How Long Does a Newborn Photoshoot Take?
How long does a newborn photoshoot take? It’s one of the questions parents often ask when planning their baby’s first photography session.
The simple answer is that a full newborn session will usually take around 2.5–3 hours.
But that doesn’t mean your session will definitely last three hours.
Sometimes we finish much sooner. Occasionally we need a little longer.
There really isn’t one strict rule, because there isn’t one type of newborn baby.
How Long Does a Newborn Photoshoot Take on Average?
For a full newborn photography session, I generally recommend allowing approximately 2.5–3 hours.
This gives us enough time to photograph your baby without rushing through feeding, settling or cuddles simply because we’re watching the clock.
However, 2.5–3 hours is a guide rather than a deadline.
I’ve had wonderfully sleepy babies who have moved through their photographs so easily that we’ve finished in around an hour.
I’ve also photographed babies who needed considerably more time and reassurance.
Both are completely normal.
You can explore my options for newborn photography in London to see the different sessions and packages available.
Your Package Can Affect the Length of Your Session
The amount of time we need naturally depends partly on the session you have booked.
A larger package with more final photographs usually requires more variety.
We may create several different setups, use different props or outfits and photograph your baby in a variety of positions.
A smaller session with fewer final photographs doesn’t necessarily require the same amount of shooting time.
This is why I don’t give every family exactly the same session duration.
The number and type of photographs we’re trying to create matter.
Family and Sibling Photographs Take Additional Time
Another factor is who will be photographed.
A session focusing only on your newborn can be very different from one that also includes parents and older brothers or sisters.
Family photographs need their own preparation and positioning.
And when siblings are involved, particularly younger children, I don’t want to rush them either.
Sometimes they’re ready immediately.
Sometimes they need a few minutes to become comfortable in the studio.
If you’re bringing an older brother or sister, you can also read more about how I approach newborn photos with siblings.
Some Babies Simply Need More Time
This is probably the biggest reason I don’t work to a strict newborn session timer.
Babies are individuals.
Some newborns arrive, feed, have a short cuddle with Mum or Dad and are asleep within five minutes.
Others need much longer.
Your baby might need another feed even though they fed shortly before arriving.
They might want to be held.
They may need changing.
Or they may simply need extra time close to their parent before they’re ready for me to continue.
None of those things are a problem.
They are part of working with a newborn.
Feeding and Cuddles Are Not Wasted Session Time
Parents sometimes worry when their baby needs another feed or won’t immediately settle.
Please don’t.
I don’t see feeding, changing or cuddling your baby as interruptions that are taking time away from your photographs.
They’re part of your baby’s needs on that particular day.
If your baby needs twenty minutes in your arms before they’re comfortable enough for us to continue, then that’s what we do.
If they need feeding, we stop for a feed.
There is no benefit in trying to rush a newborn who is telling us they need something.
That’s why my approach to baby led photography allows the session to move at your baby’s pace rather than expecting your baby to fit around a rigid photography schedule.
Sometimes We Finish in an Hour
And then there are the babies who sleep.
And sleep.
And sleep.
Occasionally a newborn is so settled that we’re able to move through the planned photographs surprisingly quickly.
If we’ve created everything we need and your baby has been comfortable throughout, there is absolutely no reason for me to keep you in the studio simply because your session was expected to take longer.
A three-hour session isn’t automatically better than a one-hour session.
The goal is the photographs — not reaching a certain number of minutes.
A Longer Session Doesn't Mean Your Baby Was “Difficult”
This is something I particularly want parents to know.
If your session takes longer, it doesn’t mean your baby has been naughty, difficult or somehow failed at their photoshoot.
Newborn babies don’t perform for photographs.
One baby may sleep deeply while being moved and another may wake every time their position changes.
One may settle instantly after feeding while another needs a long cuddle.
Temperament, hunger, growth spurts and simply how your baby feels that day can all influence the session.
We work with the baby who arrives at the studio.
Why I Don't Rush Newborn Photography
My newborn sessions are baby-led.
That means I would rather spend additional time settling your baby than push ahead simply because a clock says we should.
Your baby’s comfort and safety are more important than completing a particular pose.
Trusted safer-sleep information for new parents is also available from The Lullaby Trust. Use the official safer-sleep guidance page and leave it as a normal followed link.
So, How Much Time Should You Allow?
If you’re booking a full newborn session, plan your day around approximately 2.5–3 hours in the studio.
But don’t arrange something immediately afterwards if you can avoid it.
Your session might take an hour.
It might take two and a half.
It might take three.
And occasionally your baby may tell us that we need a little more time.
How long does a newborn photoshoot take? Ultimately, as long as we reasonably need to create your photographs while keeping your baby comfortable.
There is no prize for finishing quickly.
And there is no problem with needing longer.
Your newborn sets the pace.
If you’re planning your newborn session and have questions about timing, packages or what to expect on the day, get in touch and I’ll be happy to help.