If you’re planning newborn photography in Toronto or the GTA, one of the most common questions parents ask is: How long does a newborn photography session take?
The answer depends on the type of session, your baby’s age, and whether you are including family and sibling photos. In general, you should plan for about 2–4 hours for a full newborn photography session.
Newborn sessions are intentionally relaxed. Unlike a regular portrait session, we don’t expect a newborn to stay in one position or cooperate with a schedule. Feeding, changing, soothing, and taking breaks are all part of the process.
How Long Is a Typical Newborn Photography Session?
A full newborn photography session usually takes approximately 3 hours, although some sessions can take longer.
For an in-home newborn session, part of the time is spent setting up the photography area, lighting, backdrops, and props. Once everything is ready, the actual photography can begin.
A typical session may include:
- Newborn solo portraits
- Wrapped and posed photographs
- Parent and baby photos
- Sibling photographs
- Full family portraits
- Detail photos of tiny hands, feet, eyelashes, and other newborn features
The exact timing depends on your baby. Some babies sleep through most of the session, while others need more frequent feeding, burping, cuddling, or diaper changes.
Why Do Newborn Sessions Take So Long?
Newborn photography requires patience.
A newborn may fall asleep just as we are ready to take a photograph—or wake up because they are hungry. That is completely normal.
During a session, we may need to stop several times to:
- Feed the baby
- Change a diaper
- Burp the baby
- Re-swaddle
- Comfort or settle the baby
- Give the baby a short break
These breaks are not a problem. They are simply part of working with a newborn.
The goal is not to rush through as many poses as possible. The goal is to create beautiful images while keeping the experience comfortable and relaxed for both the baby and parents.
How Long Does an In-Home Newborn Session Take?
An in-home newborn photography session typically takes around 2 hours, depending on the package and the amount of family photography included.
For an in-home session, I bring the necessary photography equipment, including lighting, backgrounds, wraps, and props. A small area of approximately 2 × 3 metres is usually enough to create the newborn setup.
One of the biggest advantages of an in-home newborn session is that everything happens in your own environment. You don’t need to pack the baby, diapers, feeding supplies, and other essentials into the car and travel to a studio.
If the baby needs a break, you can simply take your time.
How Long Does the Baby Need to Be Awake?
Not long!
For traditional newborn photography, sleepy photos are often preferred, but babies don’t need to sleep for the entire session.
There will usually be periods when your baby is awake, and these can also create beautiful photographs.
Some of the most natural images happen when babies are awake and looking around, stretching, yawning, or interacting with their parents.
How Long Are Family and Sibling Photos?
Family and sibling photographs are usually completed during the same newborn session.
I generally recommend photographing the newborn alone first and then moving on to parent, sibling, and family photographs.
This allows us to focus on the baby while they are most settled and gives older siblings an opportunity to participate without requiring them to stay still for the entire session.
If additional time is needed for sibling or family photographs, extra time can be added to the session.
Does the Baby’s Age Affect the Session Length?
Yes.
Newborns are generally photographed during the first two weeks of life because they tend to sleep more deeply and are often easier to settle into certain newborn poses.
I usually recommend scheduling newborn photography when your baby is around 5–14 days old.
However, newborn photography can still be done when your baby is older. Babies don’t suddenly stop being suitable for newborn photographs after two weeks.
Older babies may simply spend more time awake and may not settle into some of the traditional curled-up poses.
How Can You Make the Session Go More Smoothly?
You don’t need to do anything complicated.
A few simple preparations can help:
Feed your baby before the session.
A full baby is often more likely to settle and sleep.
Keep your baby warm.
Newborns are more comfortable in a warm environment, particularly when they are being photographed without clothing.
Bring everything you normally need.
Diapers, wipes, formula or breastfeeding supplies, and a pacifier if your baby uses one are all useful.
Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t sleep.
A newborn photography session doesn’t require your baby to sleep the entire time.
Plan for flexibility.
The less pressure you feel about the clock, the more relaxed the session will be.
How Long Should You Set Aside for Your Newborn Photos?
For most families, I recommend allowing approximately 2–3 hours for a complete newborn photography experience.
Some sessions finish sooner, while others take longer. Every baby is different.
The most important thing is not the exact number of minutes. It is having enough time to work at your baby’s pace without rushing.
If you’re looking for newborn photography in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, North York, or elsewhere in the GTA, I offer relaxed newborn photography sessions in the comfort of your home.
You can learn more about my newborn photography packages, what is included, and how to prepare for your session by contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a newborn photography session take?
A typical full newborn photography session takes approximately 2 hours, although some sessions may take 2–3 hours depending on the baby and the amount of family photography included.
Is three hours enough for newborn photography?
For many babies, yes. The session includes time for feeding, changing, soothing, newborn photographs, and family portraits.
What if my baby cries during the session?
That’s completely normal. We can pause for feeding, changing, cuddling, or soothing whenever necessary.
How old should my baby be for newborn photography?
The ideal time is generally within the first two weeks, with approximately 5–14 days being a popular age range for traditional newborn posing.
Can I include siblings and parents?
Yes. Family and sibling photographs can be included in the newborn session.
Do newborn photography sessions take longer with siblings?
They can. Siblings may need breaks or additional time, especially with young children. The exact timing depends on the family.
Should I schedule anything immediately after my newborn session?
It’s better to avoid scheduling another important appointment immediately afterward. Newborn sessions are flexible, and allowing extra time keeps the experience relaxed.