When should I book my newborn photos?

When should I book my newborn photos? - mom holding baby on her chest with plain backdrop ad white dress

When’s the best time to book newborn photos?

When’s the best time to book newborn photos? (Hint: it’s sooner than you think!) If you’re expecting a little one (congrats, by the way!), you’ve probably got a long to-do list—nursery setup, hospital bag, baby names, and maybe remembering to feed yourself in between. But one thing that’s totally worth adding to that list? Booking your newborn photos!

So… when’s the best time to do that?

The Sweet Spot: Before Baby Arrives

The best time to book your newborn photographer is actually during your second or early third trimester—yep, before your baby makes their big debut! Why so early? Newborn photographers often schedule months in advance, and spots can fill up fast (especially during busy seasons like spring and fall).

Plus, booking ahead means you get one more thing checked off your list—future you will thank you.

The Magic Window: 2-3 Weeks Old

For those adorable, sleepy baby photos we all swoon over, the ideal time to take newborn photos is when your baby is between 2-3 weeks old. During this time, babies are still in that fresh-from-the-womb, super-snoozy phase. It’s the perfect recipe for and melt-your-heart snuggles and gorgeous images.

Pro Tip: Flexibility is Key

Since babies have their own schedules, most photographers pencil in your due date and then finalize the actual session once baby arrives. So don’t stress—there’s wiggle room built right in!

When should I book my newborn photos? Late is Better than Never

But don’t worry—if life gets in the way and you’re past that window, it’s totally okay! I love working with older newborn because my posing is natural and casual, and baby doesn’t have to be sleeping. Plus, we get lots of cute faces and sometimes smiles if they are awake!

Newborn photography isn’t just about cute pictures (though yes, those are guaranteed). It’s about freezing those fleeting first days before they become a blur. So let’s capture the snuggles, the softness, the brand new-ness—because they’re only this tiny once. 

Want to reserve your spot or ask a few questions first? I’d love to chat! Let’s make some magic with your newest little love.

Wow this just took me way too long to create 🫣🫣🤣😅
One of the biggest worries parents have before an in-home newborn session is whether their house is “photo-ready.”

Here’s the truth: it doesn’t need to be 🤍

During an in-home newborn session, we use just a few light-filled spots—your bed, the nursery, a cozy corner of the living room, a window with beautiful natural light. Real spaces where life is actually happening right now.

No perfect décor.
No spotless counters.
No pressure to make your home look like a magazine.

These photos are about connection, comfort, and documenting this fleeting season exactly as it is. The places where you’re feeding your baby at 3am, rocking them to sleep, and slowly finding your rhythm together.

Your home already tells your family’s story. I’m just there to help you remember it.

✨ Read more about what spaces we use during in-home newborn sessions on the blog.

#newbornphotographer #bostonnewbornphotographer #motherhood #lifestylephotographer #inhomenewbornsession
2026 intention: take photos of my own kids with my real camera
Wow so amazed to have won this! Thank you so much to everyone who took time to vote for me!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I was nominated for Favorite Family Photographer by @communitykangaroo ! I NEED YOUR HELP! It would mean the world to me if you could vote for me and my business to help me win!  Link in bio!

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PhotographyWhitney O'Brien

Whitney O'Brien Photography

333 East street

Dedham, MA 02026

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Boston newborn photographer with a luxury photography studio in Dedham, MA.

 

I specialize in natural, timeless portraits of motherhood, including maternity, newborn baby, and family photography sessions.

 

I serve Boston, MA neighborhoods such as Roslindale, Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, Dorchester, and Hyde Park, as well as Dedham, Needham, Newton, Brookline, Westwood, Chestnut Hill, Arlington, Dover, Natick, Wellesley, Milton, Weston, Quincy, Norwood, Walpole and beyond.

 

To see my latest work and photos of my own kids, follow me on social media!

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