Parents often wonder when the best time is to capture those precious moments of their little ones. The truth is, babies are always evolving, learning something new every day, making every moment a photo-worthy one. So, if you’re a parent aiming to document these changes, you should always be ready with a camera. Every day can be a perfect time to capture those memories.
However, when it comes to professional photography sessions, there are certain milestones that work best for getting stunning portraits of your growing baby.
Newborn Stage
For capturing those adorable, curled-up newborn portraits, the sweet spot is between 5 to 15 days after birth.
Why this timeframe? After the first few days, both baby and mother settle into a routine, allowing for better planning of the session around the baby’s sleep and awake patterns.
During the initial two weeks, babies tend to stay in a fetal position, and their flexible bodies make it easier to swaddle and pose them in various positions—while prioritizing safety, of course. It’s highly recommended to hire a certified newborn photographer for this phase.
After 15 days, babies start to stretch out and may not enjoy being tightly wrapped or posed. To avoid missing this brief window, it’s a good idea to book your session ahead of time, ideally during your third trimester.
Newborn Portraits
Missed the newborn phase? No worries! There are plenty of other opportunities to capture your baby’s growth.
If you’re not in a rush, waiting until the 3 to 4-month mark can yield more variety in the photos. By then, babies are awake for longer periods, but they might not tolerate being swaddled. These sessions often feature simple, top-down shots of the baby lying on their back.
The Rolling Over Stage
At around 4 to 5 months, babies begin rolling onto their tummies and lifting their heads—an exciting milestone! This “tummy time” period is a great chance to snap photos of their determined expressions as they master this new skill.
By their half-birthday, babies may start sitting with support. You can get creative with props, like placing the baby in a basket or bucket for added back support.
The Sitting Stage (Sitter Sessions)
The sitter stage typically arrives around 8 months, when babies can sit unassisted. This is a fantastic time for themed sessions because babies stay put in one spot, making it easier to stage elaborate setups. These sessions often result in some of the most heartwarming images as babies explore their newfound independence.
The Crawling Phase
Soon after mastering sitting, babies will start crawling. Some babies start around 9 months, though this can vary. During this phase, babies are full of curiosity, eager to explore their surroundings.
At this stage, simpler setups work best. Babies need the space to move freely, and too many props might feel restrictive.
Sensory Play & Cake Smash
As babies approach their first birthday (between 10-12 months), their curiosity about textures grows. This is a great time for a cake smash session to celebrate their upcoming birthday! Babies love exploring the sensory experience of squishing cake, making for fun and memorable photos.
Standing Tall
Just before their first birthday, many babies begin standing on their own, a significant milestone marking the transition to toddlerhood. It’s incredible how quickly they’ve grown, and capturing their confidence as they stand for the first time is a must.
First Steps
One of the most anticipated moments is when babies take their first steps, often shortly after their first birthday. This is a great time for outdoor shoots with playful elements like balloons
and bubbles. These moments bring out the joy and candidness that make for perfect portraits.
While these are some general recommendations, every baby is unique, and the right time for a photoshoot depends on your schedule and convenience. Whenever you’re ready for a session, I’d be delighted to capture these fleeting moments with my camera. Feel free to drop by my studio to create lasting memories!
