The Best Age for Every Baby Photo Session
- Danielle D'Ambrosio
- Sep 17
- 2 min read
If you’re wondering when to schedule your baby’s portraits, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions I get from families is:
“What’s the best age for photos?”
From tiny newborn curls to first birthday grins, every stage brings its own kind of magic. But depending on what you want to remember, some moments are better suited for portraits than others.
Here’s a helpful guide to the best age for each session I offer—and how to know when it’s time to book.
Best for: Sleepy, curled-up portraits and timeless family images
The sweet spot for newborn photos is usually within the first two weeks after birth. Babies are sleepiest during this window, and their natural curled-up poses are still easy to capture. This is also when I’m able to gently guide them into those soft, cozy poses you see in my portfolio.
Booking your newborn session during pregnancy guarantees availability. I recommend reaching out around your second trimester, and I’ll reserve time near your due date with flexibility built in.
Best for: Personality-packed portraits when your baby is starting to sit on their own
Sitter sessions are ideal once your baby can sit confidently without toppling over, usually around 6 to 8 months. This stage is full of curiosity, big grins, and delightful expressions.
I style these sessions to match your baby’s age and temperament: cozy knits, soft textures, and guided play that lets their personality shine. It’s also a great time to capture the in-between stage that often gets overlooked.
Best for: Celebrating a big milestone with a themed session, cake, and tub time
Most parents schedule first birthday sessions for 11 to 13 months of age, either just before or just after the party. This allows time for custom set design and makes sure your gallery is ready to share or print.
Every cake smash I do is completely customized; in fact, they've even been published in internationally viewed magazines! From the set and outfit to the cake itself, it's all custom with you and your little one in mind! We start with classic portraits, then move into the cake portion, and finish with a splash in the tub to clean up (and catch a few more smiles).
Other Milestones to Consider
While the three sessions above are most popular, you can also capture:
Tummy time (3–4 months): Great for wide-eyed expressions and early interactions
Crawling (9–10 months): A fun in-between milestone before walking
Family updates: Anytime you want to pause and celebrate your growing bond. I recommend scheduling around holidays that are important to you (ex. Christmas or Holi)
Final Thoughts
The truth is, there’s no wrong time to take photos of your baby. But if you’re hoping to preserve those fleeting chapters in a way that feels timeless, planning ahead can make all the difference.
✨ Not sure which session is right for your baby? I’m happy to help you choose.
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