Philadelphia Newborn Photographer shares the top 5 lies you’ve been told about newborn photography and why it doesn’t have to be this hard!
Hear me out- the rise of social media has placed unnecessary pressure on new moms and you’ve been told a lot of lies about newborn photography. If you’ve been scrolling Pinterest or Instagram preparing for your baby’s arrival, you’ve likely absorbed a very specific version of what newborn photography is “supposed” to look like. Perfectly posed babies. Cream-colored wraps. Flowy dresses and an all-white house. A mother who somehow looks fully rested and pre-pregnancy weight five days postpartum.
And if you’re being honest, it can feel… a little intimidating as a soon-to-be mom. The truth is, much of what you’ve been told about newborn photography isn’t wrong- but it is incomplete. And for many families, it leads to unnecessary pressure during a time that is already feeling really overwhelming!
Let’s clear a few things up. As a mom of three, and a Philadelphia area newborn photographer for almost two decades, I am here to tell you it doesn’t have to be stressful or Pinterest-perfect.
Lie #1 You’ve Been Told About Newborn Photography: You Need to Schedule Your Session Within the First 7 Days
You’ve probably heard that newborn photos have to happen within the first week or two—otherwise you’ve “missed it.” That puts a lot of stress on a new mom right after childbirth!
This notion comes from traditional posed studio photography, where babies are carefully positioned while they’re still very sleepy. That period does typically wane after the first week or two after birth, but it doesn’t mean you can’t get beautiful newborn pictures after you’ve had a few weeks or more to recover. Photographing in the first week of life is only one approach that aligns more with traditional posed newborn photography.
In a more natural, in-home session, your baby doesn’t need to sleep perfectly or fit into a pose. In fact, some of the most meaningful images happen when your baby is stretching, blinking, or nestled into you exactly as they are.
I photograph many new babies at 2–8 weeks old, giving families a chance to settle in and actually enjoy the experience.
What matters instead:
Choosing a time when you feel physically and emotionally ready—not rushed. Book your due date early, then schedule for when feels manageble for you.
When should I book my Philadelphia newborn session?
While it’s not necessary to schedule the actual session date in the first week after birth, I recommend booking your newborn session at the beginning of your second trimester. I accept a certain number of due dates per month, and once those are full I have to turn away families who want to last-minute get scheduled. So to be sure I have room on the calendar for you, it’s best to reserve your newborn session slot while you are still pregnant, especially if you are due during the summer and fall months when I am busiest. If you wait to book until after baby is born, the days are going to blur into one- promise you that. The weeks fly by and before you know it they are around 12 weeks old and you are going back to work and feeling guilty about not taking newborn pictures. When you book your due date before they are born it takes the pressure off you when you are totally exhausted- it’s one less decision to make post-partum.
When clients book with me, I put their due date on the calendar as a placeholder, and then once baby is born families reach out to set the actual session date for when it feels most comfortable. Some families do want those super early days captured when babies are squishy and sleepiest, but other moms choose to give themselves more recovery time- and both approaches are perfectly OK!
Lie #2 You’ve Been Told About Newborn Photography: You Need to Wear a Flowy Dress or Match Perfectly
Somewhere along the way, newborn photography became synonymous with long, neutral dresses and perfectly coordinated outfits.
If that’s your style, that’s absolutely fine! I enjoy neutrals and dresses for women a lot. But it’s not a requirement- and it’s not always what makes a photo feel like you.
The most compelling images come from clothing that feels natural and lived-in. That might mean denim, a favorite sweater, or even something with color and personality.
What matters instead:
Wearing something that feels like yourself—so your photos reflect your real life, not a styled version of it. I love when clients choose clothes they would actually wear around the house. Maybe a little nicer than leggings and a tank top, but you can even style your Philadelphia newborn session all wearing cute loungewear like this Philly family did!
Lie #3 You’ve Been Told About Newborn Photography: Your Home Needs to Be “Picture-Perfect”
This is one of the biggest concerns parents have, and one of the biggest misconceptions. Your home does not need to look like a magazine- I promise! Some of my clients are in-between homes, renting a small Philly apartment before moving into their forever homes. Some clients are even living with their parents for a short while in between home purchases. I promise you I can make beautiful images in most any space.
I’m always looking for pockets of light first, not perfection. A window, a bed, a small corner of your living room- that’s often all we need. Everyone has normal clutter- we are all living in our homes, not maintaining museums. There will be burp clothes, diapers, wipes, and pump supplies laying around- you just had a baby! There will be books on side tables, remotes, and chargers laying around. This is your home that you actually live in, and some level of clutter is total normal and expected.
Real homes tell real stories. And years from now, those details matter far more than whether everything was perfectly styled. Your kids will love to look back on the home they were born into, what the furniture and decor looked like then. Isn’t that the most fun part about loking back at old childhood pictures? The ones that make you stop are the ones filled with details that give you clues about the past.
What matters instead:
A space that feels like your life right now- not a version of it staged for photos.
Lie #4 You’ve Been Told About Newborn Photography: Your Baby Needs to Be Calm the Entire Time
Babies cry. They stretch, need to be fed and want to be held. ALL. THE. TIME.
None of that is a problem, it is what I come prepared for as Philadelphia newborn photographer. I don’t expect that we be taking pictures every moment of our session! My relaxed newborn sessions allow space for feeding, soothing, and simply responding to your baby’s needs. There’s no expectation of constant calm or perfection.
And often, those in-between moments of rocking, comforting, adjusting are where the most meaningful images happen. With my many years of experience working with babies, I am also there to help read their cues and soothe for an amazing and stress-free experience.
What matters instead:
Don’t stress, stay calm, and trust that no amount of crying or fussing will bother me! Focus on meeting baby’s needs first, and pictures second.
Lie #5 You’ve Been Told About Newborn Photography: The Goal Is to Get “Perfect” Photos
Perfect photos tend to feel distant over time- they lack that story telling value that actually means something looking back.
What lasts are the images that bring you back—the way your baby fit into your arms, the way your family felt in those early days, the connection you didn’t even realize was happening because you felt really overstimulated in those early weeks.
That’s the difference between photos that simply look good and photos that mean something over time.
What matters instead:
Connection over perfection. Always.
A Different Approach to Newborn Photography in Philadelphia
If you’ve been holding off on booking newborn photos because it all feels like too much—the timing, the outfits, the pressure to “get it right”, you’re not alone.
There is another way to approach newborn photography! One that is slower, more flexible, and shaped by how your family actually lives and connects.
If this approach to Philadelphia newborn photography resonates with you, you can learn more about my Philadelphia Newborn Photographer work, or explore other helpful blogs about newborn photography:
Why Choose An In-Home Newborn Session with Paoli Newborn Photographer AnneMarie Hamant
Choosing the Newborn Photography in Philadelphia Thats Right For You
Tips to Prepare for Your Philadelphia In-Home Newborn Photography Session
Ready When You Are
There is no perfect timeline. No perfect outfit. No perfect baby behavior required.
Just your family, as you are, in a season that moves faster than you expect.
And photos that will bring you back to it—exactly as it felt.
This Philly family had baby portraits taken at nine months in the beautiful rowhome before they moved. They wanted to capture his adorable nursery design in their first home together! Baby photos don’t have to be done in the first few weeks.
Philadelphia Newborn Photography FAQ
When should newborn photos be taken?
Newborn photos can be taken anytime within the first 2–8 weeks after birth. While posed studio sessions often happen in the first 7–10 days, in-home lifestyle sessions are more flexible and focus on connection rather than timing.
Do newborn photos have to be done in the first week?
No. Newborn photos do not have to be done in the first week. Many families prefer booking before their due date and scheduling the actual session for a few weeks after birth when they feel more settled and comfortable.
What should I wear for newborn photos at home?
Wear clothing that feels natural and comfortable. This can include jeans, soft knits, or simple, everyday outfits. You do not need to wear a flowy dress or match perfectly—your photos should reflect your real style. You can if you want to and that reflects your personal style!
What if my baby cries during the session?
That’s completely normal. Newborn sessions are designed to allow time for feeding, soothing, and breaks. Some of the most meaningful images happen during these in-between moments.
Do I need to clean my house before a newborn session?
No. Your home does not need to be perfectly clean. Photographers typically use natural light and simple areas of your home, focusing on connection rather than perfection.
What is lifestyle newborn photography?
Lifestyle newborn photography captures your family naturally at home without heavy posing or props. The focus is on real interactions, connection, and the feeling of those early days. You can learn more about my approach to in-home newborn photography
Are newborn photos worth it?
For many families, yes. Newborn photos preserve a short and meaningful season of life- capturing not just how your baby looked, but how it felt to hold them in those early days.
