When is the perfect time to book a newborn shoot? — Rebecca Thompson Photography - Newbury, Berkshire based newborn, baby and family photographer.

Read on if you would like to know the best times to book that amazing newborn shoot.

Is it week one, week three, or when they’re a bit older?! Let me take the confusion out for you! I have been doing newborn shoots in Berkshire and beyond for five years, and I’ve got a few tips for you….

Newborn baby being held by Mummy in London. Rebecca Thompson photography

I would like to reframe this question and think about what memories and moments you want to capture during the newborn year. Yes, I hear you, babies change so much over that first year, how can you pick just one time! If you are interested in multiple shoots covering that first year, I am all ears - and have done this for clients before. Book a call here and we can chat through the details. Click here to see more examples of my newborn photography.

Newborn baby yawns in Mums arms during a newborn photoshoot in Surrey. Rebecca Thompson photography — Remember…..

Enjoy the little things. For one day you might look back and realise they were the big things.”

So, here is my breakdown of the little moments, month by month to help you decide when you would like to book a newborn shoot.

Weeks 1 -3

Newborn baby sleeps in Dads arms during a newborn photoshoot in London. Rebecca Thompson photography

This is when your little bundle of joy is teeny tiny, and very sleepy. Mum and Dad are getting used to the newest member to the family, and I love these pictures to show that. There is baby paraphernalia everywhere, a sleepy haze across the house and the start of the most incredible story unfolding. Your little baby can’t do anything yet, so a lot of the images will be taken in Mum and Dads arms or in their cot. Remember I like to capture your life just how it is, and how you want to remember it. These first few week’s FLY past, and you’ll never have those moments again. I love the mess and chaos that a newborn brings, and looking back, it’s those small details you’ll want to remember too. The nappy changes, the feeding, the tiny little finger holding yours - they’re all part of this little person’s life.

Click here to see more examples of my work

Weeks 6 plus

Baby looks at Mum during a family photoshoot in London. Rebecca Thompson photography

At this point, we may be seeing a little smile and more awareness of the world. Your little baby can see a bit more, and so these pictures have more of the baby’s personality in them. They’re still very small but there will be more pictures with their eyes open and engaging with Mum and Dad. At this age and onwards, your baby will become more engaged in its surroundings, and be able to hold onto objects, smile at you and make all those amazing first noises.

6 months plus

Although I’m not sure this falls into a newborn category anymore, this is when your baby is finding their feet in the world. They may be sitting up, they’ll be laughing, and you may be starting to wean them. There is lots of fun things going on at this time, and certainly things you won’t want to forget.

There is no ‘right time’ to book in a professional for a newborn shoot – each moment is equally special. Just think about what you want to remember (as it will become a blur!) and how you may be feeling at the time.

Becoming a parent is extraordinary, so why not book a photographer in while you’re pregnant so you can forget all about it and concentrate on the miraculous new life. Let someone else worry about your memories for you.

I’ve covered the different times to book a newborn shoot, but what about finding your perfect photographer!? Click here to see if I am the one for you. (hint…I am!)

I love chatting all things newborn - book in a call with me here and we can work out what works best for you. I am based in Berkshire, but I have done newborn shoots in Hampshire, Oxfordshire, London and beyond!

Want to see more examples of my photography?! Click here.