The Best Time to Book Your Newborn Photoshoot (And Why Timing Matters)

The first few weeks of your newborn’s life are precious, fleeting, and full of magical moments. As parents, you want to cherish these memories forever, and what better way to do so than through beautiful, professional newborn photography? But when exactly is the best time to book your newborn photoshoot, and why does timing matter so much?

In this post, we’ll walk you through the reasons why booking your session between 4 and 21 days old is ideal, and why earlier is better. We’ll also share tips for first-time parents (or anyone booking for new parents) on how to plan ahead for the perfect session. Understanding the importance of timing will help you capture the essence of your baby’s earliest moments with minimal stress.

Why Timing Matters in Newborn Photography

Newborn photography isn’t just about taking pictures of your baby—it’s about preserving a special moment in time when your little one is fresh, tiny, and full of those early features that change so quickly. The first few weeks of life are crucial in getting the most out of your newborn photoshoot for several reasons.

1. Newborns Are Still in Their Natural Curl

In the first few days of life, newborns still have that adorable curled-up look that reminds us of how they were in the womb. Their legs are tucked up, their hands are balled into fists, and they naturally tend to sleep in a peaceful, fetal-like position. This is the most iconic look in newborn photography and one that many parents wish to capture. As babies grow, they start stretching out, and it becomes much harder to recreate that curled-up pose.

2. Your Baby Will Be Sleepier

One of the most common traits of newborns in their first few weeks is their tendency to sleep for long periods. This is perfect for a photoshoot since sleepy babies are easier to pose and keep in the desired position for longer. They also remain calm and serene, which is exactly the vibe many parents want to capture in their newborn images. If you wait too long, your baby might be more awake and alert, making it more difficult to achieve those peaceful, sleeping poses.

3. Your Baby’s Features Are More Defined

In the first few weeks, your baby’s features are still soft and delicate. They have that beautiful, newborn "look"—wrinkled skin, little folds, soft baby fuzz, and the sweetest expressions. As your baby grows, these features change rapidly, and your newborn will start to lose the "newborn" softness. Capturing these first features in the first few weeks is essential for preserving their early innocence and beauty.

4. Fewer Disruptions to Feeding and Sleeping Routines

Newborns in the first few weeks are still developing their feeding and sleeping patterns, but for the most part, they’re easier to manage in a photoshoot setting. They might still be sleeping frequently and have a more predictable feeding schedule. As they grow, they become more aware of their surroundings, more alert, and may need more frequent feedings, which can cause disruptions to the flow of the photoshoot. The first few weeks provide the least amount of interruptions to your baby’s routine, making for a smoother session.

Note for breastfeeding parents: If you’re breastfeeding, it’s ideal to wait until your baby’s feeding routine is somewhat established. For many, this is around 2-3 weeks after birth. By then, you’ll both have had time to adjust, and feeding will likely feel more settled, which helps make your photoshoot go smoothly.

5. More Flexibility for Parents

Planning a newborn photoshoot can feel overwhelming with a new baby in the house. Booking your session early in your pregnancy (or at least in your third trimester) gives you one less thing to worry about after your baby arrives. Scheduling ahead ensures that you won’t be scrambling for an appointment in the midst of new parenthood when time is already tight. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve secured your photographer’s availability during those early weeks.

When to Book Your Newborn Photoshoot

Booking a newborn photoshoot may seem like something you can do after your baby arrives, but to ensure the best timing, it’s ideal to book early—ideally in your second trimester. This allows you to secure your photographer’s schedule and ensures you can plan for that perfect window of time. Here are some tips for first-time parents or those booking for new parents:

1. Book Early (Ideally by Your Second Trimester)

The best time to book your newborn photoshoot is well before your baby arrives—preferably during the second trimester. Photographers’ schedules can fill up quickly, and securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on getting your session between 4 and 21 days old. The earlier you book, the better! You’ll have plenty of time to review photographers, discuss style, and choose your preferred session package without the added pressure of trying to get everything done in the final weeks of pregnancy.

2. Schedule Your Session Between 4 and 21 Days Old

The ideal time for a newborn photoshoot is typically between 4 and 21 days after birth. However, the earlier, the better. In the first few days, your baby will still be in their natural, curled-up state, sleepier, and easier to pose. As they get closer to 3 weeks old, they may start to stretch out more, become more alert, and even develop baby acne or other skin changes. Capturing them at their most peaceful and serene is part of what makes newborn photos so special.

If you're breastfeeding, it’s best to book the session after your feeding routine is somewhat established—this is often around 2-3 weeks after birth. By then, you and your baby will have had time to settle into a rhythm, making the photoshoot experience much easier for both of you.

3. Consider a Maternity & Newborn Combo Session

If you’re expecting and haven’t yet booked your newborn session, a maternity-newborn combo might be a great option. This allows you to capture both your pregnancy journey and your baby’s early moments. Additionally, booking both sessions together may offer a discount or other special perks and gives you the chance to get to know your photographer before the newborn session, making you feel more comfortable and relaxed on the big day.

4. Have a Flexible Plan

While it’s essential to book early, it’s also important to be flexible. Babies don’t always arrive on schedule, so it’s crucial to work with a photographer who understands the unpredictability of birth and can adjust the timing of your session accordingly. When you book early, you’ll be able to plan for that ideal window of time while still giving yourself room for any surprises that might come with a new baby.

5. Create a Stress-Free Experience

The key to a great newborn photoshoot is a calm and stress-free experience for both you and your baby. Booking early ensures that you don’t feel rushed and that your photographer has time to prepare for your session. They’ll provide you with all the information you need to get ready for the shoot, including what to bring, how to prepare, and what to expect. When you plan ahead, you can focus on enjoying the experience of capturing your newborn’s first moments, knowing that everything is taken care of.

Final Thoughts: Why You Shouldn’t Wait

The first few weeks of your newborn’s life are fleeting, and while you can never truly relive those early moments, a newborn photoshoot is a beautiful way to preserve them. Booking between 4 and 21 days old is the best way to ensure that you capture your baby’s early features, calm demeanor, and the iconic curled-up poses.

Booking early ensures that you’ll get the best results from your session and that you’ll have one less thing to worry about in those hectic first weeks of parenthood. By planning ahead, you’ll be able to enjoy a stress-free photoshoot experience, capture timeless photos, and cherish the memories of your baby’s earliest days for a lifetime.

At Adele Morris Photography, we specialize in newborn photography that prioritizes safety, comfort, and personalization. Our goal is to create a calm, relaxed environment where your baby is safe, and your family feels at ease. Contact us today to book your newborn session or ask any questions you have about the process. We’d love to help you create beautiful memories of your little one’s earliest days.

About Me: Adele Morris Photography

Hello, I’m Adele Morris, a multi-award-winning newborn and family portrait photographer based in Porthcawl, Bridgend, South Wales. My work is deeply inspired by my own journey as a mother, having experienced pregnancy loss and the importance of capturing the fleeting moments of life. I specialize in maternity, newborn, and family photography, creating timeless, high-quality portraits for families to cherish forever. I have worked with world-class designers, including the BBC and Arts Council, and have had my work published in major outlets such as Vogue Italia.

My approach to photography is focused on creating a calm, safe, and personalized experience for every family I work with. I hold an enhanced DBS check, certification in newborn safety posing, and I’m committed to providing a relaxed environment where parents can feel at ease while I capture those precious memories of their newborns.

If you’re looking for a photographer who prioritizes safety, care, and high-quality, bespoke images, I’d love to work with you.

Client Testimonials

Emma & James – Parents of Ava "From the moment we walked into Adele’s studio, we felt at ease. As first-time parents, we were nervous about leaving our newborn, Ava, in someone else’s hands. But Adele’s calming presence and expertise put all our fears to rest. The safety of our baby was clearly a top priority for her. We were so impressed by her attention to detail and the care she took with each pose. The photos turned out beautifully—capturing Ava’s tiny features in the most natural and safe way. We’ll cherish them forever!"

Sophie & Mark – Parents of Leo "I did a lot of research before booking a newborn photographer, and I’m so glad I found Adele. As a mum of twins, I was very nervous about how everything would go. I was particularly focused on safety, and knowing that Adele is a trained photographer with enhanced DBS certification gave me peace of mind. The entire session was so relaxing, and Adele made sure we had everything we needed. Leo’s photos turned out stunning, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience!"

Lily & Ben – Parents of Noah "I was initially worried about the logistics of bringing a newborn into a studio for a photoshoot. But Adele’s process is so well thought out, and she ensured that the environment was calm and stress-free for us as parents and for Noah. She knew exactly how to pose him safely, and it was clear that she had a wealth of experience in working with newborns. We felt like we were in very safe hands, and the final images were beyond what we imagined. Adele’s attention to detail is unmatched."

Clara & Tom – Parents of Ella "Having experienced the loss of our first child, we were very sensitive about how Ella’s newborn session would go. We wanted a photographer who would not only capture her beauty but also be mindful of our emotions. Adele took the time to understand our journey, and we felt like she truly cared. Her professionalism and empathy meant a lot to us. The photos are gorgeous, and they perfectly tell the story of this new chapter in our lives."

Sarah & Daniel – Parents of Samuel "From the moment we first spoke with Adele, we knew we’d found the right photographer. The process of booking was so easy, and Adele helped guide us through the preparations for the session. Her studio was beautiful, and we loved that she was always focused on Samuel’s safety. The photoshoot felt very relaxed, and the images were absolutely stunning. I’m so happy we chose Adele—she truly has a gift for capturing these special moments."