The newborn days are a blur, and that’s exactly why so many parents want to document them. If you’re here wondering when is the best time to book a newborn session, the truth is… it depends.
As a documentary newborn photographer in Dublin, I approach this question a little differently. It’s less about getting the “perfect pose” and more about preserving what life really looked and felt like in those early weeks.
Let’s look at your options.
The First Few Days (0–5 days)
The first days after birth are sacred. They’re raw, emotional, and often forgotten in a haze of feeding, sleeping, and figuring it all out.
If you want to bottle the surreal, quiet newness, a Fresh 48 session (done within the first 48 hours) or a home newborn session within the first 5 days can be incredibly powerful.
These photos aren’t just about your baby.
They’re about what it felt like to welcome them home.
Whether it’s your toddler meeting their new sibling, your partner making you lunch while you’re holding a sleeping baby, or the first bath, these are once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Birth is such a powerful moment in a parent’s life. The hours and days following birth are very special too and filled with “first times”. Imagine capturing the first time your older children meet their baby sister or brother. Or when you bring your baby home from the hospital. Maybe you’d love to capture the moment your dog (or cat!) is sniffing the head of this new little human. The first time with the grandparents, or great-grandparents!
This time in your life doesn’t have to be perfect. It will probably be different from what you have imagined. Finding your feet in your new role or as a bigger family will take time as well as getting to know this new little person.
Being a part of it would be an honour for me.
This photograph was taken when Tove was only 3 days old and home for less than 24 hours. The great thing about doing the session that early is that siblings are usually still excited about the baby and taking turns to hold her. It is also a time that parents find hard to remember, which makes it all the more precious.
The First Two Weeks (6–15 days)
If you’re hoping for sleepy baby photos, this is typically the ideal window.
Your baby still spends most of the time asleep and curled up, and you’re still deeply in that early postpartum phase. For many families, this is the sweet spot: baby is still tiny, but you’ve had a few days to breathe.
And if the house still feels like complete chaos, that’s normal and ok too.
Sophie was ten days old and spent 90% of a 4-hours session sleeping and the rest nursing, with one nappy change in the middle. The session shows how tiny she was and the wonder in her parents’ eyes that they were able to create another little being.
Margaret said:
“I was worried that it would be stressful to have a photographer in the house with such a new baby but Johanna was totally unobtrusive, and so good at developing a rapport with us and with the children, that it wasn’t stressful at all. Our photo shoot was totally relaxed.
Now, the pictures make me smile, and I love knowing that we’ll be able to look back at the album in future years and remember exactly how it was at this special (but slightly hazy) time!”
3 to 6 Weeks
Some parents prefer to wait a little longer, and that’s absolutely fine.
Around the 3–6 week mark, babies tend to be a little more alert and expressive. You may get more eye contact, the first smiles, and a clearer sense of who this little person is becoming.
You might also feel more like yourself again, which can make the experience more comfortable.
Ellen was 5 weeks old for this session, and while she still looked small and super cute, she had longer alert periods, which meant I could capture her big, open eyes.
Willemein said:
“If you want photographs that represent you in your own environment (where you feel relaxed) and you like a documentary style photography then don’t think twice. A beautifully captured moment in your life that you will forever cherish. Johanna is talented, non-invasive and very good with kids as well as adults.”
2 to 3 Months
If your baby is already 8–12 weeks and you’re thinking, “did I miss the newborn window?”, not at all.
This is a beautiful stage. Your baby will likely have more awake time, gentle expressions, and new rhythms with you. These sessions are often a blend of cuddles, feeding, playing, and early connection.
What If You Can’t Choose?
Honestly? Every stage offers something beautiful.
Some parents book a session early and another one around 6–8 months or the first birthday. These first-year stories evolve so quickly, sometimes it’s worth capturing more than one chapter.
Did you know I offer photo sessions memberships? This would be perfect to capture multiple sessions during your baby’s first year.
Want Help Capturing the Magic Yourself?
Not ready to book a professional session just yet? Or want to take meaningful photos of your baby yourself?
✨ Grab my free guide:
The First Weeks – A Gentle Guide to Photographing Your Newborn at Home
You’ll get:
- A 3-part email series that helps you notice and remember the right moments
- A printable prompt checklist for easy, non-pressure memory keeping
Final Thoughts
There’s no single perfect time for newborn photos. Only what feels right for you.
But what’s certain? This season, messy, magical, and fast, is worth remembering.
If you’re in Dublin and looking for relaxed, documentary-style newborn photography, I’d love to chat.
→ View My Newborn Portfolio
→ Contact Me