When it comes to documenting these fleeting early days, timing is a balance between securing your place on the calendar and capturing your baby while they still have that "newborn magic." Because I prioritise the baby's rhythm and your physical recovery, my recommendations for timing are rooted in comfort and quality rather than rigid tradition.
The best time to reach out is during your second trimester (around the 20-week mark).
While it might feel early to think about photos when your "to-do" list is already miles long, booking in advance offers several practical benefits:
- I only take a limited number of newborn sessions each month to ensure I can remain flexible. Since babies rarely arrive on their actual due date, booking early secures a "floating" spot in my calendar surrounding your date.
- Booking early gives us plenty of time for our consultation. We can discuss the light in your home, wardrobe textures, and any specific "untamed" moments you’re hoping to capture without the rush of a looming due date.
- Once your baby arrives, your focus will be entirely on them. Having your photographer already chosen and the logistics settled means one less thing to manage during the beautiful "chaos" of those first few days.
When is the "Best" Time for Your Session?
The standard industry advice is to book within the first two weeks. Personally, I find that puts an unnecessary pressure on new parents, turning a beautiful experience into just another "task" on a list when you are likely at your most exhausted.
We aren't racing against a clock here.
The right time is whenever you feel ready. To help you decide what feels right for your family, here is the reality of the different stages:
Days 5–14 (The "Newness"): This is the window for those quiet, curled-up moments. The baby is still in that "womb-like" state, often sleeping deeply through the session. It’s perfect for capturing that fleeting, brand-new fragility.
Weeks 3–6 (The "Connection"): By this stage, babies are more alert and you might even catch the first hints of a social smile. Crucially, this is often when mothers begin to feel more physically recovered and confident. You’ve found a bit of a rhythm, and that shows in the photos.
Your recovery and your comfort are far more important than a self-imposed deadline. Whether your baby is six days or six weeks old, the connection we capture will be just as real.
No deadlines, just documented moments.
Whether you want to capture those first sleepy days or you’d rather wait until you’ve found your feet , I am here for it. Your recovery and your comfort will always come before a calendar date.
If you're currently expecting, let's start a conversation now so we can hold a space for you, whenever you're ready.
