If you’re a new or expectant parent wondering when to schedule newborn photos, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I receive as a lifestyle newborn photographer here in Seattle.

The short answer? The ideal time to photograph your newborn is within the first 5–14 days after birth. But the real answer is a little more nuanced, especially if you want images that feel relaxed, authentic, and deeply connected.

When to schedule newborn photos &
why the 5–14 Day Window Works So Well

During those first two weeks of life, your baby is still adjusting to the outside world. They’re often sleepier, more snuggly, and naturally curl into those cozy, womb-like poses that parents love. This makes for a smoother session with fewer interruptions and allows us to capture those fleeting, dreamy details, like fuzzy shoulders, tiny fingers curled just so, and that serene, just-born stillness.

If you’re hoping for intimate, fine art lifestyle images where the focus is on connection, calm, and closeness, this window is truly golden.

What If My Baby Is Older Than 2 Weeks?

Life happens: births don’t always go as planned, and recovery can take time. If your baby is already 3–6 weeks old, don’t worry. We can still create beautiful, meaningful images that celebrate this chapter of your story.

Older newborns may be more alert and expressive, which brings a different kind of magic to your gallery. Smiles, eye contact, and emerging personalities often shine through at this stage. While we might adapt the flow of the session, the results can be just as compelling, just with a slightly different energy.

The Sooner You Book, the Better

I always recommend reaching out during your second or early third trimester to reserve your session. I only take a limited number of newborns per month to ensure flexibility for early or late arrivals. Once baby arrives, we’ll finalize the exact date based on your recovery, your baby’s age, and natural rhythms.

If you’re local to Seattle area and searching for a calm, connection-centered newborn photographer who comes to you, I’m here to make this process feel effortless and beautifully personal.

What to Expect from Your In-Home Newborn Session

• Timing: I typically schedule newborn sessions in the late morning (around 10–11 AM) when indoor light is softest and most flattering. This timing tends to align beautifully with a baby’s natural rhythm as many newborns are calmest after their first morning nap and feeding. When we plan your session, we’ll talk through your baby’s routine and choose a time that works best for your family’s flow.
• Location: We’ll use areas in your home with the best natural light, often the nursery, your bedroom, or living room. If you have any large windows, I will likely use those too. Please don’t feel like you have to clean the house before I arrive. We can easily tidy up an area we want to use for photos.
• Pacing: Sessions last 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing plenty of time for feedings, breaks, and quiet snuggles.
• Style: My fine art lifestyle approach focuses on real connection, no unnatural poses or crazy props – just you, your baby, and the beauty of your new beginning.
• Before I arrive: I recommend feeding your baby about 15 minutes before the session begins, which helps them settle in peacefully. If you’d like more insight into nursing frequency, growth spurts, and responsive feeding during those first days, check out this detailed guide from KellyMom on breastfeeding your newborn in the early weeks

Final Thought

Whether you’re five days into this journey or figuring it out at five weeks postpartum, your story matters. And it’s never too early or too late to celebrate it.

If you’re in the Seattle area and want photographs that reflect the softness, strength, and soul of these early days, let’s connect. I’d be honored to walk into your home, meet your little one, and help you preserve this chapter, exactly as it is.

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About the Photographer
Tanya Zagumenov is a lifestyle newborn and family photographer based in NE Seattle, serving families across the greater Seattle area. With a background as a software engineer and a heart for storytelling, she brings a thoughtful, detail-driven approach to documenting motherhood with authenticity and grace. Her in-home sessions are designed to be calm, connected, and deeply personal, so every parent feels seen, celebrated, and at ease.