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You’re expecting a baby; you probably have a long list of things to organize before they arrive. Newborn photos might be somewhere on that list but when are you actually supposed to book them?

For most families, the best time to book newborn photography is during your second or early third trimester. You don’t need to know exactly when your baby will arrive, and you don’t need to choose an exact session date yet.

Here’s how it works and what happens if your baby has other plans.

Do I Book Newborn Photos Before My Baby Is Born?

Yes! Most newborn sessions are booked using your due date, not your baby’s actual birthday.

Babies rarely arrive exactly when expected, so there’s no need to worry about choosing the perfect date months in advance. Your due date simply allows me to plan space in my calendar around the time your baby is expected.

Once baby arrives, we’ll confirm the actual session date.

Booking while you’re still pregnant also means there’s one less thing to organize during those first sleepy, blurry days at home with a newborn.

What Is the Best Age for Newborn Photos?

Newborn sessions are generally photographed during the first few weeks after birth, when babies are still tiny and naturally curled up.

But there isn’t one magical day when newborn photos suddenly stop being possible. Ideally, between days 4 and 14 days are ideal for those sleepy posed pictures.

Every baby is different. Some sleep through almost everything. Some want to eat frequently. Some are wide awake and very interested in what I’m doing.

After more than 15 years of photographing newborns, I’ve learned that the session needs to work around the baby, not the other way around.

We leave time for feeding, changing and settling, and I don’t expect your newborn to behave according to a photography schedule.

What If My Baby Comes Early or Late?

This is one of the most common worries I hear from expecting parents and it’s exactly why I don’t rely on a firm session date before the baby arrives.

If your baby comes earlier or later than expected, we adjust.

The same goes for unexpected C-sections, longer hospital stays or simply needing a little extra time at home before you’re ready to go anywhere.

You have enough to think about after having a baby. Your photography session shouldn’t be another source of stress.

What If My Baby Is Already Here?

Don’t assume you’ve missed your chance.

If your baby has already arrived and you haven’t booked newborn photos, reach out and ask about availability. Depending on my schedule and your baby’s age, a newborn session may still be possible.

And if your baby has moved beyond that very-newborn stage, there are still beautiful ways to photograph them.

My style has become increasingly focused on your baby as they are and your connection as a family, tiny details, simple portraits, snuggles with Mom and Dad and the expressions you’ll want to remember years from now.

Because ultimately, that’s the point.

You don’t need the perfect baby, the perfect outfit or the perfect first few weeks.

You just need photographs that bring you back to how little they once were.

Expecting a baby in Saint John, Quispamsis, Rothesay or the surrounding area? You can learn more about newborn sessions at Enchanted Hill Photography, including what to expect, session options and how to reserve your due date.

You’re expecting a baby; you probably have a long list of things to organize before they arrive. Newborn photos might be somewhere on that list but when are you actually supposed to book them?

For most families, the best time to book newborn photography is during your second or early third trimester. You don’t need to know exactly when your baby will arrive, and you don’t need to choose an exact session date yet.

Here’s how it works and what happens if your baby has other plans.

Do I Book Newborn Photos Before My Baby Is Born?

Yes! Most newborn sessions are booked using your due date, not your baby’s actual birthday.

Babies rarely arrive exactly when expected, so there’s no need to worry about choosing the perfect date months in advance. Your due date simply allows me to plan space in my calendar around the time your baby is expected.

Once baby arrives, we’ll confirm the actual session date.

Booking while you’re still pregnant also means there’s one less thing to organize during those first sleepy, blurry days at home with a newborn.

What Is the Best Age for Newborn Photos?

Newborn sessions are generally photographed during the first few weeks after birth, when babies are still tiny and naturally curled up.

But there isn’t one magical day when newborn photos suddenly stop being possible. Ideally, between days 4 and 14 days are ideal for those sleepy posed pictures.

Every baby is different. Some sleep through almost everything. Some want to eat frequently. Some are wide awake and very interested in what I’m doing.

After more than 15 years of photographing newborns, I’ve learned that the session needs to work around the baby, not the other way around.

We leave time for feeding, changing and settling, and I don’t expect your newborn to behave according to a photography schedule.

What If My Baby Comes Early or Late?

This is one of the most common worries I hear from expecting parents and it’s exactly why I don’t rely on a firm session date before the baby arrives.

If your baby comes earlier or later than expected, we adjust.

The same goes for unexpected C-sections, longer hospital stays or simply needing a little extra time at home before you’re ready to go anywhere.

You have enough to think about after having a baby. Your photography session shouldn’t be another source of stress.

What If My Baby Is Already Here?

Don’t assume you’ve missed your chance.

If your baby has already arrived and you haven’t booked newborn photos, reach out and ask about availability. Depending on my schedule and your baby’s age, a newborn session may still be possible.

And if your baby has moved beyond that very-newborn stage, there are still beautiful ways to photograph them.

My style has become increasingly focused on your baby as they are and your connection as a family, tiny details, simple portraits, snuggles with Mom and Dad and the expressions you’ll want to remember years from now.

Because ultimately, that’s the point.

You don’t need the perfect baby, the perfect outfit or the perfect first few weeks.

You just need photographs that bring you back to how little they once were.

Expecting a baby in Saint John, Quispamsis, Rothesay or the surrounding area? You can learn more about newborn sessions at Enchanted Hill Photography, including what to expect, session options and how to reserve your due date.

When I started photographing newborns more than 15 years ago, newborn photography looked very different. The props were the main focus and we were freshly inspired by Anne Geddes.

And over the years, I’ve photographed a lot of tiny babies, I would like to say 500+ but lately, the photographs I keep coming back to are often the simplest ones.

A baby curled against Mom. Dad holding a baby who looks impossibly small against him. The three of you together, figuring out this brand-new version of your family.

No elaborate scene needed.

More of You, Less of Everything Else

I’m not giving up the beautiful portraits of your baby on their own. I still love those and I know how valuable it is to have art of your children. But I’m making more room in my newborn sessions for connection.

I want to photograph how your baby fits against your chest and how you both lean into each other. Their tiny hand wrapped around your finger. The way you look at them when you’re not thinking about the camera.

Because when I look back at the newborn photographs I’ve created over the years, those are the images that feel increasingly important to me.

Not just what your baby looked like but what it felt like to have them this small. This stage is the fastest in their entire life.

“But I Don’t Want to Be in the Photos”

I hear you.

You’ve just had a baby. You’re tired. Your body doesn’t feel quite like your own yet. You probably didn’t sleep last night. You do not have to feel camera-ready. Nothing fits.

You don’t even have to know what to do.

I’ll guide you and show you how we can keep it simple.

You holding your baby. Your partner beside you. Your baby’s head against your shoulder. There is a closet to borrow a few dresses from as well.

That’s enough.

You don’t need to perform motherhood for the camera.

You just need to be there. Not only does your baby change but so do you.

A Different Kind of Newborn Session

My newborn sessions are becoming quieter and more family-focused.

Still beautiful.

Still carefully photographed.

Still with the experience that comes from photographing babies for more than 15 years.

Just with a little less emphasis on creating the perfect “newborn setup”, what colours should we use? More emphasis on the people this baby belongs to and incredible love you have for this new person.

I know this is where the true magic lies.

Looking for a Newborn Photographer in Saint John, NB?

My studio serves families from Saint John, Rothesay, Quispamsis and surrounding areas.

If you’re expecting, you can reach out before your baby arrives to reserve space around your due date.

And if your baby is already here, please reach out anyway. There isn’t one magical day when your baby suddenly becomes “too old” for meaningful photographs.

We’ll photograph the stage you’re in.

Because your family doesn’t need to look perfect.

It should look like yours.

See newborn sessions at Enchanted Hill Photography →

When I started photographing newborns more than 15 years ago, newborn photography looked very different. The props were the main focus and we were freshly inspired by Anne Geddes.

And over the years, I’ve photographed a lot of tiny babies, I would like to say 500+ but lately, the photographs I keep coming back to are often the simplest ones.

A baby curled against Mom. Dad holding a baby who looks impossibly small against him. The three of you together, figuring out this brand-new version of your family.

No elaborate scene needed.

More of You, Less of Everything Else

I’m not giving up the beautiful portraits of your baby on their own. I still love those and I know how valuable it is to have art of your children. But I’m making more room in my newborn sessions for connection.

I want to photograph how your baby fits against your chest and how you both lean into each other. Their tiny hand wrapped around your finger. The way you look at them when you’re not thinking about the camera.

Because when I look back at the newborn photographs I’ve created over the years, those are the images that feel increasingly important to me.

Not just what your baby looked like but what it felt like to have them this small. This stage is the fastest in their entire life.

“But I Don’t Want to Be in the Photos”

I hear you.

You’ve just had a baby. You’re tired. Your body doesn’t feel quite like your own yet. You probably didn’t sleep last night. You do not have to feel camera-ready. Nothing fits.

You don’t even have to know what to do.

I’ll guide you and show you how we can keep it simple.

You holding your baby. Your partner beside you. Your baby’s head against your shoulder. There is a closet to borrow a few dresses from as well.

That’s enough.

You don’t need to perform motherhood for the camera.

You just need to be there. Not only does your baby change but so do you.

A Different Kind of Newborn Session

My newborn sessions are becoming quieter and more family-focused.

Still beautiful.

Still carefully photographed.

Still with the experience that comes from photographing babies for more than 15 years.

Just with a little less emphasis on creating the perfect “newborn setup”, what colours should we use? More emphasis on the people this baby belongs to and incredible love you have for this new person.

I know this is where the true magic lies.

Looking for a Newborn Photographer in Saint John, NB?

My studio serves families from Saint John, Rothesay, Quispamsis and surrounding areas.

If you’re expecting, you can reach out before your baby arrives to reserve space around your due date.

And if your baby is already here, please reach out anyway. There isn’t one magical day when your baby suddenly becomes “too old” for meaningful photographs.

We’ll photograph the stage you’re in.

Because your family doesn’t need to look perfect.

It should look like yours.

See newborn sessions at Enchanted Hill Photography →

Baby Mugshots are the funny way of capturing your tiny baby’s big personality with a series of expressions in black and white images.

When a Newborn Arrives Awake

When a newborn arrives awake for their session, I would worry in the past, but now I create Baby Mugshots. I simply will wrap the baby and let them squirm and look around. They can stay awake and we are able to capture their little personality. This often tires them out and soon they are getting heavy eyelids and wanting a little nap or snack.

It Is Not Always Simple or Easy

This looks like it is easy capturing the pictures but if you understand newborns than you understand how very hard the session can be. They have little head control and keep flinging their head and body around. Their little eyes are still immature and they cannot hold a gaze very well. Their eyes wander, they cannot typically track, which means to follow an object or focus on anything with intention for long. Sometimes their eyes are a little jaundiced and look yellow and many will have broken blood vessels. I would venture to guess 80% of newborns also go crosseyed majority of the time. While one cross eyes picture gives us a giggle, 9 are not as funny.

Patience is the Key to Capturing All the Sweet Expressions

Taking baby mugshots requires a very awake baby, if they arrive sleepy it may not work out. They are constantly moving around, their eyes are immature and not looking at the camera 95% of the time. Sometimes they are not happy being set down and want to be cuddled. Awake babies are often not content to be left alone. Often over 100+ pictures are taken to capture nine they are perfect for the collage.

The Funny Name of Baby Mugshots

The best part is the name of these sweet pictures. ‘Baby Mugshot’ is a bit of an oxymoron. You know that mugshots are for bad guys who broke the law and got caught but a sweet innocent baby? Nope! it makes a good joke and people are instantly intrigued.

Can I use this for my Baby’s Passport?

No. There are certain requirements for passport photographs and you should reach out to Service Canada to find out the requirements. I do not do Passport Photos but Shoppers Drug Mart on Crown Street or Staples on Rothesay Avenue in Saint John. I am not focused on capturing their perfect technical requirements for a passport but rather art for your home.

Baby Mugshots are the funny way of capturing your tiny baby’s big personality with a series of expressions in black and white images.

When a Newborn Arrives Awake

When a newborn arrives awake for their session, I would worry in the past, but now I create Baby Mugshots. I simply will wrap the baby and let them squirm and look around. They can stay awake and we are able to capture their little personality. This often tires them out and soon they are getting heavy eyelids and wanting a little nap or snack.

It Is Not Always Simple or Easy

This looks like it is easy capturing the pictures but if you understand newborns than you understand how very hard the session can be. They have little head control and keep flinging their head and body around. Their little eyes are still immature and they cannot hold a gaze very well. Their eyes wander, they cannot typically track, which means to follow an object or focus on anything with intention for long. Sometimes their eyes are a little jaundiced and look yellow and many will have broken blood vessels. I would venture to guess 80% of newborns also go crosseyed majority of the time. While one cross eyes picture gives us a giggle, 9 are not as funny.

Patience is the Key to Capturing All the Sweet Expressions

Taking baby mugshots requires a very awake baby, if they arrive sleepy it may not work out. They are constantly moving around, their eyes are immature and not looking at the camera 95% of the time. Sometimes they are not happy being set down and want to be cuddled. Awake babies are often not content to be left alone. Often over 100+ pictures are taken to capture nine they are perfect for the collage.

The Funny Name of Baby Mugshots

The best part is the name of these sweet pictures. ‘Baby Mugshot’ is a bit of an oxymoron. You know that mugshots are for bad guys who broke the law and got caught but a sweet innocent baby? Nope! it makes a good joke and people are instantly intrigued.

Can I use this for my Baby’s Passport?

No. There are certain requirements for passport photographs and you should reach out to Service Canada to find out the requirements. I do not do Passport Photos but Shoppers Drug Mart on Crown Street or Staples on Rothesay Avenue in Saint John. I am not focused on capturing their perfect technical requirements for a passport but rather art for your home.

One of the most difficult parts of stocking a newborn studio is what to carry. There are thousands of options for backdrops, props, accessories. In reality we need to carry every colour in the rainbow.

What colour do the majority of our clients ask for their newborn session? The answer is neutrals. Cream, white, grey or brown. Very simple and classic. They goal is for these pictures to look amazing in every room in their home.

Every now and then clients will tell us to surprise them. I personally love when a client types this in their questionnaire! I already know what colours are found in their home (because I always ask before designing the gallery) and this allows me use the colour wheel and pick pops of colour that will coordinate and compliment.

Choose Whatever You Want

Sometimes there is a new colour backdrop waiting to be used and I cannot wait till I hear the magic words to choose whatever…*insert happy dance*

The collage below is almost every colour I have in stock but I know I am missing a few. There are a few greys missing, creams and I know there are a couple bright pinks that a waiting for the perfect berry themed session. There are also multiple shades of blue I know I am missing from the pictures below.

Every Colour is Chosen with a Tone in Mind

Despite have such a wide variety, I still keep my colours within the rustic colour range. Nearly every colour is found not only in the rainbow but also within nature. I shy away from the overly bold and neon colours because I found they are not consistent with my style and rarely requested.

When booking your newborn session do not be afraid of a little pop of colour and feel free to refer to this collage in the future. My assistant and I love when people request a colour we rarely use!

One of the most difficult parts of stocking a newborn studio is what to carry. There are thousands of options for backdrops, props, accessories. In reality we need to carry every colour in the rainbow.

What colour do the majority of our clients ask for their newborn session? The answer is neutrals. Cream, white, grey or brown. Very simple and classic. They goal is for these pictures to look amazing in every room in their home.

Every now and then clients will tell us to surprise them. I personally love when a client types this in their questionnaire! I already know what colours are found in their home (because I always ask before designing the gallery) and this allows me use the colour wheel and pick pops of colour that will coordinate and compliment.

Choose Whatever You Want

Sometimes there is a new colour backdrop waiting to be used and I cannot wait till I hear the magic words to choose whatever…*insert happy dance*

The collage below is almost every colour I have in stock but I know I am missing a few. There are a few greys missing, creams and I know there are a couple bright pinks that a waiting for the perfect berry themed session. There are also multiple shades of blue I know I am missing from the pictures below.

Every Colour is Chosen with a Tone in Mind

Despite have such a wide variety, I still keep my colours within the rustic colour range. Nearly every colour is found not only in the rainbow but also within nature. I shy away from the overly bold and neon colours because I found they are not consistent with my style and rarely requested.

When booking your newborn session do not be afraid of a little pop of colour and feel free to refer to this collage in the future. My assistant and I love when people request a colour we rarely use!

My favorite lenses for newborn photography are pretty simple despite the hundreds of options on the market. After a decade of photographing newborns in my studio these are my personal opinions of what works best for my style.

Sigma Art 50mm 1.4 for Nikon

This is my go-to always grabbed lens. It is a workhorse, captures beautiful images, fast for toddlers and lovely bokeh. It is heavier than the Nikon 50mm 1.4/1.8 but I do not mind the extra weight. I can say this is my favorite lens for newborn photography.

These lenses have a tenacity for front and back focusing so calibration is a must. (FoCal is my tried and true calibration method). Using a mirrorless camera has made this a little easier to handle but I still expect there will be a day in my future to do some maintenance on the lens.

I love the fact that with a 50mm there is little distortion and it closely resembles what our human eyes can see.

If you are not a professional, grab the Nikon (or Canon) 50mm 1.8, they are great little lenses and affordable (if you could call buying lenses affordable).

Sigma Art 35mm 1.4 for Nikon

This baby sat on my camera for 5+ years and truly it is like an old friend. LIke the 50mm from Sigma Art, it is fast, sharp, and produces beautiful images. I have recalibrated that lens so many times I have lost count. 

It gives a wider perspective and therefore amazing outside but can produce some distortion. I learned the hard way that it would make babies’ heads and hands look too big if I was not careful! 

This lens is amazing for being able to shoot much closer to your subject. On the rare times I am working alone, this is my go-to lens of choice. Also it is perfect for standing on top of babies and photographing them. 

When I bought my first DSLR I realized I couldn’t use the lens my camera came with in our tiny little house. the 35mm 1.8 was the answer that I needed. The kids would be playing and I could snap their pictures easily and with room to spare.

Nikon 105mm 2.8 Macro 

You expected another Sigma Art lens? This lens was originally bought for wedding photography and macro images of the rings. In the studio it can create the most beautiful macros. 

Tiny details of babies that mother’s stare at daily and never want to forget. 

Macro shots are not something I do for every session but always if requested. They look amazing in albums.

Favorite Lens for Newborn Photography?

It would be the 50mm! When it comes down to it this is and has been my favorite for a long time.

This is a peak into my camera bag of my favorite lenses for newborn photography. I know other photographers will have different opinions, my friend swears by here 24-70mm! This will all come down to what works best for them and their style.

My favorite lenses for newborn photography are pretty simple despite the hundreds of options on the market. After a decade of photographing newborns in my studio these are my personal opinions of what works best for my style.

Sigma Art 50mm 1.4 for Nikon

This is my go-to always grabbed lens. It is a workhorse, captures beautiful images, fast for toddlers and lovely bokeh. It is heavier than the Nikon 50mm 1.4/1.8 but I do not mind the extra weight. I can say this is my favorite lens for newborn photography.

These lenses have a tenacity for front and back focusing so calibration is a must. (FoCal is my tried and true calibration method). Using a mirrorless camera has made this a little easier to handle but I still expect there will be a day in my future to do some maintenance on the lens.

I love the fact that with a 50mm there is little distortion and it closely resembles what our human eyes can see.

If you are not a professional, grab the Nikon (or Canon) 50mm 1.8, they are great little lenses and affordable (if you could call buying lenses affordable).

Sigma Art 35mm 1.4 for Nikon

This baby sat on my camera for 5+ years and truly it is like an old friend. LIke the 50mm from Sigma Art, it is fast, sharp, and produces beautiful images. I have recalibrated that lens so many times I have lost count. 

It gives a wider perspective and therefore amazing outside but can produce some distortion. I learned the hard way that it would make babies’ heads and hands look too big if I was not careful! 

This lens is amazing for being able to shoot much closer to your subject. On the rare times I am working alone, this is my go-to lens of choice. Also it is perfect for standing on top of babies and photographing them. 

When I bought my first DSLR I realized I couldn’t use the lens my camera came with in our tiny little house. the 35mm 1.8 was the answer that I needed. The kids would be playing and I could snap their pictures easily and with room to spare.

Nikon 105mm 2.8 Macro 

You expected another Sigma Art lens? This lens was originally bought for wedding photography and macro images of the rings. In the studio it can create the most beautiful macros. 

Tiny details of babies that mother’s stare at daily and never want to forget. 

Macro shots are not something I do for every session but always if requested. They look amazing in albums.

Favorite Lens for Newborn Photography?

It would be the 50mm! When it comes down to it this is and has been my favorite for a long time.

This is a peak into my camera bag of my favorite lenses for newborn photography. I know other photographers will have different opinions, my friend swears by here 24-70mm! This will all come down to what works best for them and their style.

There is something amazing when it comes to twins and this is how a session with twins is a little different compared to a singleton session.

The Cost is Not Different (despite the work being double)

The number one question from expecting twin parents is if the cost is double? The answer is NO, the cost is the same as it is for a single, or even triplet session. Why? Because the cost in the studio remains the same. The time for the session may be longer but it is pretty close to our average session time. 

An Assistant (not a parent) is Necessary for Twins

I prefer to use an assistant for every session, without one I am limited on the style and posing. Safety is a huge aspect of our work. With twins I need a second set of hands and need to help. Parents are sleep deprived (double!),  Mom is recovering and Dad is caring for Mom, therefore, I have an assistant to make it easier. 

Two people to help rock, cuddle, and keep safe hands inches away. When we do the pictures with one baby, the other is safely in the arms of someone else. We need all sets of hands!

Less Variety but Same Number of Images

Normally with every posed newborn session we aim for 4-6 setups but with twins we are doing double the work. Sometimes we have one (or two babies) who need a little extra love and the workload on our end is doubled. We aim for 3-4 setups max with twins but the upside is the fact Mom’s have two babies and that means often large galleries of images to choose from. There will be doubles of certain setups to account for each twin. This is one major reason how a session with twins is a little different because there are less setups.

We Have Limited Doubles for Props/Wraps

The studio is full of amazing props from all over the world, tiny outfits and cute little headbands. We pride ourselves on the large collection.

A very tiny amount is doubled for twins. Financially it doesn’t make sense to buy doubles every time, when we do not book multiples often enough. There are a few matching wraps, a couple matching headbands and bonnets. We often aim for similar but different colours. Some parents want everything matching, some nothing matching and some want a mixture.

We Hurt after a Session with Twins

My regular assistant and I LOVE doing twins because they are amazing and fill us with awe. What we don’t love is how our bodies ache after a long session with twice the burping, double the swaying, the back ache from being bent over the entire session with zero down time. It is worth the pain every time. We feel how a session with twins is a little different compared to a singleton after each session.

There is something amazing when it comes to twins and this is how a session with twins is a little different compared to a singleton session.

The Cost is Not Different (despite the work being double)

The number one question from expecting twin parents is if the cost is double? The answer is NO, the cost is the same as it is for a single, or even triplet session. Why? Because the cost in the studio remains the same. The time for the session may be longer but it is pretty close to our average session time. 

An Assistant (not a parent) is Necessary for Twins

I prefer to use an assistant for every session, without one I am limited on the style and posing. Safety is a huge aspect of our work. With twins I need a second set of hands and need to help. Parents are sleep deprived (double!),  Mom is recovering and Dad is caring for Mom, therefore, I have an assistant to make it easier. 

Two people to help rock, cuddle, and keep safe hands inches away. When we do the pictures with one baby, the other is safely in the arms of someone else. We need all sets of hands!

Less Variety but Same Number of Images

Normally with every posed newborn session we aim for 4-6 setups but with twins we are doing double the work. Sometimes we have one (or two babies) who need a little extra love and the workload on our end is doubled. We aim for 3-4 setups max with twins but the upside is the fact Mom’s have two babies and that means often large galleries of images to choose from. There will be doubles of certain setups to account for each twin. This is one major reason how a session with twins is a little different because there are less setups.

We Have Limited Doubles for Props/Wraps

The studio is full of amazing props from all over the world, tiny outfits and cute little headbands. We pride ourselves on the large collection.

A very tiny amount is doubled for twins. Financially it doesn’t make sense to buy doubles every time, when we do not book multiples often enough. There are a few matching wraps, a couple matching headbands and bonnets. We often aim for similar but different colours. Some parents want everything matching, some nothing matching and some want a mixture.

We Hurt after a Session with Twins

My regular assistant and I LOVE doing twins because they are amazing and fill us with awe. What we don’t love is how our bodies ache after a long session with twice the burping, double the swaying, the back ache from being bent over the entire session with zero down time. It is worth the pain every time. We feel how a session with twins is a little different compared to a singleton after each session.