When Is the Best Time for Newborn Photos?

Welcoming a new baby can feel overwhelming enough even before thinking about when to book a newborn photoshoot. As a maternity and newborn photographer who specialises in at-home newborn photography (no studio setups or props), I wanted to share a few tips to help you plan your session with ease and confidence. In short as soon as possible and don’t wait until your baby arrives to avoid missing out on documenting this season.

When Should I book my newborn Photos

If you are researching and pregnant, book them in as early as possible ! Its one less thing you have to think about when baby arrives , like preparing your home for the new arrival – don’t wait until baby is here. My Pricing can be found here and for best value – I recommend the combo package ( for maternity and newborn)

If baby is here and you haven’t booked , please dont let this stop you from booking out . Dont let this season pass without documenting it. Please get in touch and we can through logistics and whats holding you back – scheduling conflicts , toddler siblings and a crazy upside home , lets make this easy.

The Best Age for Newborn Photos

Ideally, newborn photos are taken within the first 7–10 days after birth, when your baby is still sleepy and naturally curls up in that beautiful newborn way.

But life happens and sometimes a month can fly by before you even realise.

That’s okay.

I’ve photographed babies at all ages, from one week to six weeks old, and each stage brings its own kind of beauty.

You’ll notice the difference mainly in your baby’s alertness:

• Newborns under two weeks tend to sleep deeply, perfect for those curled-up images.
• Older newborns are often awake, with more eye contact and connection with parents and siblings.

Both are beautiful. The great thing about lifestyle newborn photography is that it allows for this flexibility. It’s story-focused, not pose-focused , capturing moments as they unfold, along with all the tiny details and emotions that come with welcoming your new baby.

Why Timing Matters in Newborn Photography

This sounds more serious than it is, but in short ; it’s best to book your newborn photographer early, ideally during your second trimester.

I offer priority booking for my maternity and newborn clients, so we can capture that fleeting newborn stage while keeping the experience relaxed. I stay in touch throughout your pregnancy to check in on your comfort and baby’s arrival, but I can’t always guarantee last-minute availability (though it’s always worth asking!). Contact me here to check availability

The difference a few days can make is incredible — a sleeping, curled-up newborn versus a bright-eyed four-week-old. I love both and work with both.

Best Time of Day for In-Home Newborn Sessions

The best time of day often depends on your baby’s routine, but I generally recommend mornings, when most babies are at their calmest.

If mornings don’t suit (especially for partners returning to work), late-afternoon sessions can be just as lovely, with that golden, slow light that adds warmth and intimacy to your photos.

That’s what I love most about at-home newborn sessions — they’re entirely you-focused and flexible.

Lifestyle Newborn vs. Studio Newborn Photography

Studio newborn photography can be stunning, but as a mum of three, I remember how challenging it felt to get out of the house with a newborn. IYKYK- packing a baby bag and the anxiety of leaving something behind , co-ordinating times ( schedules , nap times , all of it) . In photographers come to you , you have everything you need and THAT alone is WORTH it

There’s something much more meaningful about being photographed at home surrounded by your baby’s nursery, your couch, your rhythm. At-home sessions allow life to flow naturally. You don’t have to rush, stress, or pose. We can include pets , siblings, grandparents and any meaningful nursery gifts and details.

If you are torn between the two , there are a few thing we can do to get the best of both worlds; styling and making sure you have at least one great room cleared ( any room with good light can be turned into setting ,if it means moving some furniture around that’s easy enough to do)

For minimal , elegant styling , I love Aster and Oak , Kit and Cradle and Wilson and French all for their timeless breathable babywear. Choose their neutral palettes over character prints and use patterns with caution

In my sessions, I don’t handle or pose your baby ( for safety reasons too) . A sleeping baby belongs in your arms or curled on your chest right where they feel safest.

If you’re after studio photography, I may not be the right fit, but if you’re drawn to something more intimate, relaxed, and storytelling-driven, then lifestyle newborn photography might be exactly what you’re looking for. These images don’t just show what your baby looked like they capture how this season felt. For more information , look at these newborn images on my portfolio or contact me for a gallery example

What to Expect During an In-Home Newborn Session

Every session is different — and that’s the beauty of it. Some babies sleep through the entire session; others feed or stay wide awake.

I’ll always focus on your comfort and ease. I can create art from any light-filled corner of your home — whether it’s your bedroom, the nursery, or your lounge. What might feel like chaos in the moment often turns into the most tender, love-filled photos.

Some of my favourite memories include siblings holding their new baby, or grandparents meeting their first grandchild. These are unique one of kind moments that make lifestyle newborn photography so special.

When Should You Book If You’re Expecting?

Planning Around Your Due Date

I usually book my expecting mums within two weeks of their due date. This date is flexible and can move depending on when baby arrives. FOr more infoation on what packages I offer , see here for my pricing

If Baby Arrives Early or Late

We’ll stay in touch throughout your pregnancy. Most of my maternity clients book a combined maternity and newborn package, which also includes a generous print credit and priority booking.

Newborn Photography FAQs

What if my baby doesn’t sleep during the session?

That’s totally fine! Every baby is different. Some sleep, some feed, some stay awake the entire time .All of these result in beautiful photos. We’ll go with your baby’s rhythm. If your baby cries, we slow down. You can comfort them however you normally would that’s the beauty of being at home in your space .

Can we do newborn photos after four weeks?

Yes, absolutely! Don’t let the idea of “missing the window” stop you. Older babies bring gorgeous expressions and connection and it’s never too late to capture this season.

Q3: How long does a newborn session take?

Every baby sets the pace, but sessions generally last 1–2 hours. Expect lots of chatting, tea breaks, and a relaxed, unhurried flow.

Do you offer in-home newborn sessions on the Gold Coast?

Yes! I photograph families from Lennox Head to Byron Bay, Tweed Coast, and the Gold Coast.

Q5: When should I book my newborn photographer?

As soon as possible. I often book maternity and newborn sessions together so your due date is secured in advance and its one less thing to think about when your baby arrives. Newborn and Maternity packages and pricing can be found here

Final Thoughts on booking a newborn Photoshoot

There’s no such thing as “too late” for photos that tell your story. Whether your baby is ten days or ten weeks old, lifestyle newborn photography is about capturing your family as you are — tender, tired, full of love, and completely real.

If you’d like to learn more about maternity and newborn packages, or check my upcoming availability, get in touch here. , I have also written a helpful guide to booking your maternity photographer and everything you need to consider when booking and this article covers if maternity photos are “worth it ” ( yes , yes and absolutely YES ) – read it here