Your lifestyle newborn photography session will last approximately 4 hours. Much of this time goes toward hair and makeup pampering, finalizing wardrobe selections, and soothing baby. This is a relaxed-paced, baby-led session that takes place most mornings.
You may be freshly postpartum and just remembered you have newborn photos scheduled in a few days, when you realize you didn’t even consider ‘how long does a newborn photography session last?’ This is a great question. Because the length of your session can vary, but I recommend setting aside 4 hours across late morning/early afternoon. My lifestyle newborn sessions are slow-paced and baby-led..meaning we take our time. Most of the time spent is snuggling your baby with your family. Here’s what you can expect, how we spend our time together and let moments unfold naturally.
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What is the average length of a newborn session?
Typically, a newborn photography session lasts between 2 and 4 hours. Expect closer to 4 hours for professional hair and makeup for mom, finalizing wardrobe selections, and photos with siblings. My lifestyle newborn sessions are baby-led and mother-centered. We spend a morning together that’s slow and unhurried. The length of the session does not change the pricing. Our goal is to have intentional imagery that cannot be rushed. We take our time, giving space for feedings, changings, and just adjusting to the new rhythm of your life. In the end, we create beautiful images that become timeless and feel like your family.
Why does a newborn session take longer than other sessions?
Newborns have their own rhythm. Between feedings, diaper changes, and settling baby, we allow plenty of time for everything. Approximately 60-90 minutes are spent actually photographing you and your family. Add in older siblings, especially toddlers, grandparents, and pets, then the time can take a bit longer than most sessions. We don’t want to rush the session for the sake of getting a photo, as the discomfort translates on camera. A settled baby is always best, despite the urge to want to quickly snap a photo.
One of the biggest myths parents have is that a fussy baby at the beginning of the session means the entire gallery will be ruined. However, that’s simply not true. Over the years, I’ve found that feeding baby about 30 minutes prior to the start of the photo session helps them feel relaxed for the rest of the session.
It’s common for parents to worry that their baby isn’t cooperating for the session. I always remind them, we’re in no rush, and these are the moments that create true, genuine photographs.
Here is how a newborn session usually unfolds
Arrival and settling in
The morning will start with professional hair and makeup for mom, which lasts 1.5-2 hours. Sometimes a break is needed if mom is breastfeeding. During this time, I have your partner give me a tour of the places we’ll be photographing. I’ll open windows or move any extra clutter out of the way(don’t worry, I put everything back in place).
Baby-only photos
This portion of the session typically takes place when baby is in their deepest sleep or just coming out of it. We usually have about 15-30 minutes where baby is uninterrupted and in a dreamy state.
Family and sibling photos
Including extended family, like grandparents, older siblings, and pets, is where sessions can take extra time. Passing baby among family members can lead to baby waking or becoming fussy. Siblings, while darling, can also cause baby to become unsettled, even though they mean well. Most parents would guess that there is a strict timeline; however, I follow the lead of how both baby is responding and older siblings are cooperating. This means family photos can fall in the beginning or middle of the session.
Wrapping up
By the end of your session, we have a gorgeous gallery of truly meaningful moments shared with your family. Sometimes the chaos of a session can create uncertainty, but I always promise parents there are plenty of beautiful moments captured and that it’s completely normal to go through ebbs and flows during the session.
Within one week, we’ll meet again either in-person or via Zoom to review the proofing gallery. Final retouched images will be delivered to a private online gallery within two weeks from the ordering appointment.
Parents are always surprised that I was able to document such sweet and tender moments when, at times, it felt like nothing was going right.
What makes one newborn session run longer than another?
Having toddler siblings, including grandparents, or an older baby can all add to the session lasting longer.
- Your baby’s age: I recommend your lifestyle newborn photography session take place 7-21 days after birth, as this is when baby is most sleepy. Babies older than three weeks have longer awake windows and are more alert. Learn more about the best time for newborn photography.
- Studio or at home: Studio newborn sessions tend to take longer than at home because everyone needs extra time getting settled in. Your baby has been mostly accustomed to your home vs. a studio they aren’t familiar with.
The ‘ideal newborn window’ is more flexible than the internet says, and with lifestyle sessions we can photograph up to three months. However, with lifestyle newborn photography and the relaxed pace it lends, your newborn session could take place when baby is up to three months of age.
Can a newborn session ever run over the time booked?
No. I leave reasonable room in my schedule to accommodate a newborn session. I never schedule another photo session right after a newborn session. Some babies may require extra attention, and therefore the photo session may last closer to three hours. If your baby is extra fussy, we spend more time having baby held in your or your partner’s arms, which always seems to do the trick. It’s very rare to need to reschedule a newborn session.
I once had a baby whose tummy was upset the entire session. She pooped four times within an hour! I reassured her parents the entire time that it was completely okay. Diaper changes and unexpected spit-up commonly happen. As it turns out, this sweet girl had a milk allergy that the parents didn’t discover until her next pediatrician visit. Everything made much more sense.
Small things that help your in-home newborn session run on time
I provide a session prep guide to every family to help your newborn photoshoot feel seamless. It’s full of advice on having outfits picked out before the day of the session, how to prepare baby & siblings, and things to keep in mind to make the session run smoothly. Sometimes an extra hand is necessary for keeping siblings or pets entertained.
I always recommend parents feed baby 30 minutes before we start photographing so that after burping, changing, and swaddling, your baby will be nice and relaxed during photos. This also means trying to keep baby awake and slightly stimulated, which I know can be hard! Many parents mean well in thinking baby napping before the session is a good idea; however, the awake window is when we are photographing and often when baby is most unsettled.
Plan a slow morning for your lifestyle newborn photography session
I know hearing 4 hours may sound like a lot at first for how long a newborn photoshoot can last. But when you consider all of the little moments in between, it goes quicker than you think. Remember, we take our time, being patient with baby’s pace and not rushed. The slowness of the session is what we are after to create nostalgic, genuine moments made in the comfort of your home. In the Phoenix area, we’re lucky to have gorgeous natural light through the majority of the day on any given day, so if you’d prefer a late morning/early afternoon instead, that would work too.
Personal Reflection
I believe one of my superpowers in photographing newborns and toddlers comes from being a single mother and the great amount of patience it required for both myself and my daughter. I raised my daughter with a Montessori approach, and I know that reflects on the families I serve, allowing me to be open to changing plans and going with the flow. I would rather we take breaks and let a session run longer to have intentional photographs, rather than rush a family through to check the box on the shot list.
So if you’re currently up at 2 A.M. feeding your newborn the night before your session, do not worry. I’ll come with coffee in hand, and we will move at your pace.
Still have questions about what the day will look like for your in-home newborn session? Drop it in the comments below.
If you’re still in the research phase for a Phoenix newborn photographer, please fill out my contact form. I recommend reserving your due date within your 2nd trimester to ensure availability. I take a limited number of newborn sessions each month to fully give each family quality service.
Frequently asked questions
What time of day do you schedule newborn sessions?
Newborn sessions take place between 8 AM and 1 PM. This timeframe can shift depending on how the natural light flows throughout your home and the areas you wish to be photographed.
Do both parents need to stay for the whole session?
Not necessarily. Sometimes a partner will come a little later or leave early if they are currently working. However, I find it best for the whole family to stay during the entire photoshoot for extra comfort.
Can grandparents join the newborn session?
Yes! I encourage grandparents to join your newborn session if it aligns with the timing and your wishes. It’s always a sweet memory to have for visiting grandparents.
Can our dog be in the newborn photos?
Yes! I love including your furry friends who were often your “first baby.” I have a guide on how we safely include your pets during a lifestyle newborn session.
Is a shorter mini newborn session an option?
No. At Jasmyn Sambac Photography, we value a slow, unhurried pace to ensure the comfort of your newborn baby.
Jasmyn Coleman is an award-winning Phoenix Portrait Photographer specializing in maternity, lifestyle newborn, baby milestones, family, and boudoir photography. My passion is to help women feel beautiful, be fully present, and transform life’s most cherished moments into timeless heirloom art.
