The best time to book your newborn photoshoot is during pregnancy — ideally in your second or third trimester — with the session itself taking place when your baby is between 5 and 14 days old. This is the window when newborns are at their sleepiest, most curly, and most cooperative for those peaceful, timeless images you see in professional galleries.

But I know that feels like a lot to think about when you’re busy preparing for a baby. So let me walk you through exactly why timing matters, what happens if you miss the window, and how flexible the whole process actually is.

Why 5–14 Days Is the Sweet Spot

There’s a reason newborn photographers recommend this narrow window, and it’s not about being precious with scheduling. During the first two weeks of life, babies are naturally:

Sleepier. They’re still adjusting to the world outside and tend to drift off beautifully during the session, which means we can gently pose them without any fuss.

More flexible. Their little bodies are still curled and bendy from being in the womb, which is what creates those gorgeous tucked-in poses that look so natural and peaceful.

Calmer. Before the two-week mark, most babies haven’t yet developed the alertness (and the accompanying startle reflexes) that make them harder to settle.

After about three weeks, babies become much more wakeful, more aware of their surroundings, and often fussier. We can absolutely still photograph them — and the results will be beautiful — but the session may take longer and the style shifts from those dreamy, curled-up poses to more awake-and-alert portraits.

When Should You Actually Book?

Here’s the timeline I recommend to my clients:

During pregnancy (ideally 20–30 weeks): Get in touch to reserve your estimated due date. I only take a limited number of newborn sessions each month — I shoot on weekends only, with a maximum of two sessions per day — so booking early means you’re guaranteed a spot.

After baby arrives: Let me know! We’ll then confirm the exact session date based on when your little one actually shows up. Babies rarely arrive on their due date, and that’s completely fine — your booking flexes with you.

The key thing to understand: You’re not booking a fixed date. You’re reserving a window around your due date. Once baby arrives, we pick the perfect day together, usually aiming for that 5–14 day sweet spot.

What If My Baby Is Already Here and I Haven’t Booked?

Don’t worry — this happens more often than you’d think. The newborn period is overwhelming, and photography isn’t always top of mind when you’re surviving on two hours of sleep.

If your baby is between 2 and 6 weeks old, we can still absolutely do a beautiful session. The style may lean more towards awake portraits rather than sleepy poses, but these images are just as precious — often more so, because you’ll capture those wide-eyed expressions and curious gazes that are uniquely your baby.

If your little one is older than 6 weeks, a sitter session at 6–9 months or a first birthday cake smash might actually be the perfect next milestone to capture. Every age has its own magic.

What Happens During a Newborn Session?

My newborn sessions take place in my cosy home studio in Rugby, Warwickshire. The studio is kept warm and calm — think soft white backdrops, natural light, and gentle music. Everything is designed so that both you and your baby feel completely relaxed.

A typical session lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours, and here’s what you can expect:

We start with family portraits — you, your partner, and baby together. These are some of the most treasured images from every session, because they capture you as a brand-new family.

Then we move to solo baby portraits. I work through a variety of gentle poses, capturing close-ups of those tiny details — fingers, toes, eyelashes, lips — alongside full-body shots in beautiful knitted outfits from my studio wardrobe.

We build in feeding breaks, nappy changes, and cuddle time as needed. There’s never any rush. Your baby leads the session, not a clock.

How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photoshoot

A few simple things make a big difference:

Feed baby just before the session. A full, milk-drunk baby is a sleepy baby — exactly what we want.

Dress in neutral tones. White, cream, beige, or soft grey work beautifully for the family portraits. Avoid bold logos or busy patterns.

Bring a dummy if your baby uses one. It can help settle them between poses — I’ll make sure it’s not in the final images.

Pack essentials. Extra nappies, muslin cloths, a change of outfit for baby (and for you, just in case of any little accidents), and a bottle if you’re combination feeding.

Relax. Truly. My studio is set up to handle every scenario — crying, feeding, nappy changes, the lot. I’m a mum myself, and nothing fazes me.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best age for newborn photos?

The ideal age for newborn photography is between 5 and 14 days old. During this window, babies are naturally sleepier and more flexible, which allows for those classic curled-up newborn poses. However, beautiful portraits can be taken at any age — the style simply adapts to your baby’s stage.

Can I book a newborn photoshoot after the baby is born?

Yes, though availability may be limited. I recommend booking during pregnancy to guarantee your spot, as I only photograph a small number of newborns each month. If your baby has already arrived, get in touch as soon as possible and I’ll do my best to fit you in.

How long does a newborn photoshoot take?

Newborn sessions typically last 1.5 to 2 hours. This includes time for feeding breaks, nappy changes, and settling — there’s never any rush. Your baby sets the pace.

What should I wear to a newborn photoshoot?

Neutral tones work best — white, cream, beige, or soft grey. Avoid bold patterns or logos. The focus should be on you, your partner, and your baby, not your clothing.

How much does a newborn photoshoot cost in Rugby?

Newborn photography packages at Oana Photography start from £380 for the Digital Memories package (20 edited digital downloads) up to £500 for the Treasured Collection, which includes a 20×20” framed wall art piece with 9 images. View full pricing at oanaphotography.co.uk/prices.

Do you provide baby outfits for the session?

Yes — I have a curated collection of beautiful knitted outfits and wraps in neutral tones, perfectly suited to my bright, airy studio style. You’re welcome to bring your own outfits too.

Ready to Book Your Newborn Session?

If you’re expecting or have recently welcomed your little one, I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to reserve your spot — there’s no obligation, and I’m happy to answer any questions you might have.