Newborn Sessions FAQ's

What you need to know before booking your Newborn Photo Session

The purpose of photography is to preserve life’s beauty and immortalize the moments and details that should never be forgotten.

A professional photographer can help you do that with the expertise, knowledge, and experience that comes from years of working with a particular subject and learning how to capture it beautifully.

I hope this post answers some of the questions or hesitations you may have about booking a newborn photoshoot. Whether you choose me or another wonderful Victoria newborn photographer, I hope you’ll take the time to preserve this important milestone as beautifully as possible.

So, without further ado, here are some of the most common questions parents have about newborn photography.

“A camera captures what the heart wants to keep forever.”

— Anonymous

1. When Should You Book Your Newborn Session?

The best time to start planning your newborn photo session is during your second or third trimester.

Booking early gives you plenty of time to:

• Research photographers

• Compare different photography styles

• Consider your preferences

• Ask questions and discuss concerns

• Find a photographer who feels like the right fit for your family

Of course, you won’t know exactly when your baby will arrive. That’s completely normal, and newborn photographers are accustomed to working around unpredictable due dates.

I usually schedule newborn sessions based on the expected due date and adjust the date once baby arrives.

2. What Is the Best Age for Newborn Photos?

The ideal window for a traditional newborn photo session is usually within the first two weeks after birth. Personally, I prefer photographing babies when they are around 10 to 14 days old.

Babies change very quickly during their first month, so this early window allows us to capture all of those tiny details before they begin to change. During this stage, babies are often still sleepy and naturally curl into those sweet, newborn poses.

I prefer to wait until baby is at least seven days old, and ideally closer to 14 days. During the first week, babies often lose a little weight after birth while they learn to feed. By the second week, many babies are feeding more efficiently, sleeping more comfortably, and beginning to regain that weight.

This also gives parents a little more time to settle into their new routine. When baby is feeding well and feeling comfortable, the session is often more relaxed for everyone.

That said, I photograph babies of all ages. There are beautiful opportunities at every stage, and each age has its own advantages. The most important thing is that both parent and baby are happy and healthy. Everything else is a bonus.

If your baby is older than two weeks, don’t worry. You can still have a beautiful newborn session, and I have another post about photographing older newborns that explores this in more detail.

3. What If My Baby Arrives Early or Late?

This is one of the most common concerns parents have, but it’s usually not a problem.

I typically schedule newborn sessions for approximately two weeks after the expected due date. Once your baby arrives, we adjust the session date based on their actual birth date.

I intentionally leave time in my schedule for editing, which also gives me the flexibility to move sessions when necessary. If your baby arrives earlier or later than expected, we simply reschedule.

For example, if your session is scheduled for a Thursday and your baby arrives early, I may be able to move your session to a Monday and use the original Thursday for editing instead. Every photographer handles scheduling a little differently, but I do my best to keep my calendar flexible so we can work around your baby’s arrival.

There’s no need to feel stressed if your baby doesn’t arrive on the date you expected. Once your baby is here, we’ll find a date that works.

4. Should We Have the Session at Home or in the Studio?

I’m happy to photograph newborn sessions in a client’s home, but I prefer using my comfortable Cordova Bay studio.

When you have a new baby, the last thing you should have to worry about is cleaning, organizing, or moving furniture around your home for a photo session. In-home sessions can also come with challenges such as limited natural light, visual distractions, background clutter, phone calls, chores, and unexpected interruptions.

When you come to the studio, you can simply arrive, settle in, and relax. You won’t have to worry about preparing your home or cleaning up afterwards.

Your only responsibilities are to feed the baby, change a diaper, and take a break when you need one. You’re welcome to sit back, watch the session, or even have a nap.

The studio is warm, quiet, cozy, and designed with babies and new parents in mind. It includes:

• A comfortable space for feeding and changing

• A large couch for relaxing

• Plenty of blankets, wraps, props, colours, and textures to choose from

• Easy parking and convenient access

• A quiet environment away from downtown traffic

• A nearby park where older siblings can stretch their legs if needed

Everything is set up to make your experience as easy and stress-free as possible, which is exactly what new parents need.

5. Can We Include Family Members and Pets?

I highly recommend including the immediate family in your newborn session. This usually means mum, dad, siblings, and sometimes the family pet.

It can be tempting to avoid being in photographs when you don’t feel your best, but these images will become part of your family’s story. One day, your child will want to see the photographs of you holding them. They’ll want to see their dad holding them, their siblings cuddling them, and the way your family looked together when they were tiny.

Sibling photographs are often some of the most meaningful images from a newborn session. There is something incredibly special about seeing your children together, and these are often the photographs families choose to display in their homes.

Including Pets

Pets can sometimes be included in newborn sessions, but it depends on the individual animal. Toddlers and puppies can be surprisingly similar when it comes to energy, unpredictability, and chaos!

If your dog is calm, comfortable around babies, and used to cuddling, it may be possible to include them for part of the session. We can then take the dog for a walk or have them relax elsewhere while we continue with the newborn photographs.

Every studio has its own policies, so it’s important to discuss pets with your photographer before booking.

It can also be easier to include a pet when your baby is a little older. For example, a six- or seven-month-old baby who can sit independently may be easier to photograph with a dog than a newborn who is lying down.

If including your pet is important to you, please mention it when you inquire. We’ll discuss what might work best for your family.

6. What If My Baby Is Fussy or Won’t Cooperate?

Many parents worry that their baby won’t cooperate during the session. This is completely understandable, but it’s also important to know that newborns are not expected to lie perfectly still for the entire appointment.

Babies fuss. They need to feed, burp, be changed, cuddled, and soothed. All of this is a normal part of the process.

I leave plenty of time for newborn sessions, so we don’t need to rush. If your baby becomes unsettled, we can take a break, nurse or bottle-feed, change a diaper, wrap them, or simply spend some time soothing them.

We can also photograph some of those real moments. A baby stretching, yawning, crying, or being comforted by a parent can all become meaningful photographs.

I’ve photographed sessions where babies stayed awake for most of the appointment, and I’ve photographed babies with colic. We were still able to create beautiful images the families can cherish.

Ultimately, there is no pressure for your baby to be perfectly settled for the entire session. Some fussiness is expected, and we’ll work patiently around it. If your baby happens to be content and sleepy throughout the whole session, we may simply have more time for additional photographs.

7. What Should We Wear?

Most newborn photographers provide a preparation guide with suggestions about what to wear and what to bring.

For the baby, loose-fitting pyjamas or a simple outfit are usually best. They can be changed easily without disturbing the baby too much if they arrive sleeping.

For family photographs, neutral, comfortable clothing usually photographs beautifully. Soft colours and simple textures help keep the attention on your family and the connection between you.

I generally recommend avoiding:

• Clothing with stripes or logos

• Strong patterns

• Dark or bright colours

• Clothing that is tight or uncomfortable

• Outfits that are difficult to move or cuddle in

Many photographers also have a client wardrobe available. Before choosing your outfits, take a look through your photographer’s portfolio. Pay attention to what families are wearing in their newborn photographs, as this can give you a good sense of what works with their style.

Comfort is important. You should feel like yourselves during the session.

8. What Happens If Someone Is Sick?

Every photographer has their own illness and rescheduling policy, so this is something worth asking about before booking.

I have a flexible approach to illness and rescheduling. I book a limited number of sessions each month to allow enough time for editing, which also gives me some flexibility to move appointments when necessary.

If you or your baby is unwell, please let me know. We can discuss the best option and reschedule when everyone is feeling better.

Newborns have developing immune systems, so it’s important to take illness seriously. No one should feel pressured to attend a session when they are sick.

9. How Important Is Safety?

Safety should be the most important part of your decision when choosing a newborn photographer.

A photographer who specializes in newborn photography and has years of experience should understand how to work safely with babies. They should know how to support a newborn’s head and body, recognize signs of discomfort, and create a calm environment throughout the session.

Important safety considerations include:

• Keeping the studio at a comfortable temperature

• Making sure babies do not overheat

• Using clean, well-maintained props and blankets

• Leaving room in wraps so babies can move and breathe comfortably

• Supporting babies properly during posing

• Never leaving a baby unattended

• Using a spotter or assistant when needed

• Creating composite images for advanced poses when appropriate

Some poses, such as the “head in hands” pose, require careful support and are often created by combining multiple images. A baby should never be placed in an unsafe position simply to achieve a particular photograph.

When choosing a photographer, look for someone who treats safety as the first priority rather than an afterthought.

Final Thoughts

I hope this post has answered some of your questions about newborn photography and helped ease any concerns you may have about booking a session.

A newborn session doesn’t need to be perfect. Your baby may be fussy, you may need to take several breaks, and the day may not unfold exactly as planned. That’s all part of life with a newborn.

The goal is to preserve this fleeting season: the tiny fingers, sleepy expressions, soft folds, new family connections, and the way your baby fit into your arms.

Whether you choose me or another talented Victoria newborn photographer, I hope you’ll consider taking the time to document this important milestone. These photographs can become a time capsule of your baby’s earliest days and a meaningful part of your family’s story for years to come.

If you’re still deciding between hiring a professional photographer and taking your own photographs, I also recommend reading this thoughtful post by a fellow portrait photographer in the UK. It explores the pros and cons of professional and home portraits in a balanced, non-judgmental way and may help you decide what feels right for your family.

Please reach out anytime if you have more questions. I’m always happy to help you decide whether a newborn photo session is the right fit for your family.

If you are ready to book you can check out our booking calendar here