Newborn

When to Book Newborn and Baby Photos in Sydney: A Guide to Perfect Milestones

January 18, 2025

Newborn baby in mums arms in a curled-up pose by Sydney photographer Sarah Vassallo

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A baby’s first year is filled with fleeting, precious moments you’ll want to remember forever. As a Sydney baby photographer, one of the most common questions I hear is: When is the best time to have newborn and baby photos taken? Here’s a quick guide to help you plan for those perfect milestones.

The Best Time for Newborn Photography


The ideal time for a newborn session is within the first two weeks after birth (but can be done anytime in the first month). A newborn session is a way to document and celebrate every delicate detail—from the tiny dimples to the softest eyelashes and the way they grasp your finger. As a Sydney newborn photographer, and a mum myself, I understand how quickly these precious moments pass. That’s why I’m passionate about capturing every stage of your baby’s incredible journey.

If you’re planning for newborn photos, it’s best to book your session once you reach your second trimester of pregnancy to secure a spot within this timeframe.

Newborn baby in mums arms in a curled-up pose by Sydney photographer Sarah Vassallo

Baby Milestone Photo Sessions: Ages to Remember

Throughout the first year, there are several great opportunities to capture your baby’s growth and personality:

  • Around 3-4 months: This is when your baby starts holding their head up and sharing those adorable gummy smiles. It’s a wonderful time to capture their curiosity and emerging personality.
  • At 6-8 months: When your baby is sitting up independently but not yet crawling, you’ll have the perfect mix of adorable expressions and playful energy. This stage is full of giggles and wonder.
  • First Birthday: The one-year mark is a huge milestone! From cheeky grins to messy cake smashes, a first birthday session celebrates all the ways your baby has grown and changed. It’s also a great way to document their unique little personality.
Baby sitting in highchair while her mum hands her a first birthday cake during a milestone session in the Sutherland Shire

Maternity Photos: Starting the Journey

Don’t forget to include a maternity session to capture the love and anticipation before your baby arrives. The best time for maternity photos is between 28 and 33 weeks, when your bump is beautifully rounded, and you’re still feeling comfortable.

Why Plan Ahead for Your Baby’s First Year Photos?

By planning these sessions, you’ll have a stunning collection of photos that tell the story of your baby’s first year—from the sleepy newborn days to their first big celebration. That’s exactly what the Baby’s First Year Collective is all about. It’s more than just photos; it’s about preserving these once-in-a-lifetime moments in a way that feels authentic and heartfelt. 

Learn more about booking your maternity photoshoot here.

It is incredible just how quickly your baby grows! Discover more about your baby’s developmental milestones here

As a Sydney baby photographer, my clients love that I’m able to capture the milestone moments of their baby’s first year. Ready to preserve your baby’s magical first year? Explore the Baby’s First Year Collective and let’s create memories you’ll cherish forever.

This was a message from a recent Baby’s First Year Collective Client:


“Hi Sarah,

I just wanted to express how blown away I am by these photos. I couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful collection that so perfectly captures our family. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you over the past three years, and to conclude this chapter with such stunning photos is incredibly satisfying.

I have a number of these latest shots on rotation on my phone’s lockscreens and wallpapers, and every time they appear, they bring a smile to my face and warmth to my heart.

You truly are an exceptionally talented photographer.

Thank you for your exceptional work, and I look forward to future sessions as our family grows up”.

About Sarah


Sarah Vassallo is a natural light baby photographer based in the Sutherland Shire, Sydney. Sarah is known for her modern minimalist style and dedication to creating beautiful, timeless images.

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Capturing the first moments of your baby’s life is a special and unforgettable experience. My goal is to ensure that your session is enjoyable, stress-free, and filled with beautiful, timeless images that you and your family will cherish for years to come.
Read more about the portrait experience.
Explore my newborn portfolio to view the beautiful images we can create to document the start of your baby’s story.

Get in touch to schedule your Sydney baby photography session or to find out more about working together.
Every session is customised to each of my clients. From the initial consultation to the final delivery of your exquisite prints, I am dedicated to providing an unparalleled experience that is as memorable as the photographs themselves.

xx Sarah

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BEHIND THE LENS

ABOUT SARAH

As a lover of art, design, and the timeless craft of photography, I find my true bliss with a camera in hand, capturing moments that transcend the ordinary. 

From a young age, I eagerly borrowed my mother's Kodak cameras. Each click of the shutter ignited a profound curiosity within me, and couldn't wait to see what was revealed on the developed film. 
I've always been fascinated by the power of photography to capture raw emotion and preserve cherished memories, and how those humble photographs will tell our stories for generations to come. 

photo: @aidophotography

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