Are Newborn Photos Worth It? What You’ll Regret Not Capturing

By Kelly Dawn Photography

If you’re expecting a baby (or you’ve recently welcomed one), you’ve probably asked yourself the question:

Are newborn photos worth it?

I completely understand why so many parents hesitate. The newborn stage is exhausting, emotional, and honestly… a little overwhelming. Between sleepless nights, healing, feeding schedules, and trying to adjust to your new normal, booking a photo session might feel like “just one more thing.”

But after photographing so many newborns over past few years, I can tell you this with confidence:

The newborn stage goes by faster than you think.

And the families who choose to document it almost always tell me the same thing later:
“I’m so glad we did this.”

Let’s talk about why.

Are Newborn Photos Worth It?

In my opinion, yes, newborn photos are absolutely worth it, because they capture a stage that you can never get back.

Your baby is only this tiny once. Within a few short weeks, their features change, they start stretching out, and that fresh newborn look fades away.

You might think you’ll remember every detail forever… but life gets busy, and time moves quickly. Professional newborn photography gives you something you can hold onto—something you can look back on years from now and immediately feel transported back to those first days.

Adult hands cradling baby feet in black and white image.
Black-and-white photo of a baby sleeping in the arms of two adults.
Black and white photo of a newborn baby sleeping in an adult's arms.

Newborn Photo Session Benefits Most Parents Don’t Think About

There are so many newborn photo session benefits, but a lot of parents don’t realize what they’re gaining until after the session is finished and they see their images.

1. You’ll Remember the Tiny Details

The newborn details are the first things to disappear.

I’m talking about:

  • those tiny fingers and toes

  • wrinkly feet

  • wispy hair

  • flaky newborn skin

  • sleepy little expressions

  • the way they curl up so naturally

These are the things you’ll miss the most later, because they change so quickly.

2. You’ll Capture Your Baby’s Very First Chapter

Newborn photography isn’t just about getting cute photos (although I do love creating beautiful images).

To me, it’s about capturing the beginning of your baby’s story. Those first days are filled with emotion—new love, new routines, and a completely new season of life.

I love being able to freeze those moments for families so they can remember what it felt like to hold their baby when everything was brand new.

3. You’ll Actually Be in the Photos

This is a big one.

So many moms tell me they have a million pictures of their baby on their phone, but hardly any photos of themselves with their baby—especially in the newborn stage.

I always encourage parents to step into the frame. You don’t need to stress about looking perfect. Your baby will never care if your hair wasn’t done. One day, your child will treasure seeing how small they were in your arms and how much love you had on your face.

A couple lovingly embraces a sleeping baby against a dark background.
Young girl in white holding a swaddled baby, lying on a fuzzy rug.
A couple lovingly cradles their newborn wrapped in a blanket, set against a dark background.

4. You’ll Have Artwork for Your Home

Newborn photos are meant to be more than something you scroll past.

They become the portraits you hang in your home. They become the images you flip through in an album. They become keepsakes your child may one day hold in their own hands.

That is one of the most meaningful newborn photo session benefits—these photos become part of your family history.

5. You’ll Have a Calm, Guided Experience

A lot of parents worry about how the session will go.

They ask me:

  • What if the baby cries?

  • What if the baby won’t sleep?

  • What if we’re running late?

  • What if we don’t know what to do?

I promise you—this is normal, and I plan for it.

When you book with me, I guide you through the entire process. I allow plenty of time for feeding, soothing, diaper changes, and breaks. My goal is always to keep things calm, safe, and comfortable for both baby and parents.

What You’ll Regret Not Capturing

Even parents who decide to skip newborn photos often tell me later that they wish they hadn’t.

Here are the moments families tend to miss the most.

The Way They Fit Perfectly in Your Arms

You’ll always remember your baby being small… but you won’t remember just how small.

One day you’ll look back and realize they used to fit on your chest, curl up on your shoulder, and feel weightless in your hands.

Newborn photos capture that stage forever.

Their Sweet Sleepy Expressions

Newborns have such peaceful, dreamy expressions when they sleep.

Tiny yawns. Little pouts. Relaxed cheeks. Curled hands.

It’s such a short stage, and it’s one of the biggest reasons families love their newborn galleries so much.

The Connection Between Your Family

Some of my favorite newborn images aren’t even the posed ones.

It’s the quiet moments:

  • dad holding the baby close

  • mom snuggling and breathing them in

  • siblings leaning in with curiosity

  • the love and emotion that happens naturally

Those are the images that become priceless.

Your First Professional Family Photos

So many families don’t realize they don’t have professional family photos until years later.

A newborn session is often the first time you have portraits as a new family—and that’s such a special thing to look back on.

Newborn Photos Are More Than Pictures

To me, newborn photography is about more than just taking a pretty photo.

It’s about preserving the season you’ll never get back.

Because one day your baby won’t fit in your arms the same way.
One day they won’t curl up and sleep so peacefully.
One day the newborn stage will feel like a distant memory.

And when that day comes, you’ll be so thankful you captured it.

When Should You Schedule Newborn Photos?

I always recommend booking your newborn session during your second or early third trimester if possible. That way, I can reserve a spot around your due date.

Most newborn sessions take place when baby is around 7–14 days old, when they are still very sleepy and naturally curl into those classic newborn poses.

Baby sleeping in a small wooden bed with a teddy bear in a rustic setting.
Newborn baby swaddled in a cream blanket, lying on a fluffy brown surface, with a lace fabric accent and a headband.
Newborn baby wrapped in a white blanket, peacefully sleeping in a round basket on a light background.

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