Tips For Booking Your Baby's First Photoshoot • Newborn Photography in Calgary & Airdrie, Alberta
At Hocus Focus Photography, our primary goal is to not only create stunning images for our clients but to provide a truly memorable experience that leaves a lasting impression. We specialize in a full-service approach that has consistently won the hearts of families, earning us numerous awards for both the quality of our work and the exceptional service we deliver. Every session is designed to be as beautiful and enjoyable as the memories we capture.
It’s not uncommon for couples to overlook scheduling newborn photos, only to realize once their baby arrives just how quickly time flies and how much their little one changes in those early days. Suddenly, they want to capture those precious details and moments professionally—but finding a photographer last minute can be a challenge. What many parents don’t realize is that there’s actually an ideal window for scheduling newborn photos. While I always say it’s better late than never, I’d love to help you avoid any last-minute stress or regret by answering a common question: When is the best time to have your newborn photos taken?
In my experience, the best time to photograph newborns is within the first 10 to 21 days.
During this window, babies are still wonderfully sleepy but are starting to settle into a bit of a routine, making it the perfect time to capture those peaceful, posed moments. It also gives Mom some much-needed time to recover and allows the family to adjust to the rhythm of having a new baby at home.
I’ve come to realize just how important it is for families to settle into a routine before their newborn session. Giving parents those 2-3 weeks after birth to adjust, even if it’s just a small feeding and sleep schedule, can make a big difference in how smoothly the session goes. By then, parents have a better sense of their baby’s needs and patterns. Plus, it gives Mom time to recover, which helps her feel more comfortable and relaxed—something that can positively affect the baby’s mood during the session. I always want moms to feel at ease, not in pain or discomfort, when they visit my studio.
Babies in this age range are typically still quite sleepy, making it ideal for capturing those serene, dreamy images. They’re also wonderfully flexible, allowing for gentle posing in those sweet, curled-up newborn positions.
At the same time, they’re starting to have brief moments of alertness, which means you might even get some beautiful eye contact during the session—creating stunning, unforgettable newborn portraits.
At 10-21 days old, babies still have all those classic newborn features—tiny hands, delicate feet, and soft, wrinkly skin—but these precious details start to change quickly as they grow. This is the perfect window to capture those fleeting moments before they evolve.
Because this timeframe is so brief, it’s important to book your newborn session in advance. Ideally, parents should schedule their session during the second or third trimester to ensure availability with their preferred photographer during this prime stage.
It’s definitely one of those things you’ll be glad to check off your list early, so you won’t have to worry about regret down the road. Trust me, I’m not someone who usually dwells on regrets, but if there’s one thing I wish I could go back and do differently, it’s having newborn photos taken of my own babies. There’s something incredibly special about that brief time when they’re the tiniest they’ll ever be—with their delicate little features and fitting perfectly into those adorable props they quickly outgrow. It’s a moment you’ll never get back, and it’s worth capturing while you can.
And if welcoming a baby isn’t reason enough to treat yourself to something you’ll never regret, why not make it a special occasion? Consider using Christmas, a birthday, or even adding it to your baby shower gift list!
I offer gift certificate options that are easy to add to a registry, making it simple for friends and family to contribute towards a newborn photoshoot. In my (perhaps slightly biased) opinion, it’s one of the most thoughtful and meaningful gifts anyone can give. While diapers, clothes, strollers, and car seats are all quickly outgrown, newborn photography is a keepsake that becomes even more precious as the years go by.
While the first few weeks of a newborn’s life can feel like a whirlwind, it’s also the perfect time to capture those fleeting moments that you’ll cherish forever. Scheduling your newborn session between 10-21 days old ensures that you get those dreamy, peaceful photos of your baby in their tiniest, most delicate state. Don’t wait until it’s too late—book early to avoid the stress of last-minute planning, and remember that it’s not just about the photos, but about creating memories that last a lifetime.
And if you’re looking for a special gift idea, why not let your friends and family contribute towards a newborn photo session? With gift certificates that can be added to registries, you can make sure that your baby's first professional portraits are something you’ll treasure forever.
No matter how you choose to do it, taking the time to preserve these moments will be a decision you’ll never regret. Let’s capture the magic of this special time, before it slips away.
To the stunning family featured in this blog, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for trusting me with such a special part of your journey. It’s truly an honour to have the opportunity to handle and photograph your precious babies, preserving those tiny details and meaningful moments that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your experience, and for trusting me to create keepsakes that will hold a special place in your hearts for years to come. It’s a privilege to welcome your family into my studio and to be part of the memories you’ll cherish forever.
Your trust and confidence mean the world to me, and I’m beyond grateful for the chance to document these beautiful, fleeting moments that make your newborn’s first days so unforgettable. Thank you for making this work so rewarding and for allowing me to capture the magic of your growing family.
Newborn Sessions with Hocus Focus Photography
If you're ready to capture the fleeting beauty of your newborn's first days, let's connect and start planning your session today. Whether you’re expecting or looking for the perfect gift for new parents, I’m here to help make those precious moments last a lifetime. Reach out now to secure your spot, and let’s create something truly special together. I can’t wait to work with you and your little one!