Baby Wrenlee’s newborn session was extra special because this wasn’t this family’s first time in my studio. I photographed her big brother Jaxon as a newborn, and this time he came back in a whole new role. We recreated a few favorites from his original session, incorporated meaningful family pieces, played with the pinks and purples Mom loved, and created some seriously sweet sibling portraits along the way.

I thought photographing my own newborn would be easy. After all, I was already a professional photographer. Three days, twelve hours, and one very humbling experience later, I realized newborn photography is an entirely different craft. If you're trying to decide between DIY newborn photos and hiring a professional, here's my honest answer... and it might surprise you.

Choosing colors is only the beginning. Discover why I ask every family about their traditions, hobbies, careers, heirlooms, and favorite memories before their newborn session—and how those conversations create photographs that tell your family's unique story.

Most parents think they need to wait until baby arrives before contacting a newborn photographer—but that's actually the opposite of what I recommend. Learn why booking during your second trimester gives us time to personalize your experience, plan meaningful details, and create beautiful newborn portraits you'll treasure forever.

Can you book newborn photos before your baby arrives? Absolutely. Learn why most families reserve their newborn photographer during pregnancy and how early booking creates a more personalized, stress-free experience.

When should you book a newborn photographer? Most professional newborn sessions are scheduled during pregnancy so photographers can reserve space around your due date. In this guide, we explain the ideal timing for booking newborn photos, why sessions happen within the first weeks of life, and how planning early helps ensure a calm, baby-led experience.

What do you call a baby photographer? Most often, they’re known as newborn photographers — specialists trained to safely photograph babies in their first weeks of life. In this guide, we explain the difference between baby photographers, lifestyle photographers, and newborn specialists so you can confidently choose the right fit for your growing family.

A warm, earthy newborn photography session in Aurora, Colorado featuring baby Esmeralda. With rich browns, soft grays, and autumn-inspired burnt orange tones, this session highlights calm parents, meaningful details, and beautiful awake moments that made this gallery unforgettable.

Choosing a newborn photographer is about more than beautiful images. Safety, experience with newborns, patience, and a calm, baby-led process matter most. In this guide, a parent and professional newborn photographer shares what truly matters when selecting someone to trust with your baby—so you can book confidently and avoid unnecessary stress.

When should newborn pictures be taken? While the ideal window is within the first 7–21 days, the truth is simpler and more comforting: it’s never too late to capture your baby. This guide breaks down the timing, the flexibility, and what really matters when preserving those tiny, fleeting details.