Newborn photography is a magical experience. There’s something so special about capturing those precious first days of life—the tiny toes, the sleepy yawns, and the heart-melting snuggles between baby and parents. But as beautiful as it sounds, there are a few common misconceptions that many parents have about newborn photography that can sometimes lead to confusion or unrealistic expectations.

In this blog post, I’m here to clear up some of those misconceptions and help you better understand what goes into a newborn session, so you can feel more prepared and excited about your own! Let’s dive in.

1. I Can Schedule a Newborn Session Anytime

One of the biggest misconceptions about newborn photography is that you can book a session anytime in the first few months. While technically, yes, you can take photos of your baby at any age, the ideal time for newborn sessions is actually within the first 7 to 14 days after birth. 

Why this specific window? At this age, babies are still super sleepy and more likely to curl up into those sweet, squishy poses that we all love. They’re also less fussy and easier to soothe. After the 2-week mark, babies start to become more alert, stretch out, and develop their personalities, which can make it trickier to capture those traditional newborn poses. 

That said, if you’ve missed the two-week window, don’t worry! We can still capture beautiful images of your baby—they’ll just be a little more awake and interactive, which is equally special in its own way!

2. Any Photographer Can Do Newborn Photography

While there are many talented photographers out there, not every photographer is equipped to handle newborn sessions. Newborn photography is a niche within the photography world that requires not only technical skills but also a deep understanding of newborn safety.

Newborns are incredibly delicate, and posing them safely takes specific training and experience. It’s not just about getting the right shot—it’s about ensuring that the baby is comfortable, supported, and never placed in a position that could be harmful. I’ve taken extensive newborn safety courses to make sure I’m fully equipped to handle every session with the utmost care.

So, if you’re considering a newborn session, it’s important to choose a photographer who specializes in newborn photography and is well-versed in safety practices. That peace of mind is priceless.

3. Newborn Photos Are Just About Posing the Baby

Yes, those perfectly posed shots of babies wrapped up snugly or curled into adorable little positions are a big part of newborn photography—but they’re not the whole picture. Newborn sessions are also about capturing the connection between baby and family.

Some of the most touching images come from those candid moments—mom cradling her baby’s tiny fingers, dad giving a soft kiss on the forehead, or older siblings leaning in for a snuggle. These moments tell the story of your growing family and highlight the love that surrounds your little one. So while posed shots are beautiful, don’t forget to embrace the unscripted, raw moments too!

4. Newborn Photography Sessions Are Fast

Here’s where things can get a little tricky. Newborn photography sessions are definitely not quick. I’ve had some parents surprised by the length of time it takes to get everything just right, but trust me, patience is key.

Newborns have their own schedule. They might need feeding breaks, diaper changes, or just a little extra soothing to fall asleep. I always allow for plenty of time during a session, so we never feel rushed. On average, a newborn session can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. This gives us enough time to capture a variety of poses and moments while ensuring the baby is comfortable throughout.

It’s important to go into a session with the understanding that we’re working on baby time, not adult time! Your little one’s comfort and happiness are the top priority.

5. All Babies Sleep Through the Entire Session

Many parents envision their newborn peacefully sleeping through the entire session, allowing me to effortlessly capture all the adorable poses. But here’s the truth: not every baby sleeps through their newborn session—and that’s perfectly okay!

Some babies are alert, some have fussy periods, and some might need more soothing than others. Every baby is different, and I’m fully prepared for whatever your little one needs. Whether they’re wide awake or fast asleep, we’ll capture beautiful images that reflect their unique personality at this stage.

In fact, some of my favorite shots are of wide-eyed newborns taking in the world around them. Those curious little glances make for some of the most memorable photos!

6. Newborn Photos Are Only for First-Time Parents

While it’s true that many first-time parents love to document their newborn’s arrival with a special photo session, newborn photography is for every family, whether it’s your first, second, or fifth baby.

Each child’s arrival is a unique and beautiful chapter in your family’s story, and it deserves to be captured. Including older siblings in the session can create some of the most heartwarming images, and it gives your family the opportunity to look back on these memories as they grow older together.

Newborn photography is a one-of-a-kind experience, but it’s important to go into it with realistic expectations and an open mind. From timing the session within the first two weeks to understanding that every baby is different, there are many factors that make each newborn session unique.

At the heart of it all, newborn photography is about capturing your baby’s first days in a way that tells the story of your family’s love, joy, and connection. It’s not about perfection—it’s about preserving the moments you’ll cherish forever.

Are you expecting and ready to book your newborn session? I’d love to help you capture this special time. Get in touch today to reserve your spot, and let’s create beautiful memories together!