experienced Orange County newborn photographer, I’ve worked with newborns at various ages, and beautiful images can still be captured beyond that two-week window. Some families need extra time to settle in, while others may have babies who arrive earlier or later than expected. No matter what, we’ll work together to create a session that fits your baby’s unique needs.
Is Three Weeks Too Late for Newborn Photos?
Not at all! While babies around three weeks old are often more alert and may develop baby acne, we can still capture stunning portraits of your little one. With gentle posing, soothing techniques, and professional retouching, we’ll highlight their natural beauty at any stage. Plus, at this age, babies start showing more expressions, which can add a unique charm to your images. They will most likely be awake for the duration of the session which captures their eyes and personality. If your baby is already past the two-week mark, don’t stress—there’s still time to create gorgeous memories.
How Long Is a Newborn Session?
Newborn sessions typically last between 2 to 3 hours. This allows plenty of time for feeding, soothing, and capturing a variety of poses without feeling rushed. Our priority is creating a calm and comfortable experience for both baby and parents. We provide a fully stocked studio with everything you need—from a curated wardrobe for moms to newborn essentials and refreshments—so you can simply relax and enjoy the process.
Newborn Photography Tips
If you're preparing for your newborn session, here are a few helpful tips to ensure a smooth experience:
Book Early: Secure your session in advance to guarantee availability.
Keep Baby Comfortable: Dress your little one in a loose-fitting onesie to avoid marks on their skin.
Stay Flexible: Babies run on their own schedule! Allow extra time for feeding and soothing during the session.
Trust Your Photographer: Experienced newborn photographers know how to safely pose and handle babies to capture stunning images.
Don’t Stress: We handle everything—from styling to posing—so you can enjoy the moment.
Newborn photography is all about preserving the tiny details and fleeting moments of your baby’s first days. By planning ahead, you ensure that these cherished memories are beautifully documented for you to treasure forever. If you're expecting and considering newborn photos, I’d love to help you create timeless portraits of your growing family! Reach out today to reserve your session.