Newborn photography is one of the most precious gifts you can give yourself and your family. Those early days go by in a blur of feedings, sleepless nights, and endless cuddles. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of new baby life, but one thing you don’t want to overlook is scheduling your newborn photo session. The first few weeks of your baby’s life are incredibly special, and capturing those moments is something you’ll treasure forever.

Why the First Few Weeks Matter

The first few weeks of your baby’s life are a time of incredible change. They grow so quickly, and their features transform daily. Newborn photos taken during this period capture their tiny features—the soft, smooth skin, delicate fingers, and perfect little toes—all of which will never look quite the same once they’ve grown a little older. But the timing of the session is key.

When to Schedule Your Newborn Session

Ideally, newborn photos are taken in the first two weeks after birth. This is when your baby is still in that “newborn phase” and hasn’t yet started to lose the sweet, sleepy demeanor. Babies are often more flexible during this time, and you’ll get those adorable, curled-up poses that you see in so many beautiful newborn photos. After about 14 days, babies start to be more alert and active, and those sleepy, curled-up poses become more challenging to achieve.

If you’re planning to capture those special first moments as a family, scheduling your session early is important. I recommend booking your newborn session while you’re still pregnant—usually in the second trimester—so we can ensure availability and have a plan in place for when the time comes.

Fresh 48: The First 48 Hours

In addition to traditional newborn sessions, another beautiful option is the Fresh 48 session. This type of session takes place in the first 48 hours after your baby is born, often in the hospital or birth center. It’s a time to capture those raw, intimate moments with your baby right after birth—without the stress of having to “pose” or get ready for a more formal session.

A Fresh 48 session is all about documenting the raw emotion of the first moments of life. It’s a chance to capture your baby in their first hours, when everything is still new and fresh. This can include images of the first time siblings meet the baby, the first cuddles, or those quiet moments between you and your baby. There’s something incredibly special about this time in your baby’s life, and having those memories preserved can be priceless.

What to Expect During Your Newborn Session

Whether you’re opting for a Fresh 48 session or a more traditional newborn shoot, there are a few things to keep in mind. For a traditional newborn session, it will typically take place in your home or a studio setting, and we’ll focus on capturing your baby’s tiny details and sweet moments. If you’re going for a Fresh 48 session, I’ll come to the hospital or birth center shortly after your baby’s arrival to document the early moments.

Sessions usually last between 1-2 hours, and I’ll make sure your baby is comfortable throughout the entire process. If you’re doing a traditional newborn session, I always leave plenty of time for breaks, feeding, and comforting, as I want this to be a relaxed, enjoyable experience for you and your baby.

Preparing for Your Newborn Session

To make the most of your session, here are a few tips for preparing:

 1. Schedule early: Book your session while you’re still pregnant, ideally around 20-30 weeks along.

 2. Keep it simple: Opt for simple, neutral clothing that complements your baby’s natural beauty. We want the focus to be on the baby, not the outfits.

 3. Plan for feeding: Whether you plan to nurse or bottle-feed, it’s always helpful to have a feeding schedule in mind so your baby is calm and content during the session.

 4. Relax and enjoy the moment: The first few weeks are so precious and fleeting. Take time to enjoy these early moments with your newborn, and let me capture them for you.

The Gift of Newborn Photography

Capturing those first days of your baby’s life is a gift you will cherish forever. Whether you opt for a Fresh 48 session to document the first hours or a traditional newborn session to capture your baby’s first few weeks, these photos will be timeless reminders of the joy and love you felt during this unforgettable chapter.

If you’re expecting and would like to learn more about booking your newborn session, reach out to me, and we can get everything planned and ready to go!