A Guide from a Nashville Newborn Photographer
If you’re expecting, one of the first questions you may have is: When is the best time for newborn photos?
As a newborn photographer in Nashville, I hear this all the time, and the honest answer is: there isn’t just one “right” window. Instead, there are two beautiful options, each offering their own unique benefits, especially if you’re choosing a newborn photographer with more natural, family led posing (that’s me!)
Whether you choose an early session (within the first 1–3 weeks) or a later newborn session (around 3–6 weeks), your baby’s story will be told in a timeless way – you just need to decide which season feels right for your family.
Early Newborn Sessions (First 1–3 Weeks)
Why families love it:
- Baby is sleepier and naturally more curled up
- Partners often still have flexible leave, making scheduling easier
- Images feel like a soft extension of birth – tiny, fresh, and new
What to consider:
- You may still be healing, swollen, or feeling extra tired
- Your daily routine may not feel manageable just yet
- Feeding may still be in the early stages of establishing
Early sessions are perfect if you dream of those curled-up, peaceful images that showcase just how small your baby is in those first fleeting days. It’s also a wonderful choice if your partner wants to be more available for the session without juggling a full return to work.
Later Newborn Sessions (3–6 Weeks)
Why families love it:
- Babies may be more alert with emerging expressions
- You may feel more healed and more like yourself again with a rhythm in place
- Feeding often feels easier and more established
What to consider:
- Babies may not sleep as much, so you’ll get fewer (or no) curled-up & sleepy images
- Partners may already be back at work, meaning time off is needed for scheduling
- Baby acne may appear, and your little one will already look slightly bigger and older/different from those earliest days
Later sessions are ideal if you prefer images that show your baby’s wide-eyed personality or if you want to give yourself time to settle into life at home. Many families love this stage because it blends newborn innocence with the very first glimpses of their baby’s personality.
So, Which Is Best?
The truth is – there’s no “wrong” choice. Both early and later newborn sessions create meaningful, elevated portraits that you’ll treasure forever. It simply depends on what feels right for you:
- If you love the idea of tiny, curled-up details, lean toward an early session.
- If you’d like more time to recover and settle into your new routine and don’t care about those sleepy images, a later session may be the better fit.
No matter which timing you choose, my job as your newborn photographer in Nashville is to create an intentional and luxurious experience that allows you to be fully present – so that when you see your portraits years from now, you’ll feel those moments all over again.
Hi! I’m so thankful you are checking out my work here at my website and blog. A little more about my studio… I have a full, size inclusive, studio wardrobe, with of over 200 dresses and robes for moms (size 0 – 26) from my favorite places like some of the clothing above along with hundreds of choices for babies, children, and shirts for men. Hair and makeup is also available before your session to make your session as simple and stress free as possible. All you need to do is arrive and snuggle your family.
Looking for the best Nashville newborn photographer? Jenny Cruger is for moms looking for an elevated experience for their families; est. 2010.
If you love these photos, and you are looking for a Nashville newborn photographer I would love to begin planning your session. With 15 years of specializing in my favorite ages of tiny humans, maternity, newborn, and young families and I would love to photograph your family’s session. To see more of my maternity & newborn portfolio please click over here and get in touch if this is something you would love for your baby.
Wondering what full sessions look like? I would be happy to show you what an entire gallery looks like while this blog space receives new posts, including older sessions mixed among new session sneak peeks. I feel strongly that potential clients are able to see many full galleries of real sessions so you know exactly what to expect from your portraits as well! If you are interested in a custom portrait session with Jenny Cruger Photography and would like more information, please click here to learn more about me and this experience.
I’m currently reserving newborn sessions into early 2026. If you would like to reserve your Nashville area newborn photos, in my downtown Franklin studio or your home, on my calendar I would love for you to contact me today.
