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, changing almost daily. As a newborn photographer in Mansfield and Nottingham, I always recommend capturing your baby’s earliest days within the first 14 days after birth.
But why is this short window so special for newborn photography?
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about the best time to schedule your newborn session, what makes this stage so unique, and how to prepare for a stress-free, heartwarming experience in my cosy natural light studio.
Newborns are sleepiest in the first two weeks
During the first 14 days, newborns sleep for most of the day. Their sleep cycles are deeper, making it easier to gently pose them without disturbing their rest.
At this stage, we can achieve those beautiful curled-up, womb-like and wrapped poses that showcase your baby’s pure innocence. After two weeks, babies begin stretching out, becoming more alert, and may start experiencing newborn acne or colic, which can make sessions a little trickier.
Capturing their tiny features before they quickly change and grow
Babies change incredibly fast. One day they have those tiny, wrinkled hands and feet, and before you know it, they’re filling out and growing into their features.
By photographing your baby within the first 10-14 days, we can preserve those early details forever—the soft fuzz on their shoulders, the delicate milk spots on their nose, and the way they instinctively curl up into your arms. These are the moments you’ll want to look back on as they grow.
A calm and cosy environment for natural and timeless images
My natural light studio in Mansfield, near Nottingham, is designed to feel warm, inviting, and peaceful, just like home. A relaxed atmosphere is essential for both baby and parents. I use soft, natural lighting to enhance your baby's delicate features, avoiding the harshness of artificial flashes. Plus, the cosy environment helps keep baby sleepy and comfortable, allowing for natural, timeless newborn portraits that you’ll treasure forever.
Easier posing for a gallery full of natural, heartfelt moments
In the first 14 days, babies naturally settle into the gentle, curled-up poses that mimic their position in the womb. This allows for:
- Beautiful, natural newborn portraits
- Comfortable, organic posing that feels safe and natural
- A peaceful, sleepy baby throughout the session
After the two week mark, babies tend to stretch out more, become more alert, and are less flexible, making it harder to achieve those snuggly, curled-up poses.
A special bonding experience for parents
A newborn session isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about celebrating your new chapter as a family. During our session, you’ll have plenty of time to soak in these precious early moments, cuddling your precious baby, feeling their tiny fingers wrap around yours, and taking a deep breath in as you hold them close. It’s a chance to slow down, be present, and truly embrace this beautiful time. Many parents tell me their newborn session was a deeply emotional experience, reminding them just how quickly these early days pass.
The perfect time for sibling and family portraits
If you have older children, the newborn stage is a perfect time to capture their first sibling bond. Watching a big brother or sister gently hold their new baby sibling is a moment you’ll never want to forget. For parents, these first family portraits are incredibly meaningful. Whether it’s the loving look between mum and dad as they admire their new baby or the protective embrace of a proud sibling, these images become some of the most cherished in any family’s album.
Creating moments and memories to last a lifetime
Your baby will only be this tiny for a short time. Investing in a professional newborn photoshoot in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire ensures that you’ll have beautiful, high-quality images to treasure forever. Many of my clients tell me that, years later, these newborn portraits become their most prized possessions and are reminders of just how small their baby once was and how much love filled their home in those early days.
FAQs about booking your newborn photoshoot
When should I book my newborn photoshoot?
It’s best to book your newborn session while you’re still pregnant. This ensures availability around your due date. Once baby arrives, we’ll confirm the exact session date within the first 10-14 days after birth.
What if my baby is older than 14 days?
While the first 14 days are ideal, don’t worry if your baby is a little older! I also photograph older newborns, up to 3-4 months capturing their growing personalities with beautiful natural light portraits.
Where does the photoshoot take place?
My cosy, natural light studio in Mansfield provides the perfect relaxed setting for your newborn session. Everything is designed for comfort with gentle lighting, soft textures, and a peaceful atmosphere for baby and parents.
What should we wear for our photoshoot?
For timeless images, I recommend soft, neutral tones—creams, beiges, taupes, and light pastels—to keep the focus on your baby and your family’s connection. I’ll help provide wardrobe guidance before your session!
Book your newborn photoshoot with Jenny Sneap Photography
If you’re expecting and want to capture your baby’s first days in a relaxed, natural, and heartfelt way, I’d love to create these memories for you.
- Now Booking Newborn Sessions throughout 2025
- Studio Location: Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
- Contact Me: Get in Touch
- Instagram: @jennysneapphotography
These first 10 days go by in a blink—let’s capture them together!
