As a newborn photographer in the Cleveland area, one of the most common questions I get from expecting parents is:
“When should we schedule our newborn session?”
The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer — the best time depends on the type of session you choose, your baby’s health and comfort, and even small details like whether your baby boy has been circumcised. In this post, I’ll walk you through the different types of newborn sessions I offer Fresh 48, studio, and lifestyle at home sessions and share my professional insight on when to plan each one for the best experience and most beautiful results.
The Ideal Timing for Newborn Photos
In general, the sweet spot for newborn sessions is within the first 14 days of life. During this time, babies are still very sleepy and flexible, which makes it easier to gently pose them into those classic curled-up positions that parents love. Their tiny features are still so fresh flaky skin, fuzzy shoulders, tiny wrinkles, all the little details that change so quickly in the first few weeks.
After two weeks, babies tend to wake more easily, stretch out more, and may develop baby acne or digestive discomfort. That doesn’t mean it’s too late to do photos (I’ll touch more on that later), but the earlier window is ideal for those timeless, posed newborn images.
Fresh 48 Sessions – Capturing the First Hours of Life
A Fresh 48 session takes place in the hospital (or birthing center) within the first 24–48 hours after birth. These sessions focus on those incredibly raw and emotional first moments — meeting your baby, tiny fingers gripping yours, siblings coming to visit, or your partner holding your baby for the first time.
Fresh 48 sessions aren’t about perfect posing or styling. They’re about real emotion and honest storytelling. I photograph your baby just as they are — still wrinkly and new — and your family as you soak in those first hours together.
These sessions are perfect for families who want to remember that “first-day” feeling forever.
Because these happen so soon after birth, it’s important to book your Fresh 48 session while you’re still pregnant. I’ll pencil in your due date and remain flexible around your actual delivery date.
Studio Newborn Sessions – Cozy, Timeless, and Perfectly Styled
Studio newborn sessions are what most people imagine when they think of classic newborn portraits. These take place in my Medina studio, which is designed specifically for comfort, safety, and beautiful light. I provide all the wraps, outfits, props, and accessories so parents can relax and simply enjoy the experience.
The ideal time for a studio newborn session is between 7 and 14 days old.
At this age, your baby is still sleepy and comfortable being gently posed. They tend to stay snuggled up, allowing for those dreamy, wrapped or curled poses that make for timeless art pieces.
However, if you have a baby boy who has been circumcised, I typically recommend waiting until the second week (around 10–14 days) to ensure he’s fully healed and comfortable during the session. Comfort and safety always come first.
Lifestyle Newborn Sessions – Natural and Heartfelt at Home
For families who love a more relaxed and natural look, lifestyle newborn sessions are a wonderful option. These sessions take place in your home and focus on connection — your family cuddling on the couch, rocking your baby in the nursery, or older siblings proudly holding their new brother or sister.
Lifestyle sessions are perfect for parents who want to include the warmth and personality of their home in their photos.
These can be done a little later than studio sessions, typically within the first 3–4 weeks, since the posing is more natural and baby-led. Your baby can be awake or asleep, and that’s completely okay — the goal is to document your real life as it unfolds.
Planning Ahead for Your Newborn Session
To make sure you get a spot on my calendar, it’s best to book your newborn session during your second trimester. This allows time to plan for your preferred session type and gives me flexibility around your due date, since every baby arrives on their own schedule!
When you book in advance, I’ll pencil in your estimated due date and adjust once your baby arrives. I only take a limited number of newborn sessions each month to ensure each family receives my full attention and care — so early booking really is key.
What If You Missed the Ideal Window?
Life happens and sometimes, those first couple of weeks fly by before you’ve had a chance to book newborn photos. Please don’t feel like you’ve missed your opportunity!
I’ve photographed babies up to 4 weeks old and still created beautiful galleries full of love and emotion. At that age, your little one might be more alert and awake, which sometimes means we shift to a more lifestyle-based session, incorporating more natural family poses and less of the tightly wrapped newborn poses.
That said, with a little extra patience and flexibility, I can usually still get a few classic posed images too. Every baby is different, and I tailor each session to your baby’s comfort and personality.
So if your baby has already arrived, it’s not too late! Reach out, and I’ll do my best to fit you in.
A Few Final Tips for Parents Preparing for Their Session
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Book Early: Secure your spot during your second trimester so we can plan around your due date.
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Consider Circumcision Healing Time: If your baby boy is circumcised, scheduling around the second week works best.
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Feed Before the Session: A full baby is a sleepy, content baby!
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Relax and Trust the Process: My goal is to make your experience peaceful and enjoyable. Every baby is unique, and I’ll work at their pace to ensure we get beautiful results.
Ready to Book Your Newborn Session in Cleveland or Medina?
Those newborn days are fleeting and your baby changes so much in just a matter of weeks. Capturing these early moments is a gift you’ll cherish for years to come.
Whether you’re dreaming of a perfectly posed studio session, an emotional Fresh 48, or a cozy lifestyle session at home, I’d love to help you preserve this beautiful chapter of your story.
✨ Now booking newborn photography sessions in Cleveland, Medina, Akron, and surrounding Northeast Ohio areas.
Because I take a limited number of newborns each month, early booking is highly recommended.
If your baby has already arrived — don’t worry! Contact me today, and let’s see what we can create together.
