Newborn Photography: When to Book and What to Expect
Newborn · 6 min read · By Kaushik Bathia · Updated 2026-08-17.
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Key takeaways
- The classic, curled newborn look is easiest in the first 5-14 days, when babies are sleepiest.
- Book during pregnancy and we hold a flexible slot around your due date.
- Sessions are unhurried, expect 2-3 hours with breaks for feeding and soothing.
For those classic, curled, sleepy newborn portraits, timing matters: the easiest window is the first one to two weeks. The best approach is to book during pregnancy so we can hold a flexible slot around your due date, then run an unhurried session once your baby arrives. Here is when to book and exactly what to expect.
A newborn session is a portrait shoot in a baby's first weeks, most often at 5 to 14 days old, while the baby still curls and sleeps deeply.
Posed newborn photography is the studio style using supported wraps and props, and it requires a photographer trained in newborn safety and handling.
Lifestyle newborn photography is the relaxed alternative, photographed at home with the family and without formal posing.
For example, a baby booked in at 5 days will curl naturally into the poses most parents picture, while the same baby at 5 weeks will be alert and photographed quite differently.
When is the best time for newborn photos?
The ideal window for classic newborn portraits is roughly 5 to 14 days old, when babies are at their sleepiest and most flexible, making the curled, settled poses come naturally. As newborn photographers widely agree, after the first couple of weeks babies start to uncurl, stretch out and become more alert, so those foetal-position poses become harder to achieve.
| Age | What is possible |
|---|---|
| 5–14 days | Curled, sleepy poses |
| 3–6 weeks | Awake, alert |
| 3 months | Smiles, head control |
| 6 months | Sitting |
Book during pregnancy, not after.
That said, there is no hard cut-off. We happily photograph older babies too, the session simply has a more awake, interactive feel, with lovely eyes-open moments instead.
When should you book?
Book during pregnancy, ideally in the second or third trimester. Because no one can predict the exact arrival date, we reserve a flexible slot around your due date and confirm the precise day once your baby is here. Booking ahead means you are not scrambling in the first tender, tiring weeks of parenthood.
What to expect on the day
Newborn sessions are calm and led entirely by your baby, so allow two to three hours. We keep the studio warm, which helps babies sleep, and build in plenty of breaks for feeding, soothing and nappy changes. There is no rush whatsoever, the unhurried pace is the secret to natural, peaceful images.
Bring a feed, spare nappies, a dummy if you use one. Anything sentimental you would like in the photos, a special blanket, a knitted heirloom or a meaningful toy.
Safety and comfort first
Every pose and prop is chosen with your baby's comfort and safety first. We never force a position, work gently and patiently, and follow your baby's cues throughout. Parents are welcome in shot or close by the whole time.
Those first days pass in a blur, so booking ahead is the kindest thing you can do for yourself. Tell us your due date and we will hold a flexible slot for your newborn session.
Related: Family photography, how to prepare for a newborn shoot, baby and newborn sessions, book a session.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
For classic, curled, sleepy portraits, around 5 to 14 days old is ideal, when babies are sleepiest and most flexible.
During pregnancy, ideally the second or third trimester. We hold a flexible slot around your due date and confirm the exact day once your baby arrives.
Allow two to three hours. Sessions are unhurried and led by your baby, with breaks for feeding, soothing and nappy changes.
A feed, spare nappies, a dummy if you use one. Anything sentimental such as a special blanket, knitted heirloom or meaningful toy.
Not at all. We photograph older babies happily, the session simply has a more awake, interactive feel with lovely eyes-open moments.
Based in London
Editorial note: the figures and guidance on this page were last checked on 24 August 2026. The sources used are NHS: safer sleep for babies. Written by Kaushik Bathia — more about the author, or contact the studio.
Expecting a baby?
Tell us your due date and we'll hold a flexible newborn session slot around it.