When Is the Best Time to Photograph Your Baby?

One of the most common questions parents ask is:“When is the best time to do a baby photo session?”

The honest answer is simple:there isn’t one perfect moment — there are many meaningful ones.

Your baby changes constantly during the first year. Some phases are quieter, others more expressive or active. Each stage carries its own rhythm, and what matters most is choosing a time that reflects what you want to remember.

Below is a gentle overview of the different stages — not as rules, but as a way to help you decide what feels right for your family.

Newborn (first 2 weeks)

This is the phase many people think of as a “classic” newborn session. Babies are often sleepier and enjoy being held close, which allows for calm, intimate images — usually at home.

Sessions at this stage are slow and baby-led. There’s no expectation of posing or perfection; the focus is on closeness, touch, and the feeling of those first days together.

1–3 months

At this stage, babies begin to stay awake longer and respond more to voices and faces. You may start to notice early expressions, small smiles, and moments of quiet alertness.

These sessions tend to be about subtle interactions — how your baby looks at you, settles in your arms, or reacts to familiar sounds. They often capture details that are easy to forget later on.

Around 4 months

Many babies become more expressive around this time. Eye contact strengthens, smiles come more easily, and their curiosity starts to show.

It’s also a phase where things feel a bit less predictable — teething may begin, and babies often explore the world with their mouths. All of this is part of the story, and sessions are approached with flexibility rather than expectations.

Around 6 months

By six months, many babies can sit with support and engage more actively with the people around them. Their personalities begin to shine through more clearly.

Depending on the season, this can be a lovely time for an outdoor session, though home sessions still work beautifully too. The pace remains gentle, with space for breaks and movement.

Around 9 months

This stage often brings a lot of motion. Babies may be crawling, pulling themselves up, or constantly on the move. Sessions at this age are lively and full of variation.

Rather than trying to control the energy, I work with it — observing, following, and allowing moments to unfold as they happen.

Around 12 months

The first birthday marks a big transition. Some babies are standing or taking early steps; others are still exploring the world from the floor. Both are perfectly fine.

A one-year session doesn’t have to be a performance or a theme. It can simply be a way to document who your child is at this moment — and how you are together as a family.

So… when should you book?

When it feels right for you.

There’s no “best” age — only the chapter you want to remember. Whether your baby is brand new or already finding their feet, what matters most is approaching the session with openness and allowing space for things to unfold naturally.

If you’d like to talk through timing or ask a few questions, you’re welcome to get in touch or explore my portfolio to see how different stages can be documented.