What to Expect at Your Newborn Photography Session

If you’re wondering how a newborn photoshoot can possibly take several hours when the baby is mostly sleeping, here’s what actually happens during the session.

A newborn session isn’t just point, click, done. There’s feeding, changing, settling, posing, taking a break, and sometimes doing the same thing all over again. Your baby sets the pace, so the session is less about getting through a fixed shot list and more about working with whatever your baby needs that day.

Here’s what you can expect in my newborn photoshoot session.

1. The Age Sweet Spot

The ideal window for newborn photos is usually around 7 to 14 days old. Babies around this age tend to spend more time sleeping and are often easier to settle into some of the curled-up poses you see in newborn photography.

That said, every baby is different. Some settle effortlessly, while others are more alert or simply don’t like certain positions. I don’t expect every baby to behave exactly the same way just because they’re the same age.

If you’re reading this while pregnant, it’s worth booking your newborn session early, especially if there’s a particular photographer you’d like to work with. Your actual session date can then be arranged around your baby’s arrival.

2. Setting the Scene: Warm, Calm, Unhurried

The first thing you’ll probably notice when you walk into my home studio is that it’s fairly warm.

I usually keep the studio around 24 – 26°C, and for poses where baby is fully uncovered, for partially covered or naked poses, I also use a heater nearby to keep baby comfortable. But you don’t have to sit there feeling like you’re in a sauna, the aircon stays on so the room remains comfortable for everyone.

There’s also no need to rush into photographing baby the moment you arrive. You can take some time to settle in, feed baby if needed and get comfortable. If baby needs another feed, a nappy change or simply some time in your arms, we take that time.

That’s also why I only take one newborn photoshoot session per day. I don’t want to be watching the clock because another client is waiting after you.

3. How Long Does a Newborn Photoshoot Take?

This is probably one of the biggest surprises for parents.

A newborn session can take several hours because we’re not photographing continuously for several hours. A good part of the time is spent feeding, changing, settling and waiting for baby to be comfortable. Posing a newborn often takes a few gentle attempts before we get the right position and expression on camera. Some babies naturally tuck their heads in, while others are a little more active and need a bit more time to settle into a pose. Once baby is settled, I’ll often take a little time to work around the pose and look for different angles, compositions and little details rather than immediately moving on.

My sessions can vary in length depending on the package, but longer newborn sessions commonly take around 3 – 4 hours. Some babies move through everything surprisingly quickly. Others need considerably more time.

If you go into the session expecting a quick one-hour shoot, every feeding or nappy change can feel like we’re falling behind. Instead, think of it as a relaxed block of time where we work around your baby.

I also recommend keeping the rest of the day free if you can.

5. My Go-To Poses

Once baby is settled and sleepy, this is where the magic happens. My favourite poses that I come back to session after session include:

• • Hands under chin a basket/crate prop – a pose I’ll never want to skip. There’s a variety of poses where a newborn lies on their back but options for front-facing shots are limited, which makes this one stand out. Their cheeks softly pressing against their hands, is something you can hardly replicate any other way.

• • Tushie/bum up – baby curled up on their tummy with their little bum in the air. It’s exactly as cute as it sounds and almost impossible not to obsess over.

• • Huck Finn – baby is gently placed on their back, with both arms resting on their chest or softly tucked under their chin if wrapped around the upper body. Their legs are usually bent up in a relaxed, womb-like position. The baby is often partially wrapped, with their limbs left uncovered for a natural, organic feel.

• • Peeky Toes – the Huck Finn pose with a twist where the baby is wrapped in a way that deliberately leaves their tiny toes peeking out, drawing the eye to one of those fleeting newborn features that parents can’t get enough of!

• • Side-lying – baby lying on their side with hands tucked under their cheek. Simple, classic, and incredibly peaceful-looking. That said, it’s one of the more challenging poses, which I usually attempt with younger babies who are just a few days old and in a deep, settled sleep.

• • Cocoon/wrapped – baby snugly wrapped in a stretch fabric, creating that cosy cocoon look. These are some of my absolute favourites because they photograph beautifully and babies love being wrapped.

Curious to see how these setups look in a finished gallery? You can browse some of my newborn photography work. Click here to visit the Newborn Gallery >>

6. What Happens When My Baby won’t settle

This is probably the part parents worry about most.

An unsettled baby isn’t a failed photoshoot. It’s a normal part of newborn photography.

If baby is fussing or fighting a particular pose, I’ll usually pause and give them a chance to settle rather than trying to force the pose. Depending on what baby needs, I may try:

• A pacifier – I may use one briefly if baby is having trouble settling. It’s not something I rely on throughout the session, and I’ll remove it once baby is calm enough to continue with the photograph. 
• White noise – A consistent background sound can sometimes help baby settle.
• Gentle rocking or movement – Sometimes a little movement in the pose itself is all they need before settling back down.
• A short feed – Sometimes they’re simply hungry, even if they were fed shortly before the session. Hunger cries usually sound quite distinctive and relentless!
• A nappy change – A wet or dirty nappy can make it difficult for baby to settle.
• Wrapping – A snug wrap can help baby feel more secure and is also a great option when they’re having a more unsettled day.
• A little time in my arms – Sometimes we simply need to stop and let baby calm down before trying again.

And sometimes, the best thing to do is simply wait.

I don’t have a fixed schedule that we have to stick to. If one pose isn’t working, we’ll move on to something else and come back to it later if baby is comfortable. I’ve photographed a lot of newborns, and I’ve learned that patience usually gets us much further than trying to rush a baby into the next pose.

The session doesn’t have to go exactly according to plan. My job is to work around your baby and make the most of how they’re feeling that day.

7. Are Newborn Poses Safe?

Safety comes before getting the photograph. Always.
Some newborn photographs you see online can look as though a baby is balancing independently in a complicated position. In reality, certain images are created as composite photographs, where multiple images are combined during editing, or the baby is supported outside the final frame.

I won’t force a baby into a position they’re uncomfortable with.
If a particular pose isn’t working, we’ll use another one. There are plenty of ways to create beautiful photographs without compromising baby’s comfort or safety.

8. Are Parents Involved, or Do They Just… Sit There?

Both, honestly and that’s completely fine either way.
Some parents want to be hands-on, helping hold poses or just being nearby so baby can smell them (which genuinely helps with settling). Others prefer to sit back, relax and just watch the session unfold. If you have older siblings who want to be part of the session, I always love incorporating a sibling shot. Seeing a toddler try to be gentle with a newborn is some of the most precious content.
You don’t need to do anything except show up, feed baby when needed, and trust the process.

9. After the Session

Once we’ve wrapped up (pun absolutely intended), you can expect your edited gallery to be delivered within 2 weeks. I’ll send you a link to a private online gallery where you can view, and pick the ones for a full retouch.

I edit every single image with care. No over-filtered, overly processed looks here. The goal is authenticity. Curious about my retouching process? Find out more here.

If you’re planning your own newborn session and want to see what’s included, you can take a look at my newborn photography packages and rates here.

10. The Honest Summary

Newborn sessions are slow, unpredictable and that’s exactly what makes them special. Babies run the show. My job is to create the conditions for something beautiful, and your job is to just breathe and enjoy the fact that your baby will never be this tiny again.