If you’re pregnant and trying to get everything in place before your baby arrives, and you plan to schedule a newborn photo session in Farmington or central Connecticut, but aren’t sure about the best time to do that, you’ve come to the right place. One of the most common questions I hear from expectant parents is when to schedule newborn photos, especially when there’s already so much to plan.
Just want the quick answer? Here’s the TLDR: Ideally you want to schedule your session about 2 to 3 months before your due date and plan the photoshoot for when your baby is between 1 and 3 weeks old. This timing works especially well for studio newborn photography here in Connecticut, where planning ahead gives you the most flexibility on the calendar. Want more details? Keep reading …
I’ve been photographing newborns for nearly twenty years, working with families throughout Farmington Valley and central Connecticut, and I’ve also been through this stage of life myself. I know what it’s like to plan ahead while also realizing that babies don’t follow timelines. Over the years, I’ve worked with every type of parent, from those who love having everything booked early to those who just want someone to tell them what to do next. Both approaches are completely normal.
That’s why I’ve made the newborn booking process as simple and flexible as possible. There is an ideal window for newborn photography, but scheduling is designed to work with real life, not add stress. If reading through guides feels like too much right now, you’re always welcome to reach out and set up a call. We can talk through timing, session options, and next steps, and come up with a plan that works for you.
For a broader overview of my approach to newborn photography, you can also visit Your Guide to Timeless Newborn Photography in Farmington and Central Connecticut.
When I Recommend Booking Your Newborn Photos
If you’re already thinking about doing a maternity photoshoot, you’re off to a great start. Just let me know that you’d also like to do a newborn photoshoot and we can get you booked for both at once, sign you up for our First Year Membership so you get all the perks and discounts, and you’re good to go. If that’s you, you can pretty much check this box and stop reading this section if you’d like. Mission accomplished.
If you’re a planner, like me, and you find comfort in ordered lists and getting your ducks in a row, you’re probably already thinking ahead about newborn photos. In that case, you’re in the advance-planning camp, and honestly, I see you. Booking your newborn session a couple of months before your due date let’s you check one more thing off the list before baby arrives.
If, on the other hand, you’re more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants, we’ll-deal-with-it-when-the-time-comes type (hi, this is also my husband), you may be reading this while holding a newborn or sitting in the waiting room at you 38-week appointment. Don’t stress! I’ve worked with plenty of families who didn’t even think about newborn photos until after their baby arrived, and we still made it happen.
That said, there are some clear advantages to planning ahead. Newborn sessions are ideally scheduled within the first one to three weeks after birth. That window gives us the most flexibility and the best chance to create the style of images you see throughout my work. The earlier we’re planning for that timeframe, the more options we typically have on the calendar. Booking your newborn session during pregnancy allows time for questions and planning, and means you don’t have to think about scheduling during those early postpartum weeks. We choose a tentative session date in advance, and we can always adjust it if your baby arrives earlier or later than expected.
No matter which camp you fall into, the goal is the same: making newborn photography feel manageable and well-timed instead of rushed or stressful. Whether you plan ahead or reach out after baby arrives, I’ll help guide the process and figure out what works best for your family.
Why the First 1-3 Weeks Are Ideal for Newborn Photos
In a perfect world, newborn photo sessions are typically scheduled within the first one to three weeks after birth. Brand new babies tend to be sleepier and more easily settled, which allows for smoother transitions and a more relaxed session overall.
As babies get closer to the three-week mark, things like baby acne or colic can start to appear. This doesn’t mean photos can’t be done, but it may affect how the session is approached. If your baby is older than the traditional newborn window, I’ll talk through expectations and options with you so you can decide what feels right for your family.
There is no hard cutoff, just a preferred window.
Can You Still Do Newborn Photos After 3 Weeks?
The short answer: yes. If your baby is older than the typical window for newborn photography, it doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance for beautiful photos. It just means the session may look a little different.
As babies get past the first few weeks, they tend to be more alert and less, shall we say, bendy. Those very curled-up, sleepy poses you often see in traditional newborn photos may no longer be comfortable or appropriate, simply because your baby has moved beyond that stage. Instead, sessions with older babies often include more open eyes, stretching, and natural movement.
My approach to newborn photography is always baby-led, regardless of age. I never force poses or try to make a baby fit a specific look. If your baby is more awake or prefers to move, the session adjusts to them. The result is still a beautiful set of images, just with a slightly different feel than photos taken in the first couple of weeks.
If you’re unsure whether newborn photos still make sense for your baby’s age, I encourage you to reach out. Having a clear idea of what to expect makes it easier to decide whether newborn photos are the right choice right now, or if you’d prefer to wait and capture your baby at a later milestone. It also lets us talk through whether a lifestyle feel or a more posed session makes the most sense for your baby.
How Booking Your Newborn Session Works
If you’ve spent some time browsing my website and feel confident that I’m the photographer for you, wonderful! You’ve made a great choice 😉 Let’s get you booked!
Booking your newborn session is simple.
Sessions can be reserved directly through my online booking page. Available dates for sessions in my Farmington, CT studio are typically published six to eight weeks out. If you don’t see a date or time that works for you, or if you’re hoping to book further in advance than what’s currently available, you’re always welcome to reach out.
You can request a specific date or ask about availability beyond what’s listed. While I can’t guarantee every request, I do my best to accommodate whenever possible, especially for newborn sessions.
If you still have questions before booking, I’m happy to help. Sometimes a quick conversation is all it takes to feel confident moving forward.
Final Thoughts on When to Schedule Newborn Photos
There is no single “perfect” time to schedule newborn photos. Booking earlier gives you more flexibility and fewer decisions to make later, but even if plans change, we can usually find a solution.
If you’re unsure about timing, the best next step is simply to reach out. I’m always happy to talk through options with expectant parents in Farmington and throughout Connecticut. We’ll talk through your options and figure out what works best for you and your baby.
Kelli Dease is a Farmington, Connecticut newborn and family photographer specializing in timeless, light-filled studio portraits. She offers a relaxed, full-service experience designed with growing families in mind, from a curated studio wardrobe and consistent, flattering lighting to guidance throughout the planning and session process.
Kelli Dease Photography serves families throughout Farmington, Avon, Simsbury, Canton, West Hartford, Burlington, Granby, and the surrounding Farmington Valley, Hartford County, and central Connecticut areas.
Please contact Kelli Dease Photography today to find out about session availability.
To see more of Kelli’s photos, please follow her on Instagram.
