Having a new baby joining your family is one of the most life-changing and emotional event you’ll ever experience in your life. Those first weeks are filled with love, wonder, exhaustion and awe and unfortunately they pass much quicker than anyone ever expects. This is exactly why newborn photography is very special.
But one of the most frequently asked questions I get asked by my clients is:
When is the best time to book a newborn photoshoot in Essex?
As a specialist Essex Mobile Newborn Photographer, I would like to explain you exactly when to book, why timing and planning your session matters, and how to reserve your newborn session without stress.
Why Newborn Photography Is All About Timing
Newborn photography is special and unique because it documents a very short chapter of your new baby’s life – a chapter that will never can be repeated.
The best time to photograph newborns is within the first 7–30 days after birth. During this period, babies are typically:
- naturally curled
- comfortable being gently posed
- very sleepy
- less sensitive to movement and light
This allows me to safely create those peaceful and timeless images that all parents love so much and want to cherish.
Once babies grow become more active and alert, the style of photography naturally changes — which is absolutely beautiful too however those sleepy classic newborn portraits are best captured during those first weeks.
👉 You can learn more about my approach on my
Newborn Photography Essex page.
When Should You Book Your Newborn Photoshoot?
The best time to reserve your newborn session is during pregnancy, ideally in your second or early third trimester.
Why? Because:
- Sessions are booked around due dates, not exact days
- Newborn photographers can take a very limited number of sessions each month
- Availability can fill up many months in advance, especially in Essex
When you book before your baby arrives, your newborn session is reserved flexibly around your baby’s due date. Once your baby arrived, you simply let me know and we schedule the exact date which suits you.
👉 To secure your session, visit my
Contact Page
What If My Baby Arrives Early or Late?
This is something many parents ask me about but please don’t!
Of course, all babies arrive in their own time, and this is completely natural and expected. When you book in advance, I allow flexibility around your due date. I only photograph one newborn session per day and I take a limited number of booking each month, which gives me the freedom to move your session slightly if needed.
My priority is always:
- your recovery
- your baby’s safety and wellbeing
- a calm, enjoyable and unhurried experience
Is my baby too old for newborn photos?
This is another very popular question and the answer is very reassuring.
While the first month is ideal for traditional newborn photography, but please be reassured beautiful images can still be captured with slightly older babies, even up to 12 weeks old. However please be aware older babies:
- making eye contact
- more alert
- stretching and moving
The style becomes more expressive and natural, focusing on details and connection rather than curled newborn poses.
Why In-Home Newborn Photography Works Best
All of my newborn sessions take place in the comfort of your own home.
This means:
- no rushing and stressing about timing
- no packing and travelling with a newborn
- no need to get all your family ready for a specific time
- feeding and settling your baby as needed in your own familiar environment
- siblings can feel relaxed
- parents can rest between images or catch up on other things
I bring a full professional studio setup to you, creating a calm, warm and safe environment tailored to your baby.
You can read more about this on my In-Home Newborn Photoshoots page.
How Far in Advance Should You Enquire?
If you’re currently expecting, my advice is simple:
Enquire as soon as you feel ready.
Even if you’re not sure which package would suit your needs the best, we always can discuss:
- your preferences
- your due date
- my availability
I also offer a complimentary phone consultation one week before your booked newborn session, allowing us to plan a session that feels meaningful, personal and completely adjusted for your own family and any special requests you may have.
A gentle reminder for expectant parents
Those first days and weeks with your new baby are fleeting. Right now, it may feel like time is standing still but one day you’ll look back and wish you could remember exactly how small they once were.
Newborn photography isn’t about absolute perfection.
It’s about:
- emotion
- capturing connection and love
- preserving a moment in time
- documenting your family’s history
- Images you’ll look at years from now and say: “This was the beginning of forever.”
Ready to Book Your Newborn Photoshoot in Essex?
If you’re expecting now and would love to capture your baby’s first days, I’d be truly honoured to photograph your family.
👉 Visit my Newborn Photography Essex page
👉Or Contact Me Here to check availability
Let’s create something timeless together!
