When Should You Book a Newborn Photographer?
One of the most common questions expecting parents ask is when to book a newborn photographer. If you’re planning a lifestyle newborn session in the DC area, the answer is more flexible than you might expect. Lifestyle newborn photography is designed to meet families where they are, which means the timing is less about rules and more about readiness.
When Should You Schedule a Lifestyle Newborn Session?
With lifestyle newborn photography, sessions take place when you are ready.
Unlike posed newborn photography, which often requires a very specific window in the first 7–14 days, lifestyle newborn sessions offer much more flexibility. These sessions typically happen anywhere from two weeks to around three months, depending on what feels right for your family.
Here’s how timing can shape the feel of your images:
Earlier sessions (around 2–3 weeks) often capture sleepier moments, curled-up poses, and a quieter pace.
Later sessions (6–12 weeks) allow for more alert time, eye contact, and interaction, which many parents love just as much.
There is no “best” age. The right timing depends on:
When you feel physically and emotionally ready to be in photos
How settled you’re feeling at home
Whether you prefer sleepier images or more awake, expressive moments
Lifestyle newborn sessions are designed to be flexible, calm, and responsive to your baby’s natural rhythm. We take breaks as needed for feeding, soothing, and changing, and there is never pressure to force a moment.
What If Baby Comes Early or Late?
This is one of the biggest worries I hear, and it makes total sense.
When you book a newborn session, we may pick a specific date, but we stay in touch and adjust as necessary. I try to keep my schedule as flexible as possible and once your baby arrives, you reach out and we adjust based on how you and your baby are doing.
Flexibility is essential in newborn photography (and well, parenting in general!)
How Old Should Baby Be for Newborn Photos?
For lifestyle newborn sessions, the sweet spot is usually within the first two to four weeks after birth.
That timing allows for feeding breaks, slower pacing, and natural moments at home. If your baby is older than that, it is still worth doing. These photos are about connection, not perfection.
Why Booking Early Helps in the DC Area
The DC metro area is busy, family-focused, and full of overlapping schedules. Booking early gives you more options and less stress.
It also means you get to work with a photographer whose style truly feels like a fit, instead of settling because availability is limited.
What Happens After You Book
Once you are booked, you do not need to manage anything else until your baby arrives. I check in as your due date gets closer, and once your baby is here, we adjust the schedule based on what feels manageable for your family.
You do not need to know what you are doing. I walk you through everything.
I photograph lifestyle newborn sessions throughout Washington DC, Silver Spring, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, either in your home or in my studio. Whether you’re newly home with your baby or a few weeks into finding your rhythm, we’ll choose a session timing that works for you.