When Should You Plan a Newborn Photoshoot? | Devon Newborn Photographer
When Should You Plan a Newborn Photoshoot?
A question I get asked a lot as a Devon newborn photographer is when to book in your newborn photoshoot. The truth is, there isn’t one right answer. Every family, every birth, and every baby is different.
What I will say is this: it’s never too early to reach out and get a date pencilled in. Once you’re into your second trimester, there’s no harm in getting in touch and enquiring about availability. We can always adjust things closer to the time depending on when your baby actually arrives, because they rarely stick to the plan.
There are a few different approaches when it comes to timing your newborn photoshoot, and each has its own feel.
The Fresh 48 Newborn Session
If you want to capture those very first hours, a ‘fresh 48’ session might be for you. These take place within the first 48 hours after your baby is born.
At this stage, your baby is completely brand new. They’re still sleepy, curled up, and just as they were in your tummy. These sessions are usually documentary in style, with very little posing. Instead, they focus on real moments as they unfold.
A fresh 48 session might capture the first time siblings meet their new baby, the tiny details like flaky skin, and the quiet, emotional moments as you begin life together. It’s raw, honest, and incredibly special.
That said, it does require you to feel ready quite soon after birth, which isn’t always the case. It’s a beautiful option if you know you want to remember those first hours exactly as they were.
Traditional Newborn Photoshoot (First 14 Days)
The most common timing for a newborn photoshoot is within the first two weeks after birth.
During this window, your baby is still very sleepy and naturally curls into those soft, snuggly positions. This makes it ideal for those classic, relaxed newborn images while still keeping everything natural and baby-led.
Waiting a few days also gives you a little breathing space. You’ll have had time to recover, settle at home, and begin to find your rhythm. That can make a big difference in how you feel during your session.
Being at home adds a personal layer to your photos. Everything you need is right there, from nappies to spare outfits, and there’s no need to leave the house or pack a bag or even put your shoes on. It’s calm, comfortable, and familiar which can be hugely reassuring, especially at a time when everything feels so new and a bit raw.
Older Newborn Photoshoot (3–12 Weeks)
More and more families are choosing to schedule their newborn photoshoot a little later, between 3 and 12 weeks.
At this stage, your baby is still small, but more awake and aware. You may start to see little expressions, stretches, and even the beginnings of smiles. There’s often more eye contact and connection, which brings a different kind of magic to your images.
This can be a great option if you prefer a natural, unposed style. It also works well if you’d like to include older siblings, need more recovery time after birth, or simply want to wait until life feels a little more settled.
For families in Devon, this timing can also open up the option of heading outdoors, especially if you have a summer baby and want to make the most of the landscape.
So, When Should You Book Your Newborn Photoshoot?
As a Devon newborn photographer, my advice is to book during your pregnancy to secure a space, then decide on the exact timing once your baby arrives.
Think about what matters most to you. Do you want to remember those first raw hours, the sleepy early days, or the more connected, awake stage a few weeks in? There’s no wrong choice, only what feels right for your family.
A Final Thought
Whatever you decide, you won’t regret capturing this time.
The newborn stage really does pass in a blur. The days are full of feeds, naps, and constant changes, and before you know it, everything feels different. The tiny details, the way they fit in your arms, the quiet moments at home, they all shift so quickly.
One day, you’ll be chasing a toddler and wondering where that tiny baby went.
If you’d like to find out more about booking your newborn photoshoot with a Devon newborn photographer, you can visit my website for more details and examples of recent sessions.
http://www.helenmildmay.com/newborn
Helen is a Devon-based family and newborn portrait photographer. See more of her work at
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