The best time for baby photography | London baby photographer

As a London baby photographer, families often ask me when the best time is to photograph their baby during the first year. You want to capture every precious moment of your little one, from those hazy newborn days, to their first smiles and their first steps. My short answer to this is: any time is wonderful.

Here are some tips to help you determine the best time for baby photography in London during their first year:

London Newborn Photography Sessions (0-6 Weeks)

The newborn stage is incredibly special, intense and often overwhelming. Traditionally, newborn photos are taken within the first 14 days as your baby will be particularly sleepy and is easier to pose. However, as I specialise in relaxed lifestyle newborn photography rather than posed images, there is no need to for your little one to be photographed quite this early. Take a little time to settle in as a family and we can still capture beautiful newborn photos together within the first six weeks. The wrinkles and folds of the skin are also still present, which adds to the newborn look.

I recommend booking newborn sessions towards the end of your second trimester to ensure I have availability around your due date. I will always allow for some flexibility, and if your little one has already arrived, simply get in touch and we'll schedule something for as soon as possible.

London Baby Photography Sessions (Sitter Stage, 4-8 months)

The sitter stage is when your baby begins to sit up on their own, making it possible to capture them in different positions. This is also when they start to show more personality and share plenty of smiles, making it a great time for baby photography. They may start to crawl, which makes for fun, playful shots, but are not too mobile yet to capture some lovely photos cuddling up to mum and dad. This is a wonderful age to document the lovely moments of connection between you as a family

London Baby Photography Sessions at 1 year old

Your little one's first birthday is such a big milestone and it’s a great time to capture the memories of their first year of life. They are becoming more mobile, making for some adorable shots as they learn to walk and run. They also have even more personality, making it a great time to capture their expressions and individuality.

In conclusion, each stage of a baby's first year has its own unique moments that are perfect for baby photography - they are simply all very different. Whether it's the newborn stage, sitter stage, or the one year old stage, capturing these memories will provide a lifetime of joy and memories. Choose the stage that works best for you and your family. Take a look at my newborn & baby portfolio for more inspiration. I also offer a special package to include a number of photoshoots from maternity all the way up to your little one's first birthday. Get in touch and we can chat more about your plans.

Over the next few weeks, I'll feature blog posts from some other photographers that you might like to check out for further inspiration. Have a look at this maternity photoshoot in Indianapolis by US based photographer Aleah Gregory who shares Pros & Cons of Outdoor Maternity Photos.

I am a London photographer specialising in editorial style maternity, baby & toddler, and family photography, I cover Central and West London, such as Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Wandsworth, Battersea, Clapham, Richmond, Westminster, Mayfair and Notting Hill. Please do still get in touch if you live outside of these areas but would be interested in a family photoshoot together. Not quite ready to book? Follow me on Instagram and let's stay in touch.