The first few days in a home with a newborn are simply breathtaking, filled with cuddles, soft cries, gentle stretches, and baby fingers curling around your own. A little-everything feels fragile and new.
Now, you may wonder when to do newborn photos, the answer can be anytime, the sooner the better. However, ideally, the best time for a newborn photoshoot in Edmonton is 0-2 weeks after birth.
At this stage, babies are still sleepy enough to curl and fit easily into their parents’ hands; they are just beginning to settle into the world outside. This magical period doesn’t last long, so the importance of timing is very crucial.
If you’re already searching newborn photography in Edmonton, you’re already heading in the right direction. Here’s how timing is so important, and how you can ensure you capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments before they’re gone.
Why the First Two Weeks Matter So Much
There’s something special about babies in their first days. When they’re under two weeks old, they tend to stay in that soft, curled-up position they had inside the womb. Their sleep is deeper, their bodies are more relaxed, and their tiny features, the wrinkled toes, the pouty lips, the fuzzy little shoulders — still have that fresh newborn look you’ll never want to forget.
Photos During This Time Effortless
Because babies are naturally sleepy, it’s easier to gently move them into those cosy swaddled poses or capture their peaceful stretches without much fuss. Their calmness sets the tone for the baby photoshoot in Edmonton, slow, quiet, and full of tenderness.
As beautiful as newborns are at any age, once they pass the two-week mark, things start to change. They begin to uncurl, stretch their arms and legs, and stay awake for longer periods.
Their reflexes sharpen, making them a little more wiggly and aware of their surroundings.
These are beautiful milestones, too — but they’re much trickier if you’re dreaming of those serene, curled-up newborn portraits.
That’s why photographers always encourage parents to plan and book their newborn sessions well in advance. There’s no rewinding the clock when it comes to this fleeting, dreamy stage.
What Happens If You Miss the Ideal Window?
Sometimes, life happens. Birth plans change, recovery takes time, or schedules just get overwhelming — and suddenly, your baby is already a few weeks old before you even think about booking a session.
And that’s okay.
Someone missing the first two weeks may still result in a pretty momentous photo shoot. It requires some patience and flexibility to accomplish, but it can be done. Older newborns tend to be more alert, which requires a different approach from the photographer: less curled-up posing, more lifestyle moments. Perhaps the curious eyes that look inquisitively into the lens or the little smirk while being held in arms, cuddled up.
Sessions might also be a bit longer to allow for feeding breaks, soothing time, and cuddling time to help the baby resettle and return to sleep. Knowing when to do newborn photos can help set expectations and guide the session flow for these slightly older babies.
Some helpful things you can do if you’re scheduling a session after two weeks:
- Try to keep your baby awake for an hour or two before the session, so they will be sleepier during the photos.
- Give them a full feed just before you leave for the studio (or as soon as you arrive) to help them settle.
- Dress them in simple, loose-fitting clothing that’s easy to remove without waking them up.
- Bring familiar items, such as a favourite blanket or pacifier, to help soothe them if needed.
The truth is, every age has its kind of magic — and a good photographer will know how to bring out the best in your baby, no matter when you book.
Special Cases: Preemies and Babies with Extra Needs
If your baby was born prematurely (or has specific health concerns), the timing for photos may be slightly different. Premature babies might need more time to have strength outside the NICU, and that’s completely fine.
In these scenarios, the photographer should consult you on when to do newborn photos, choosing a session time when the baby is most comfortable. Safety first! Sessions can happen weeks or even months postpartum and still capture gorgeous, sentimental moments that tell the story of your baby.
Working with an experienced professional in newborn photography in Edmonton ensures that even special cases are handled with care, patience, and expertise.
How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photo Session
Suppose there’s one thing that can make everything easier: book your newborn photographer during pregnancy. It may seem a little early to book, and you will feel that way until the baby arrives; then things start moving fast, and you’ll be glad that one little thing is off your mind. Knowing when to do newborn photos ahead of time helps you plan better and ensures you don’t miss that perfect window of opportunity.
When you book early, you can:
- Lock in a tentative session around your due date
- Have time to chat with your photographer about styles, themes, and props.
- Feel at ease knowing your spot is secured during those critical first two weeks.
If your baby arrives earlier or later than expected (as babies often do), your photographer will adjust the schedule accordingly.
Getting Your Baby Ready for the Session
On the day of your shoot, here are a few small things that make a big difference:
- Try to keep your baby awake for a little stretch before the session. A warm bath usually does the trick!
- Feed your baby before the shoot starts, so they’re full, happy, and ready to drift into a deep sleep.
- Dress them in a loose onesie or something easy to remove without disturbing them too much.
- Bring backup ccomforts: extra diapers, wipes, an extra outfit, and anything that smells like home, such as a blanket or favourite swaddle, to keep your baby cosy.
These small preparations can make a big difference, especially when you know exactly when to take newborn photos to capture your baby’s most peaceful moments.
Why It’s Worth Hiring an Experienced Newborn Photographer
A real photographer doesn’t just know how to take beautiful photos. Intentionally, they know how to handle your baby with care, patience, and respect. They also know:
- How to support a newborn’s fragile neck and back
- How to wrap and pose safely without forcing anything,
- And how to read when a baby needs a break.
They also know that not every session will go perfectly according to plan. Sometimes babies are wide awake the whole time. Sometimes they fuss.
But, a great photographer rolls with it, adapting the flow of the session so you still walk away with beautiful, genuine moments, not forced smiles or stiff poses.
Beyond the technical skills, what you’re hiring is someone who can turn a fleeting morning with your newborn into a set of images you’ll treasure for the rest of your life.
The soft curve of their sleepy cheeks, the way their tiny fingers curl into yours, the quiet glow of that first love — these are the details you’ll want to remember when the newborn haze fades into toddler giggles and first steps.
And that’s why knowing when to do newborn photos and scheduling your session at the right time matters so much.
So, When To Do Newborn Photos?
Those early days with your baby are precious — but they’re also fast. Before you know it, they’ll be outgrowing onesies and flashing gummy smiles. Capturing those first few days while everything is still tiny, sleepy, and new is a gift you’ll never regret giving yourself.
If you’re considering newborn photography in Edmonton, don’t wait too long. Reach out, schedule your session, and ensure you capture those sweet, fleeting moments frozen in time, just the way they deserve to be remembered.
Wondering when to do newborn photos? The best time is always sooner than later — while they’re still in that dreamy, delicate stage that passes all too quickly.
FAQ
How early should I book a newborn photoshoot?
Book your session in your second trimester. It will help you set your spot during the first two weeks after your baby is born (ideally, the best time for newborn photos).
What if my baby comes earlier or later than planned?
No need to stress! Photographers know babies don’t always arrive on time. Knowing when to do newborn photos helps photographers stay flexible and ready to capture your baby at the perfect time.
Can parents or siblings join the newborn photoshoot?
Yes, they can! Many photographers love including family members. Having parents or siblings in the photos makes them more special and creates lasting family memories. Choosing a photographer experienced in family photography in Edmonton ensures that these moments are captured naturally and meaningfully.
How long does a newborn photoshoot take?
Some sessions should run for between two and four hours. This would allow for adequate time to feed, calm, and pose without feeling rushed. Keeping the session relaxed and enjoyable is the priority.
What if my baby is upset during the session?
No worries, it’s normal! Photographers are skilled at calming fussy babies. They’ll be trained to use soothing methods and work with your baby’s needs to capture beautiful pictures.
Tip: Bring a pacifier or comforter to help keep your baby calm during the session.
Samantha, the visionary behind Little One Photography, is a passionate photographer with a special gift for capturing the essence of newborns and families. As an awarded newborn photographer, she has honed her craft to create timeless, emotive portraits that families cherish for generations. Samantha’s warm personality and patient approach put even the tiniest clients at ease, allowing her to capture genuine moments of connection and love.
