Welcoming a new baby into the family is this beautifully chaotic, emotional whirlwind. One minute you’re Googling swaddle techniques, and the next you’re wondering if you’re already late to book your newborn photos. It’s a lot, I get it. I’ve worked with families who had their photo session booked months before baby arrived (you know, the Type A planners of the world), and others who reached out after baby was already tucked in at home, still fresh and snuggly.
Here’s the good news: whichever path you’re on, your story is welcome here. But there are some helpful things to keep in mind when thinking about when to book your newborn session – both for peace of mind and for making the most of this fleeting, wonder-filled season.
Let’s Talk Timing (and Real Life)
If you’re anything like most of the families I serve – juggling work, little humans, navigating big life changes – it’s easy for things like “book newborn session” to move further down the to-do list. Some of you worry your home isn’t magazine-ready. Others might be navigating more difficult pregnancy journeys and feel hesitant to plan ahead.
The truth? You don’t need a perfect house or perfect timing. You just need a little space carved out to celebrate life as it is right now. I approach every in-home newborn session with flexibility, heart, and zero pressure. And trust me, no one regrets having these early moments documented.
That said, doing a little planning ahead can make a big difference – and that’s what this post is here to help with.
When is the “Best” Time to Book Newborn Photos?
When clients ask me what the ideal newborn session timing is, I like to break it down into a few core things to keep in mind.
1. Book Before Baby Arrives (If You Can)
If you’re a planner or simply love crossing things off your list (waving to my fellow early birds out there), aim to book your newborn session during your second or early third trimester. Why?
- You’re more likely to get your preferred photographer and date range
- Your spot gets reserved on my calendar, with flexibility built in around your due date
- You can relax knowing one more thing is already taken care of
I generally mark a tentative session for around 10 days past your due date. That way we’ve got wiggle room for early or late arrivals (and let’s be real…babies have no interest in our schedules).
2. The Sweet Spot: 2-4 Weeks Old
I typically photograph newborns somewhere between 2 to 4 weeks after birth. During this time, babies are still snuggly and sleepy, but families have also had a little time to settle in. The beauty of lifestyle newborn photography is that your baby doesn’t need to be brand-new to get meaningful images.
Somewhere in this window works well for capturing:
- Snuggles in your favorite spot on the couch
- Feeding or soothing routines
- Sweet little stretches and yawns
- The beautiful, blurry newness of those early weeks
And if you’ve got an older sibling in the mix, that extra time can give everyone a better chance of participating with a little less “what just happened?” energy.
3. What If You Missed the Window?
It’s okay. I mean it.
Don’t let the calendar stop you from reaching out. Babies are unbelievably sweet and photographable well beyond the first few weeks. I’ve done newborn-style sessions even when baby is 6-8 weeks old – and with the more interactive expressions and eye contact, it’s a completely different kind of special.
Even if you’re contacting me once baby’s already home, I’ll do everything I can to find a time that works for both of us.
And because I never open up my full calendar publicly, I leave space specifically to accommodate newborn families…because life doesn’t run on a booking system.
4. Sensitive Circumstances Are Always Respected
I fully understand there may be personal, medical, or emotional reasons why someone might not want to book too early. I want you to know I hold deep respect for whatever road you’re walking. I believe in hope and choosing the things that matter most, when the time is right.
If you’re feeling uncertain, but still hope to have those memories documented, send the inquiry anyway. We’ll figure it out gently, together.
The Real Reason to Book a Newborn Session
Here’s the thing: having newborn photos isn’t about ticking something off a milestone list. It’s about giving yourself (and your future child) a way to remember what those early days really looked and felt like.
The way your baby curled into your chest.
The way big brother stood just far enough away, but watched everything curiously.
That little yawn on the quilt your grandmother made.
Your body, tired but strong, creating comfort just by showing up.
These are the moments that disappear before we even realize they happened. Booking a newborn session is a way to hold onto them just a little longer.
Did that help you decide when to book newborn photos?
If you’re expecting a baby and want to make sure those early, raw, beautiful moments are captured in a way that feels true to your family – I would be honored to photograph that season for you.
At Western Sky Photography, I intentionally leave room in my calendar for newborn sessions so we can adapt to whatever life brings. Whether you’re 12 weeks pregnant or holding your baby on your chest right now, let’s talk.
You’ll never regret having these days documented, and you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Learn more about what a newborn session with me is like:
Lifstyle newborn session FAQs
Preparing for an in home newborn photo session
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