How to Prepare for a Newborn Photoshoot – Everything You Need to Know
- Virág Mészáros
- 2025. dec. 29.
- 3 perc olvasás
The first days and weeks fly by, and a newborn photoshoot helps capture exactly that: the wonder of those chaotic early days, a fleeting and irreplaceable period that changes everything.
These photos will later show you what you truly experienced inside: the joy, intimacy, and closeness of becoming a family, the scent of your baby, and the arrival of new life.
However, to make these images truly beautiful and intimate, it’s worth paying attention to a few key things. In this post, I’ll guide you through exactly that :)
Timing Matters! – The Right Time for a Newborn Photoshoot
The best time for a newborn photoshoot is between 5 and 14 days old. During this period, babies still sleep a lot, feed frequently, and are easier to soothe and position. From the second week onward, developmental leaps begin, making babies more sensitive to the outside world. The physical growth happening in their bodies can also make them fussier, starting a much less predictable period.
The Baby’s Comfort Comes First
In newborn photography, the scheduled session time isn’t rigid — it’s not about fitting your baby into a timeline. The most important thing is the baby’s comfort. If your little one feels safe and relaxed, you will too, and my priority is making sure these first memories are captured exactly as you’ll want to remember them.
If that means much of the session involves rocking or feeding the baby, that’s part of the story — but what truly matters is the final result. I’ll guide you every step of the way with tips and 15 years of experience to make this moment as smooth and memorable as possible.
Flexible Schedule, Flexible Timing
Even if you’ve set a date, we all know that a newborn has their own plans — they might decide the perfect time to arrive doesn’t align with medical advice for the “big day.” :)
That’s why newborn sessions are a priority in my calendar.
All we need to coordinate in advance is the month of arrival; the exact date can be set once your little one is here. During the first two weeks, Dad is usually at home, and the baby doesn’t have a set routine yet. I usually recommend scheduling the session when your home has the brightest natural light, and we’ll take care of everything else together.
Simple and Natural Outfits – Before Nap Time!
Oversized clothes and busy accessories can distract from the baby, so I recommend avoiding outfits with lots of text, cartoon characters, skirts, or anything too large — these can take attention away from the baby and the intimate moments.
Pro tip: Dress the baby in the chosen outfit before feeding, so if they happen to fall asleep, we don’t have to wake them up for clothing changes! :)
Parents Are Part of the Story Too!
Yes, the arrival of a new little life doesn’t just bring a baby — it brings a whole family. Even if you already have an older child, the arrival of a new sibling brings big changes, giving the older child a brand-new role as a big brother or sister! :)
This truly affects everyone, and for the baby, these will be their very first impressions and memories. They won’t just want to see themselves in the photos — they’ll want to remember you, the parents, and any siblings: how you all looked when they arrived, how their arrival changed your lives, how excited you were (or weren’t — big siblings, right! :)), and over time, these images will help shape their personality. Most importantly, they strengthen the sense of family togetherness! :)
