Here’s the thing about this question – the answer isn’t really about the calendar. But I understand why people ask it, so let me give you the full picture!
I’m Lucy, newborn photographer just outside York, and I’ve photographed babies in every single month of the year. Here’s what I’ve learned…. scroll down to read!
For newborn sessions – any month is the best month.
Your newborn photography window is the first two to three weeks of life. That’s the only deadline that matters.
Whether your baby is born in January or July, the session happens when they’re new, and my studio is temperature-controlled, warm, and completely set up for newborn comfort regardless of the season outside.
If you miss the window, fear not, they will never be as little as they are today so capturing it is still the most wonderful joy! It can just take that little bit longer to settle them in to a wrap, if that is what you are looking for!
For outdoor golden hour sessions – ANY TIME. And I mean that.. I’ve done a twin maternity shoot in November during the snow and it was DIVINE. But there are things to think about….
If you’re planning a maternity shoot, a family session, or any kind of outdoor photography, then you need to think about timings FIRST.
May through September tends to give the most reliable golden hour conditions in Yorkshire however, the mornings are very early and the evenings are long. This is great for me as the light lingers, and the countryside is at its lushest and most beautiful however, you need to think about whether your little ones will make it till 9pm or be okay waking at 5am. Most people opt for a sunrise shoot, pop the kids in the car asleep in their jammies and then wake them up when they arrive – I usually have some hot chocolate ready to go so they wake up excited and wanting to get involved!
That said, Autumn shoots in Yorkshire are something else entirely. The golden light, the copper leaves, the low soft sun. October outdoor sessions are some of my absolute favourites. The added bonus here is sunrise is later and sunset is earlier which makes it perfect for younger families.
For sitter sessions and first birthdays – whenever your baby is ready.
The best month for a sitter session is when your baby can sit (shocking, I know!) at around 7 months – if they’re not quite sitting when your session comes around, we simply postpone!
The best month for a first birthday is their birthday month. It’s as simple as that. The only thing you need to consider is whether you want the photos back in time for their birthday or if you want them taking on their birthday week. Either is perfect, just personal preference!
The real answer
The best month for baby photos is whenever your baby is the right age for the session you want. Don’t wait for the “right” season. Don’t wait for summer. Just book it, and let the light – whatever month it falls in – do its thing.
If you’re looking for natural, baby-led newborn photography in York or across Yorkshire, Lucy Rose Studios offers relaxed newborn sessions, family portraits, luxury albums, bespoke wall art, and a studio experience designed around real families, not rushed schedules, timers, or pressure. Just beautiful memories, created at your baby’s pace.
Feel free to explore my website for more information and to see some of the photography I’ve captured. Have questions? Send me a little message here!
Best wishes,
Lucy xx
