Newborn Photography 101: When to Book, What to Expect, and How to Prepare

Newborn sessions hold a special place in my heart. There’s something so fleeting and precious about those first few weeks the tiny fingers, the sleepy newborn squishiness, the way they curl right back into the position they were in before they were born. If you’re expecting and thinking about booking a newborn session, here’s everything you need to know.

When Should You Book?

The best time to schedule newborn photos is actually before your baby arrives ideally during your second trimester. Here’s why:

• Newborn sessions are best done within the first 5-14 days after birth, while babies are still extra sleepy and curl naturally into those classic poses.
• Babies’ schedules (and yours) are completely unpredictable in those early days, so locking in a tentative date ahead of time means we can stay flexible and adjust once baby arrives.
• I keep a limited number of newborn sessions on my calendar each month specifically to accommodate this short window, so booking early helps guarantee your spot.

Once baby is born, just send me a message and we’ll confirm the exact date together.

What Happens During a Newborn Session?

These sessions are slow and unhurried by design. We work around your baby’s needs the entire time feeding, soothing, and comforting breaks are completely normal and expected. A typical session can run 2-3 hours, not because there’s that much “shooting” happening, but because babies need time to settle, eat, and get comfortable.

I keep the studio (or your home, if you choose an in-home session) warm and calm, with soft sound in the background to help mimic the womb environment. Some of my favorite parts of these sessions are the candid, unposed moments a tiny yawn, a hand resting on a parent’s chest, siblings peeking in to meet the new baby.

How to Prepare

• Keep baby awake on the drive over (or right before, if at home). A little awake time before the session helps them settle into a deeper sleep once we start.
• Feed baby right before we begin. A full, sleepy baby is a cooperative baby.
• Keep the room warm at home. If we’re shooting at your house, warming the room beforehand helps baby stay comfortable without clothes or wraps.
• Don’t stress about the mess. Newborns are unpredictable. Spit-up, fussiness, and diaper changes mid-session are all part of the process, and I promise I’ve seen it all.
• Think about who you want included. Parents, siblings, grandparents let me know ahead of time so we can plan time for those combinations too.

What Should Everyone Wear?

Keep it simple. Soft, neutral tones (creams, soft grays, muted earth tones) let baby be the star of the photos. Avoid busy patterns or bright colors that compete with those tiny newborn features. If you’re not sure what to bring, just ask I’m happy to help you put together a simple, cohesive look for the whole family.

A Gentle Reminder

These weeks go by faster than anyone warns you. The newborn stage lasts such a short time, and it’s easy to think you’ll remember every detail — but photos let you go back and actually feel it again: the weight of a brand-new baby, the exhaustion, the love. That’s really what I’m trying to capture for you.

If you’re expecting or know someone who is, reach out to book your newborn session even if your due date is still months away. I’d love to be part of welcoming your little one into the world.