Welcoming a newborn into the world is one of the most magical moments in life. Those tiny fingers, delicate eyelashes, and sleepy cuddles are fleeting, all of their tiny details changing almost daily in those early days.
As a newborn photographer in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, I always recommend capturing your baby’s earliest days within the first 10–14 days after birth. This is when babies are still beautifully sleepy, naturally curled, and perfect for those soft, timeless images so many parents fall in love with.
If you’re expecting a baby and thinking about booking a newborn photoshoot, you’ve probably seen those dreamy, curled-up images and wondered… how do people even get those? And more importantly, when are you actually supposed to book a newborn photoshoot?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including when to book your newborn photoshoot during pregnancy, why the first two weeks are so important, and how to prepare for a calm, relaxed experience in my cosy natural light studio.
When Should You Book a Newborn Photoshoot?
One of the most common questions I get is when to book a newborn photoshoot, and the answer often surprises parents.
Your newborn session should ideally be booked while you’re still pregnant, usually during your second or early third trimester. I only take on a limited number of newborn bookings each month to allow flexibility once babies arrive (because we all know they rarely stick to their due dates!). Booking in advance means I can reserve space around 10 days after your due date and ensure your baby can be photographed at the perfect age.
Once your baby is here, we simply confirm your session date, however I rarely have to reschedule when I stick to my 10 day booking rule.
Why Are Newborn Photos Best Under 2 Weeks Old?
The simplest answer I can give it that newborns Are Sleepiest in their first two weeks. During the first 10–14 days, newborns sleep for most of the day, and their sleep is much deeper. This allows me to gently pose them without disturbing their rest or having to break as often for comforting or feeding. At this stage, we can create those beautiful, curled-up, womb-like poses that parents love. These are the ones that simply aren’t possible once babies become more alert and wriggly!
Capturing Those Tiny Details Before They Change
Babies grow and change incredibly quickly. One day they have tiny, wrinkled hands and feet, and before you know it, they’re filling out and losing those delicate newborn features. Photographing your baby within the first couple of weeks allows us to preserve:
- The soft peachy fuzz on their shoulders
- The delicate milk spots on their nose
- Their natural curled-up womb like position
- The newborn scrunch as they lay on your chest
- Their flaky skin after their first bath
Easier, Natural Posing for a Relaxed Session
In those early days, babies naturally settle into gentle, curled positions, just like they were in the womb. This means that we can easily and beautifully capture:
- Beautiful, natural newborn portraits
- Comfortable, organic posing that feels safe and supported
- A calm, sleepy baby throughout the session
After the two-week mark, babies tend to stretch out more, become more alert, and are less flexible which can make achieving those snuggly, curled-up images more challenging.
A Calm and Cosy Environment for Timeless Images
My natural light studio in Mansfield, near Nottingham, is designed to feel warm, peaceful, and completely relaxed. Using soft, natural light allows me to gently enhance your baby’s delicate features without the harshness of artificial flash. The cosy environment also helps keep your baby settled and sleepy, creating natural, timeless images you’ll treasure for years to come.
What Happens If You Wait Longer Than 2 Weeks?
This is something many parents worry about, so it’s important to say that beautiful images are always possible. You may be worried about this timeframe if you or your baby have had to stay in hospital, or simply werent feeling up to it so soon after giving birth. So let me reassure you, if your baby is a little older than 2 weeks at the time of their newborn photoshoot, you can still expect a beautiful and meaningful experience.
Every stage brings something unique, and slightly older babies often:
- Spend more time looking around and taking everything in
- Make more eye contact and give us those gorgeous awake moments
- Settle beautifully in natural, comfortable positions
- Show more of their little personality as it begins to shine through
Your gallery may have a slightly different feel with a lovely mix of gentle, relaxed images and more expressive, connection-filled moments that truly capture your baby just as they are.
I have photographed newborns up to 12 weeks old, and while the experience is different to capturing a tiny, sleepy newborn in those first couple of weeks, it is still just as special in its own way. Older baby sessions tend to feel more interactive and expressive, and we simply adapt the approach to suit your baby’s stage — creating beautiful, natural images you’ll still absolutely love. These images below perfectly show just how wonderful photographing an older newborn can be.
A Special Experience for the Whole Family
A newborn photoshoot isn’t just about the images, it’s all about slowing down and taking in this moment in your life. During your session, you’ll have time to:
- Cuddle your baby
- Notice the tiny details
- Be fully present in those early days of parenthood
Many parents tell me their newborn session becomes one of their most emotional and meaningful memories a chance to pause and really feel just how special this time is.
The Perfect Time for Family and Sibling Photos
The newborn stage is also a beautiful time to capture your first family moments together. These images often become the most treasured ones in your home.
Whether it’s:
- A proud older sibling gently holding their new baby brother or sister
- A quiet moment between parents, taking it all in
- Or your very first family portrait
Creating Memories You’ll Treasure for a Lifetime
Your baby will only be this tiny for such a short time. Investing in a professional newborn photoshoot means you’ll always have these early days to look back on, preserving the magic in the days that pass in such a blur. Many of my clients tell me that years later, these portraits become some of their most valued possessions, serving as a reminder of just how small their baby once was, and how much love filled those early days.
Book your newborn photoshoot with Jenny Sneap Photography
If you’re planning ahead for your baby’s arrival and considering a newborn photoshoot, you can find more information over on my newborn experience page. Follow the link below and you’ll be able to view my portfolio, explore pricing, and read through frequently asked questions to help you feel relaxed and confident about what to expect.
- Now Booking Newborn Sessions throughout 2026
- Studio Location: Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
- Contact Me: You can use the contact form below to get in touch!
- Instagram: @jennysneapphotography
These first couple of weeks go by in a blink, let’s capture them together!
