When to Schedule Newborn Photos (Week-by-Week Guide)
Welcoming a newborn is one of life’s most emotional and awe-inspiring experiences. Those tiny hands, soft eyelashes, wrinkly toes, sleepy stretches — they change almost daily in the first weeks. That’s why many parents reach out to schedule newborn photos but aren’t always sure when the best time actually is.
At 11th Hour Studios, located right in the heart of Columbia, Maryland, we guide families through this process every day. Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding a new little one to your family, knowing exactly when to book your newborn session can make a world of difference in the final images.
This week-by-week breakdown explains the ideal timing, the benefits of each stage, and what you can expect from a newborn session in our Columbia studio.
Why Timing Matters for Newborn Photography
Newborn photography is unlike any other type of portrait work. In the early days, babies change quickly — not just in size but in alertness, muscle tone, and how deeply they sleep. These subtle changes impact posing, expressions, and the overall feel of your session.
Most photographers, including us here at 11th Hour Studios, recommend photographing newborns between days 5 and 14. But that’s not the only option, and the “perfect window” often depends on your family and your baby.
For a closer look at the style and poses we offer during that window, explore our Newborn Photography Portfolio.
Week-by-Week Guide
Days 0–4: The Fresh 48 Look
This isn’t a full newborn session but rather a style known as Fresh 48. During these first days, babies still have that brand-new look: delicate skin, sleepy expressions, and curled-up poses.
Ideal for:
Parents wanting ultra-natural, documentary-style images
Capturing the earliest moments before baby’s features begin to shift
Families who want keepsakes without props or posed setups
What to expect at 11th Hour Studios:
We typically recommend these sessions occur at home or the hospital, but if schedule allows, they can be done at the studio as long as you’re comfortable. Sessions are gentle, short, and focused on connection rather than posing.
Days 5–10: The Optimal Window
This is the golden age of newborn photography — and the time we recommend most strongly at 11th Hour Studios.
During days 5 to 10, newborns are still naturally sleepy and flexible, which makes it possible to achieve those classic, cozy, curled-up poses.
Why this window is ideal:
Babies sleep more deeply
They’re comfortable in womb-like poses
Their skin often begins to settle
They’re less likely to be disturbed when gently repositioned
Parents have had a little time to recover but the newborn look is preserved
Most of the newborn galleries on our website were captured during this timeline.
If you want maximum variety: swaddled, lightly posed, detail shots, and sleepy portraits, this is the timeframe to book.
Days 11–14: Still Great for Classic Newborn Photos
Around this time, babies begin stretching, lengthening, and becoming more alert, but they still spend a lot of time asleep.
At 11th Hour Studios we frequently photograph newborns in this range, and the results are just as beautiful as days 5–10 — just with a slightly more awake vibe.
Benefits of this period:
Babies still nap often
Slightly more filled-out cheeks
Variety: a mix of awake and asleep images
Easy to achieve swaddled poses
If you couldn’t come in earlier due to birth timing, recovery, or simply needing time to adjust, this is still a perfect window.
Weeks 3–4: The Semi-Newborn Stage
By the third and fourth weeks, babies are often more awake, more expressive, and less curled. Many parents worry that they “missed the window,” but that isn’t the case — the session simply takes on a different personality.
What you can expect:
More eye contact
More stretches and expressive hands
A mix of sleepy and quiet-alert photos
Fewer tightly curled poses but beautiful swaddled portraits
At 11th Hour Studios in Columbia, we tailor the session to your baby’s comfort. Many families actually love this stage because they can see more of their baby's emerging personality.
If your baby arrived early or you’re just settling into life with a newborn, this timeframe offers a softer, more awake portrait style that feels incredibly authentic.
Weeks 5–8: A Growing Baby, A Different Style
This is no longer the "classic newborn" stage — and that’s okay. At this point, you get awake portraits, gentle swaddles, and beautiful parent-and-baby moments.
Photos at this age often include:
Wide, curious eyes
First smiles
Chubbier cheeks
Less posing, more natural interactions
Sessions may take a bit longer because babies are stronger and easily stimulated, but we adjust pacing and breaks to keep everyone comfortable.
Families who choose this window love the expressiveness and connection in their photos, and the images are just as meaningful — simply not the typical sleepy, folded-left-over feel.
When Should You Book Your Session?
Because babies don’t always arrive on schedule, we recommend reserving your newborn session in your second or early third trimester.
At 11th Hour Studios, we pencil in your due date and then finalize your session once your baby arrives, giving you flexibility and guaranteed availability within those key early weeks.
We only accept a limited number of newborns per week to make sure we can accommodate early or late arrivals.
Why Parents Choose 11th Hour Studios for Newborn Photography
Your blog should include location + differentiation, so here are natural integrations:
A Calm, Private Studio in Columbia, Maryland
11th Hour Studios is centrally located in Columbia, MD, making it accessible for families around Howard County, Baltimore, Ellicott City, and the DC suburbs. The space is warm, clean, and intentionally designed so new parents feel relaxed the moment they walk in.
Safety-First Approach
Every session is slow, gentle, and baby-led. We prioritize comfort over any pose, and we never force a position your baby isn’t naturally at ease with.
Custom Styling for Each Family
We use soft fabrics, cozy swaddles, and an aesthetic that’s timeless, elegant, and focused on your baby — not overwhelming props or distracting setups.
Consistent Studio Lighting
You never have to worry about daylight changes or weather. Studio lighting gives your photos a polished, consistent look every time.
Inclusive, Authentic, and Personal
Your studio attracts a beautifully diverse clientele — especially Black women, mothers-to-be, and families who want a photographer who understands how to light and pose a range of skin tones with care and artistry. That should shine through subtly in your blog content.
How to Prepare for Your Newborn Session
To help parents feel ready, include guidance:
Feed Baby Right Before the Session: A full belly means a sleepy, relaxed baby.
Keep Baby Awake Before Arriving: A little playtime helps them sleep more soundly during photos.
Dress Baby in Something Easy to Remove: Soft, simple clothing that won’t disturb them.
Bring Any Sentimental Items: We can incorporate blankets, heirloom pieces, or heartfelt keepsakes.
Expect Plenty of Breaks: Feeding, burping, cuddling — it’s all part of the flow.
At 11th Hour Studios, newborn sessions are not rushed. We move at your baby’s pace and keep the environment warm and soothing for the entire session.
If you're unsure which timing is best for you, you can always reach out for guidance: Contact 11th Hour Studios.
FAQ About Newborn Photography Timing
-
No problem. That’s why we hold flexible dates around your due date.
-
We photograph newborns up to 8 weeks and simply adjust the style to match their natural behaviors.
-
Absolutely — and we strongly encourage it. These become some of the most emotional and lasting images.
-
Awake images are gorgeous too. We adapt every session at 11th Hour Studios to match your baby’s mood.
Ready to Book Your Newborn Session?
If you're expecting or recently welcomed your baby, we’d love to help you capture this chapter.
11th Hour Studios — Columbia, Maryland
Serving Howard County, Baltimore, Ellicott City, Silver Spring, Laurel, and surrounding areas.
Ready to schedule? Book Newborn Studio Session Today
