Those first few weeks with a newborn are such a blur. Between the tiny stretches, sleepy cuddles, and getting to know your baby, the days have a way of passing faster than you expect.


One of the questions I hear most often from expecting parents is, *"When should we schedule our newborn photos?"*


The short answer? **The first two weeks are usually ideal, but beautiful newborn photographs are possible beyond that window, too.**


As a newborn photographer based in Salem, New Hampshire, I want to help you choose a time that feels right for your baby and your family.


Why Are Newborn Photos Usually Taken Within the First Two Weeks?


For those classic, sleepy newborn portraits, I generally recommend scheduling your session when your baby is around **7–14 days old**.


During this stage, many babies spend longer periods sleeping and naturally curl into those cozy positions that remind us of their earliest days.


This can make it easier to create the soft, gently posed portraits that many parents love.


Of course, every baby is different. Some need extra time to settle, some prefer being held, and others are wide awake and curious about everything happening around them.


That's completely normal.


My newborn sessions are always baby-led, which means we follow your little one's needs rather than expecting them to follow a schedule.


What If My Baby Is Already Three, Four, or Five Weeks Old?


Please don't worry if you missed the first two weeks.


I also photograph older newborns, including babies around one to two months old.


As babies grow, they often become more alert and enjoy stretching out rather than curling into traditional newborn poses. Your gallery may look a little different, with more open eyes, expressions, and natural moments.


And those photographs can be just as meaningful.


My goal is never to force a particular pose. It's to create beautiful images that reflect your baby at the stage they're in.


When Should You Book Your Newborn Photography Session?


I recommend reaching out while you're still pregnant, ideally during your second or early third trimester.


You don't need to know exactly when your baby will arrive.


At Mavi Photography Studio, I reserve newborn sessions based on your estimated due date. Once your little one is here, we'll choose the actual session date together.


This gives you one less thing to organize during those first busy days at home.


What Happens During a Newborn Session at My Salem, NH Studio?


Newborn sessions are intentionally relaxed and unhurried.


A full newborn session typically lasts around two to three hours, allowing plenty of time for feeding, diaper changes, soothing, and cuddles.


I keep the studio comfortable for your little one and provide the wraps, headbands, props, and carefully styled setups we use during the session.


We'll create a mix of individual baby portraits, along with family and sibling photographs if you'd like to include them.


You don't need to bring an entire bag of outfits or worry about knowing how to pose. I'll guide you through everything.


I love soft, neutral colors and simple styling that keep the focus on your baby and those tiny details you'll want to remember.


Should Parents and Siblings Be Included?


Absolutely!


Some of my favorite photographs are the simplest ones: a baby resting in their parents' arms, a tiny hand wrapped around a finger, or a proud older sibling meeting their new little best friend.


These photographs tell a bigger story.


One day, your child will be able to look back and see just how loved they were from the very beginning.


A Little Reminder for New Parents


There is no such thing as a perfectly predictable newborn session.


Babies need breaks. They get hungry. Sometimes they want nothing more than to be held.


And that's okay.


You don't need to arrive with a perfectly sleepy baby or have everything figured out. We'll take our time and work around what your little one needs.


These early days are already full of enough pressure. Your photography experience shouldn't add to it.


Looking for a Newborn Photographer in Salem, NH?


If you're expecting a baby and considering newborn photography, I'd love to help you preserve these fleeting first days.


Mavi Photography is located in Salem, New Hampshire, welcoming families from surrounding Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts communities.


Whether you're planning ahead during pregnancy or your baby has already arrived, feel free to reach out.


I'd love to create something meaningful for your family.


Merve

Mavi Photography