When to Have Newborn Photos (and Why It’s More Flexible Than You Think)
If you’re thinking about booking newborn photos, one of the first questions that comes up is when should we actually do them?
You might have heard “within the first 10 days” — and while there’s some truth in that, it’s not the full picture.
Because the reality is, those early days can feel like a blur. You’re recovering, adjusting, getting to know your baby… and the idea of planning anything can feel like a lot.
So let me walk you through it properly, in a way that feels realistic, not pressured.
When to Have Newborn Photos
Newborn photos are ideally taken between 10–14 days old, but in my studio here in Lanarkshire, I regularly photograph babies up to around 4 weeks old.
There isn’t a strict cut-off.
It’s more about understanding what changes slightly as your baby grows — and choosing what feels right for you.
Why the First Couple of Weeks Are Often Recommended
In those first 10–14 days, babies tend to be:
sleepier
naturally curled up
more settled into those soft, womb-like positions
This is where you’ll often see those very relaxed, sleepy images.
But this is the part I want to gently shift for you… your baby doesn’t need to be deeply asleep for beautiful photos.
Some of the most meaningful images come from:
them stretching
opening their eyes
settling into you
It’s not about creating a perfect version of your baby.
It’s about capturing your baby, as they are.
What If My Baby Is Older Than 2 Weeks?
This is one of the biggest worries I hear — and honestly, it puts so many people off booking.
So let me be really clear: You are not too late.
Babies between 2–4 weeks:
are often more awake
a little more expressive
sometimes more alert
And that can be just as special.
The session just adapts slightly.
We follow your baby’s lead, rather than trying to fit them into a specific way of working.
You still get:
connection
calm moments
natural images
Nothing is forced.
What Your Session Actually Feels Like
My studio in Lanarkshire is designed to feel calm from the moment you walk in.
You don’t need to bring much.
You don’t need to know what you’re doing.
I guide you throughout the whole session — gently and naturally — so you’re never left wondering what’s next.
If your baby needs fed, we pause.
If your toddler wants to move, we work with it.
There’s no rush, no pressure, and no expectation for everything to go perfectly.
When Should You Book?
The best time to book your newborn session is during pregnancy, usually after your 20-week scan.
This means:
you have a space reserved
everything feels organised ahead of time
you’re not trying to figure it out after baby arrives
I’ll pencil in your due date, and once baby is here, we confirm your session.
It’s flexible, simple, and designed to take pressure off you.
So… When Should You Have Newborn Photos?
If you’re looking for that very sleepy, curled-up stage, then around 10–14 days is ideal.
But if you’re past that stage?
Or just want something a bit more natural and relaxed?
Then anytime within the first few weeks works beautifully.
The most important thing isn’t the exact timing. It’s that you have the photos at all. Because this stage , however it looks, doesn’t last long.
If you’re looking for a newborn photographer in Lanarkshire who offers a calm, guided experience, you can find more about my sessions here
