Blog · 9 March 2026

When Is the Best Time for a Photo Session — Maternity, Newborn, First Birthday and Christmas

Timing matters a lot here — a few weeks' difference changes the character of the photos. These are the guidelines I follow in the studio.

When Is the Best Time for a Photo Session — Maternity, Newborn, First Birthday and Christmas

When is the best time for a photo session? I hear this question with almost every booking. The answer depends on the type of session, because every stage of a child’s life looks different in photos. That is why I have gathered the best timings in one place, along with tips on when to get in touch.

When is the best time for a maternity session — a pregnant woman among flowers in a Warsaw studio

Maternity session: well into the third trimester

The best moment is when your bump is already clearly rounded but you still feel comfortable moving around. This is usually between weeks 30 and 36 of pregnancy. With a multiple pregnancy, it is worth bringing the session forward by two to three weeks.

It is also worth getting in touch in advance. That way we can book a date calmly and choose the set-ups. You will find the details on the maternity session in Warsaw page.

Newborn session: days 5–14 of life

During this time your little one sleeps a lot and settles easily into natural, curled-up poses. A later session makes sense too. It simply looks different: more open eyes and more shots with the parents.

I book the date based on the estimated due date, while you are still pregnant. I then hold a two-week window for you. You can read more in the post when to have a newborn session.

A sleeping newborn in a pearl headband — a newborn session in the first days of life

Baby session: when your baby sits up unaided

I usually recommend a baby session at around 6–8 months. Your baby is alert then, smiles and responds to the parents, but is not walking yet. That makes it easier to compose the shots. I describe the details in the post baby session — a guide.

First birthday session: between 11 and 13 months

A first birthday is best photographed when the child sits up unaided and starts to crawl. That is when joyful shots with cake and balloons happen. You will find the offer on the birthday session in Warsaw page.

A boho-style first birthday session with the parents — the best time is around the first birthday

Family and children’s sessions: all year round

We do family and children’s sessions in the studio all year round. Seasonal set-ups, however, I match to the time of year: spring flowers, summer pastels, autumn colours or Christmas decorations.

Christmas and gift sessions: book ahead

Christmas and gift sessions are worth booking two months in advance. Dates in November and December run out fastest, because in November I only have three weekends. You will find the offer on the Christmas session in Warsaw page.

Preschool sessions: by season

At preschools I photograph seasonally: autumn (September–October), Christmas (October–November), carnival (January–February), spring (March–May) and the end of the year (May–June). That is why preschool heads most often book the whole school year at once.

When is the best time for a session in your case?

Have a question about a specific date? Write to me via the contact form and I will check available dates. I also share recent shots on Instagram.

Frequently asked questions

Can a newborn session be done later than the second week?

Yes, but it looks different then. With every week your little one is more active and sleeps more lightly, so there are more shots with open eyes and with the parents.

How early should I book a maternity session?

It is best to get in touch a few weeks in advance. Then we can calmly choose a date and the set-ups. If you are also thinking about photos with your partner, take a look at the post maternity session with your partner.

When should I book a Christmas session?

Ideally a date in the first half of November, because then I have time to prepare the albums and concertina photo books before Christmas. You will find the details in the post children’s Christmas session 2026.

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

In which week of pregnancy is a maternity session best?

The best time is weeks 28–36 of pregnancy. The bump is clearly visible and mum still feels comfortable. With a twin pregnancy, it is worth bringing the session forward by two to three weeks.

How many days after the birth is a newborn session done?

Most often between days 5 and 14 of life, when the newborn sleeps a lot and settles easily into natural poses. Later sessions are also possible and have a different, equally beautiful character.

When should I book a newborn session?

While you are still pregnant, usually around week 30. I then reserve a two-week window around the estimated due date.

When is the best time for a first birthday session?

Between 11 and 13 months of age, when the child sits steadily and starts to crawl — this gives the liveliest shots.

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