Newborn or Baby Photography? 5 Key Differences to Help You Decide

Are you thinking about a baby photoshoot but aren’t sure when the best time would be? I completely understand — from the outside, just looking at the images, the difference might not be obvious. But in reality, there are many small yet meaningful distinctions between the two types of sessions.

Do you prefer the sweet, cuddly newborn shots from the first weeks, or the smiling, full-of-character baby portraits? This is a question many parents ask when they first consider professional photography for high-quality keepsakes.

In this post, I’ll help guide you, showing the five most important differences between newborn and baby photography so you can be sure to create memories you’ll happily look back on for years to come.

Let’s dive in!

When does the photoshoot take place?

The first and most important difference is the timing of the session.

Newborn photography usually takes place when the baby is 5–14 days old, which is the recommended window for capturing these early moments. At this stage, babies sleep a lot, are easy to pose, and still have that fetal-like posture. Routines haven’t yet formed, and during the first 5–10 days, paternity leave is often available, making it much easier to schedule the shoot without worrying about work hours.

Baby photography, on the other hand, focuses less on the first days and more on your life as a family and your baby’s early months. This typically happens when the baby is 1.5–12 months old. It’s best to wait until you feel comfortable in your new role as parents, so I usually recommend waiting for the critical 6-week mark, when daily routines have started to settle in.

What does “comfortable” mean for you?

Newborn photography often takes longer and requires more patience, as the baby’s sleep, feeding, and diaper changes need to be considered. The actual shooting time is usually a smaller portion of the session, but in return, you get intimate, dream-like moments. Sessions generally take place in a calm, warm environment, most often at home or in a studio.

Baby photography, on the other hand, allows for easier interaction with the baby, and the process is often more playful — we can even incorporate small toys or games to engage them. :)

What kind of photos can you expect?

Newborn photos are typically delicate, clean, and dreamlike — often featuring sleeping babies with warm tones and soft lighting. They tell the story of your baby’s arrival and the indescribable joy of becoming a family.

Baby photos, on the other hand, are lively, full of smiles, funny faces, and curious gazes. They focus on lifestyle, capturing authentic, everyday moments — perfect for sessions at home, in the baby’s familiar environment.

Emotional experience

Newborn photography is often the first shared family activity with your tiny baby. It’s intimate, slow, and quiet, with everything guided by the baby’s pace. The photos truly capture those very first moments — the wonder of becoming a new family, the fleeting newborn form that changes and grows day by day during this special period.

Baby photography, on the other hand, can feel like a little happening — full of laughter, first teeth, sitting up or crawling. There’s a lot of emotion here too, but with a different energy and rhythm. These images tell the story of your family. :)

The main difference

In newborn photography, during the first two weeks there are no significant developmental leaps, making it easier to help babies fall into deep sleep — perfect for capturing truly intimate images. Much of the session may involve feeding or soothing the baby, but the reward is those precious first moments. :) After the first two weeks, developmental leaps start affecting the baby’s mood, colic may appear, and awake periods become longer and less predictable. For this reason, newborn sessions aren’t recommended for babies older than two weeks. I usually suggest doing these sessions at home or, at most, in a studio, as a tiny newborn’s immune system is still developing and very sensitive to the outside world.

Baby photography, on the other hand, doesn’t focus on the newborn stage. It usually takes place when the baby is 1.5–12 months old, when they can smile, make eye contact, observe from tummy time, or start sitting up. At this stage, daily routines are established, and you know your child well, which makes planning easier and the baby’s mood more predictable. These sessions capture your family life and dynamics, and they can even be planned outdoors.

Time flies like someone is chasing it. The tiny baby you have today could be jumping on the couch tomorrow if you’re not careful! :) But a well-captured photo can bring back their scent, their gaze, and the feeling you’re experiencing right now — forever.

If you want to preserve these little wonders — at any stage — don’t hesitate to reach out. :)

Get in touch!