When Is the Best Age for a Newborn Photoshoot? A Leeds Photographer’s Guide

If you’re expecting a baby and looking into newborn photography in Leeds, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: “When is the best time to book a newborn photoshoot?”

The truth is, timing makes a huge difference - not just to the style of photos you get, but also to how settled your baby feels during the session and how smooth the whole experience is for you as new parents. As a newborn photographer based in Leeds, this is a question I’m asked almost every week.

Here’s a simple guide to choosing the perfect time for your newborn session.

The Ideal Age for a Newborn Photoshoot: 5–14 Days Old

For most families who visit my Leeds newborn photography studio, the ideal age is between 5 and 14 days old. At this stage, babies are typically:

• sleepy and relaxed

• naturally curled into those classic newborn positions

• comfortable being gently wrapped

• feeding and settling often, which helps them drift into deeper sleep

This age range creates those soft, dreamy images many parents imagine when they think of a newborn photoshoot.

Why This Age Works So Well

1. Babies are naturally sleepier

During the first two weeks, babies fall asleep more easily and stay settled longer - perfect for smooth posing and transitions.

2. They still curl into newborn poses

After the two-week mark, babies naturally begin to stretch out, so the classic curled newborn look is easier to capture earlier on.

3. Skin tends to look clearer

By days 7–14, baby skin often settles slightly, which photographs beautifully in studio lighting.

4. You’re home and ready, but still in the “newborn bubble”

Most parents say this window feels like the perfect time to capture those tiny early details before they change.

Can You Still Get Newborn Photos After 14 Days? Yes - absolutely!

If you’re searching for newborn photography in Leeds and your baby is already older than two weeks, don’t panic. Beautiful images are still very achievable - the style just shifts slightly.

2–6 Weeks Old

Expect a mixture of wrapped poses, simpler setups, and a few lovely awake shots.

6–12 Weeks Old

Babies this age often give brilliant eye contact and expressive little looks. You won’t always get the curled newborn poses, but you get gorgeous portraits full of personality.

3–4 Months Old

These sessions fall more into the “early baby” category, with stretches, smiles, and growing character.

What If Your Baby Arrives Early or Spends Time in NICU?

For premature babies, we often work by adjusted age rather than the date on the calendar. In my Leeds studio, I regularly photograph early arrivals at up to 4–6 weeks adjusted age, depending on their size and comfort.

Every session is calm and baby-led, with plenty of time for feeding, cuddles, and settling.

How Early Should You Book a Newborn Photoshoot in Leeds?

To secure a session in that ideal 5–14 day window, the best time to book is during pregnancy — many parents contact me shortly after their 20-week scan.

I reserve your due date in my diary and keep flexible space around it. Babies rarely arrive when they’re “supposed” to, so booking early simply guarantees your slot once your little one arrives.

What If Your Baby Doesn’t Want to Sleep?

This is one of the most common worries parents have. The reality is: every baby settles in their own time, and awake photos can be just as beautiful.

Your session in my Leeds studio will always be completely baby-led - with time for feeding, soothing, and breaks whenever needed. Whether your baby sleeps soundly or prefers to look around at the world, you’ll still end up with a gorgeous, meaningful gallery.

Quick Summary

• Best age: 5–14 days

• Older babies: Beautiful images still possible up to 12 weeks

• Early arrivals: Adjusted age works brilliantly

• When to book: During pregnancy (ideally around your 20-week scan)

• Location matters: A warm, private Leeds studio makes all the difference to comfort and safety

Final Thoughts

Newborn photos capture tiny details that disappear almost overnight. While the first two weeks are the ideal time for those classic curled poses, you can create beautiful images at almost any age.

If you’re looking for a newborn photographer in Leeds and want to secure a session in the best timeframe, I’d love to welcome you to my private studio in Garforth. You can check availability or get in touch HERE.

If you enjoyed this blog, you may also like: How Much Does Newborn Photography Cost in Leeds? and What to Expect at Your Newborn Photography Session