When to Book Your Newborn Session

Why Timing is Everything

Welcoming a new baby into the world is one of the most special and fleeting moments of your life. Capturing those early days through a professional newborn session helps preserve the tiny details the sleepy yawns, the little fingers, the curly poses that change so quickly. But when it comes to scheduling your baby’s first photoshoot, timing is everything.

At Keelan Walker Photography, we guide our families through the perfect timeline to ensure those dreamy, peaceful newborn portraits you’ll cherish forever. Here’s everything you need to know about when and why to book your newborn session!

The Sweet Spot: 5–14 Days Old

The ideal time for a newborn session is when your baby is between 5 and 14 days old.
During this window, babies are typically:

• Sleepier
• Easier to pose into those adorable curled-up positions
• More likely to stay settled for longer stretches
• Still showing those fresh, womb-like behaviors and features (like that precious newborn skin and tiny curled toes!)

After two weeks, babies often become more alert, stretches out more, and can develop baby acne — which can all make a session a little trickier (but not impossible).

Why Booking Early Matters

We always recommend booking your newborn session during your second trimester.
Here’s why:

• Guaranteed Spot: Newborn photographers only accept a limited number of due dates per month to allow flexibility (since babies rarely arrive exactly on time).
• Peace of Mind: You won’t have to worry about finding a photographer while juggling late pregnancy or postpartum recovery.
• Prep Time: Booking early gives you a chance to chat with your photographer about styling, prop selections, color schemes, and personal touches you want included.

At Keelan Walker Photography, we pencil you in based on your due date, then confirm the actual session once your baby arrives.

What if My Baby Is Already Here?

Life happens! If you didn’t get a chance to pre-book, don’t stress. We always try our best to accommodate last-minute newborn sessions. While we may need to adjust expectations around poses and setups, we can still capture beautiful, heartfelt images of your little one even if they’re a few weeks old.

Pro Tip: Plan Ahead for Props and Styling

Because we specialize in custom setups, booking early also allows you to collaborate with us on the look and feel you envision. Whether you want cozy neutrals, soft florals, or a special family heirloom incorporated, the earlier we plan, the better we can create a session that feels uniquely “you.”

(Our Keelan Walker Photography Session Prop Guide includes a curated collection of wraps, baskets, backdrops, and accessories designed to complement every style.)

Final Thought

Your newborn will only be this little for a short time. Planning ahead ensures you don’t miss the opportunity to capture this once-in-a-lifetime season with beautiful, timeless photographs.

Ready to book your newborn session or have questions? We’d love to hear from you!