Pregnancy has a funny way of making time feel both incredibly slow and unbelievably fast. One moment you’re staring at a positive pregnancy test in complete shock, and the next you’re packing a hospital bag and wondering where the last few months disappeared to. Somewhere amongst preparing the nursery, buying tiny baby clothes, and reading every parenting article imaginable, many parents start thinking about newborn photography too. And one of the most common questions I’m asked is:

“When should I actually book my newborn photos?”

The short answer? Ideally during pregnancy. But don’t worry — if your baby has already arrived, it’s still worth getting in touch. Here’s everything you need to know.

The Best Time to Book Your Newborn Session

Most parents who I photograph across the Guildford and Surrey/ Sussex area, book their newborn photography session during their second or third trimester, usually after the 20-week scan. This doesn’t mean you have to decide on the date for your shoot — it simply means your due date is reserved in the diary ahead of time.

Because newborn sessions are best photographed within the first couple of weeks after birth, availability can be limited, especially during busy seasons. Booking early means:

• your space is secured
• we are able to have a consultation call prior to your baby arriving to run through the session
• there’s one less thing to organise once baby arrives
• our session can take place during the ideal newborn window
• and we can plan a calm, relaxed experience together

What Age Is Best for Newborn Photos?

The ideal time for newborn photography is usually within the first 5–14 days after birth. At this stage, babies are typically:

• sleepier
• curlier
• more settled in those beautiful newborn poses

That said, there is absolutely no “too late” when it comes to photographing your baby. Older newborns can still be beautifully photographed, often with more eye contact, stretches, and awake moments that parents love just as much.

What If My Baby Arrives Early or Late?

This is one of the biggest worries parents have — and understandably so. Newborn sessions are booked around your due date rather than a fixed session date. Once baby arrives, we simply confirm the final session day. So whether your little one makes an early appearance or keeps you waiting, there’s flexibility built into the process.

What Happens During a Newborn Session?

One of the things parents often tell me afterwards is how relaxed the session felt. There’s plenty of time for:

• feeding
• cuddles
• nappy changes
• settling breaks

Nothing is rushed, and babies are always gently led at their own pace.

My sessions are designed to feel calm and comfortable for the whole family — because I know those early days can feel overwhelming enough already.

Should Parents and Siblings Be Included?

Absolutely. While the tiny baby portraits are beautiful, the images parents treasure most over time are often the connection photographs:

• tiny hands wrapped around fingers
• siblings meeting baby
• sleepy cuddles together

You do not need to feel “camera ready” to be included. Years from now, your children will care far more that you were there than whether you felt tired at the time.

What If I Haven’t Booked Yet?

If your baby has already arrived, please don’t panic. I always try my best to fit in last-minute newborn bookings where possible, and older babies can still create incredibly meaningful images. It’s always worth sending an enquiry.

Capturing the Moments That Change the Fastest

The newborn stage passes in such a blur. Photographs become a way of holding onto just a little piece of it.

If you’re expecting and live in the Guildford, Godalming, Haslemere, Farnham, Cranleigh, Chichester area, and are thinking about newborn photography, I’d love to hear from you and help create something timeless for your family. Get in touch.