The Complete Guide to Newborn Photography
Welcoming a new baby into your family is an incredible moment — and those first days pass more quickly than most parents expect. Newborn photography captures the tiny details and quiet connection of those early days so you can remember them for years to come.
If you’re expecting and beginning to plan newborn photos, you may have questions about when to book, how sessions work, and what to expect. This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know so you can feel confident preparing for your baby’s first portraits.
Families across Annapolis and Anne Arundel County often begin planning their newborn photography sessions during pregnancy. Booking early ensures your photographer has space on their calendar and allows plenty of time to prepare for your session.
When Should You Book Newborn Photos?
The best time to book your newborn photographer is during pregnancy.
Most newborn photographers schedule sessions using your due date as a placeholder, then confirm the exact session date once your baby arrives.
Booking early allows your photographer to reserve time around your due date and ensures your baby can be photographed during the ideal newborn window.
If you’d like more details about timing, you can read my guide on when to book your newborn photography session.
What Age Is Best for Newborn Photos?
Newborn photos are typically taken within the first 5–14 days after birth.
During this stage, babies are often:
• sleepier
• naturally curled
• comfortable in gentle poses
This allows photographers to capture those classic sleepy newborn portraits that many parents love.
However, beautiful newborn photos can still be taken with older babies as well. The session may simply include more wrapped poses or images with baby awake.
Choosing Between Studio and In-Home Newborn Photography
Newborn sessions can take place either in a photography studio or in the comfort of your home.
Many families choose in-home newborn photography because it allows them to stay in a familiar environment during the early days with their baby.
For my sessions, I bring a portable studio setup directly to your home, including backdrops, lighting, props, and wraps. This allows parents to enjoy the look of studio-style portraits while staying relaxed at home.
What to Expect During Your Newborn Photography Session
Newborn photography sessions are designed to move at your baby’s pace.
Most sessions last about 2–3 hours, allowing plenty of time for:
• feeding
• soothing
• diaper changes
• cuddle breaks
The session typically begins with studio-style newborn portraits, followed by a variety of prop setups that highlight your baby’s tiny features.
After these portraits, we can also capture lifestyle family photos in spaces like the nursery or master bedroom. These images focus on connection and show the love between parents, siblings, and their new baby.
If you’d like to learn more about my process you can read my guide on What to Expect During Your In-Home Newborn Session.
How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photo Session
A little preparation can help the session go smoothly.
Parents are usually asked to:
• feed the baby shortly before the session
• dress the baby in loose clothing for easy changing
• keep the home comfortably warm for baby
Don’t worry about having a perfectly clean house — we only need a small area to set up the studio space.
Most importantly, the goal is to keep the experience calm and relaxed for both baby and parents.
I’ve also provided a more in depth guide on How to Prepare for Your In-Home Newborn Photography Session.
Including Parents and Siblings
Many families choose to include parents and siblings in newborn photos.
These images often become some of the most meaningful portraits from the session. Holding your baby, cuddling together, or watching siblings meet their new baby brother or sister creates beautiful memories that are worth capturing.
If older siblings are participating, we simply keep the process relaxed and allow them to interact naturally with the baby.
Preserving Your Newborn Photos
After the session, you’ll receive a private online gallery where you can view your images and choose your favorites.
Many families choose to preserve their photographs through:
• heirloom albums
• framed wall art
• professional prints
Displaying these images in your home allows you to enjoy those early newborn memories every day.
Planning Your Newborn Photography Session
If you’re expecting a baby in Annapolis or Anne Arundel County, planning your newborn photography session during pregnancy is a wonderful way to ensure these early days are beautifully documented.
If you have any questions about newborn sessions, I’m always happy to help guide you through the process and create images that celebrate your growing family. Find out more about my in-home newborn sessions here.