You just saw those two pink lines.

Or maybe you’re already 30 weeks pregnant, folding tiny onesies, planning the nursery, and your sister just texted, “Please tell me you’ve booked your newborn photos already.”

Either way, you’re probably asking the same question:

When should I book newborn photos?

At Makenzie Photography Inc., we’ve spent the last 17 years photographing families, babies, couples, and weddings throughout Bakersfield, CA, and Kern County. And when it comes to newborn studio photography in Bakersfield, CA, one thing is always true:

Timing matters more than most parents realize.

Newborn photos feel like something you can plan later… until suddenly your due date is right around the corner. Between doctor appointments, baby showers, hospital bags, nursery prep, and all the emotions that come with getting ready for a new baby, booking your newborn session can easily get pushed to the bottom of the list.

So let’s make it simple.

Here’s everything you need to know about when to book newborn photos, when newborn sessions usually happen, and how to make sure you don’t miss that sweet, sleepy newborn window.

The Best Time for Newborn Photos: 5 to 14 Days Old

The ideal time for newborn photography is usually when the baby is between 5 and 14 days old.

This tiny window is when babies are typically sleepiest, snuggliest, and still naturally curled up from being in the womb. Their little arms and legs tuck in close, so they settle more easily and tend to sleep deeply during the session.

That is what helps create those soft, cozy newborn photos everyone loves:

Tiny fingers.

Sleepy lashes.

Wrapped poses.

Curled-up snuggles.

Those fresh, brand-new baby details you never want to forget.

After about two weeks, babies start becoming more alert. They stretch more, wake more often, and have a little more opinion about being moved around. That is completely normal and beautiful, but it does change the session’s style and flow.

If your baby is photographed between 5 and 14 days old, we can usually capture more of that classic sleepy newborn look. If the baby is closer to three or four weeks old, we can still create beautiful images, but they may be more awake, wrapped, natural, and snuggly with parents.

Both are precious.

But if you’re dreaming of those peaceful, sleepy newborn studio portraits, the first two weeks are the sweet spot.

Why You Should Book Before Baby Arrives

Here’s the part that surprises a lot of families:

You should book your newborn photos while you are still pregnant.

We know that sounds a little funny because you don’t know exactly when the baby will arrive. But that is exactly why booking early matters.

At Makenzie Photography Inc., we reserve a tentative newborn session spot based on your due date. Then, once the baby arrives, we confirm the exact date for your session.

This helps us get you into the studio during the ideal 5- to 14-day window.

If you wait until after the baby is born to start searching for “newborn photos near me” or “Bakersfield newborn photographer,” the calendar may already be full. And by the time there is an opening, that sleepy newborn window may have passed.

The best time to reach out is usually around 28 to 30 weeks pregnant. That gives us time to pencil you in, plan around your due date, and leave flexibility in case the baby arrives early or late.

Because newborn sessions take time, patience, and a calm studio environment, we only accept a limited number of newborns each month. That allows us to give every family a relaxed, thoughtful experience.

Should You Book Maternity and Newborn Photos Together?

If you are also thinking about maternity photos, booking your maternity and newborn sessions together is one of the easiest ways to simplify your life.

Maternity photos capture the season before the baby arrives. Newborn photos capture the first tiny days after birth. Booking both at the same time means one less thing to worry about later.

Our maternity clients receive a reserved, tentative newborn spot and priority on the calendar. Once the baby arrives, you simply send us a quick message, and we finalize your newborn session date.

No scrambling.

No waitlist stress.

No, trying to plan photos while recovering and adjusting to newborn life.

Just one sweet plan for two of the most meaningful seasons.

What to Expect at Your Bakersfield Newborn Studio Session

If you’ve been searching for newborn studio photography in Bakersfield, CA, you may be wondering what the session actually looks like.

Your newborn session takes place in our cozy Bakersfield studio. The space is warm, calm, soft, and designed with brand-new babies in mind.

And yes, the studio will probably feel a little toasty.

That is completely normal for newborn photography. A warm baby is usually a sleepy, comfortable baby, especially when we are wrapping, changing, or gently posing them.

Most newborn sessions last around two to three hours. That does not mean we are photographing nonstop. It simply means we move slowly and follow the baby’s pace.

There is plenty of time for feeding, changing, soothing, snuggling, and settling. We never rush a newborn session because your baby’s comfort always comes first.

During your session, we may photograph:

• Wrapped newborn photos
• Simple baby portraits
• Sleepy newborn poses
• Tiny detail shots
• Parent and baby photos
• Sibling or family photos, depending on your session

Our goal is to create timeless, heartfelt images that feel soft, sweet, and true to this season.

The kind of photos you’ll look back on one day and say, “I can’t believe they were ever that tiny.”

What Is Included in a Makenzie Photography Newborn Session?

Every newborn session with Makenzie Photography is designed to feel simple and stress-free.

You’ll receive a curated gallery of professionally edited, high-resolution digital images. Most newborn galleries include 30 or more images, depending on how the baby settles and how the session flows.

Your photos are delivered through a private online gallery as full-resolution JPEG files. You’ll also receive a personal printing release, so you can print your images, create albums, order wall art, and share them with family.

No confusing packages.

No surprise add-ons.

No pressure at the end.

Just beautiful newborn photos, delivered in a way that is easy for your family to enjoy.

How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photography Session

The best newborn sessions usually happen when the baby is full, sleepy, and comfortable. Don’t worry — we’ll guide you before your session — but here are a few simple things that help.

Try to feed the baby right before you leave or right when you arrive. A full baby is usually a sleepy baby.

Dress the baby in something loose and easy to remove, like a soft zip-up sleeper or gown. Avoid tight socks, waistbands, or outfits that may leave marks on the baby’s skin.

Keep the car warm on the drive to the studio so the baby stays cozy.

Try to keep the baby awake for a little while before the session if possible. Even a short wakeful stretch can help the baby sleep more deeply once they are fed and settled.

Skip the morning bath and heavy lotions on session day. A calm, sleepy baby is more important than a freshly bathed, wide-awake baby.

And most importantly, take a deep breath.

You do not need to show up with everything perfect. You just had a baby. We know this season is emotional, exhausting, beautiful, and tender all at once.

Come as you are. We’ll take care of the rest.

What If My Baby Is Already Older Than Two Weeks?

If your baby is already more than 14 days old, please don’t panic.

You did not miss your chance for beautiful newborn photos.

I photograph babies at different ages, and older newborn sessions can still be absolutely precious. The session may look a little different, with more wrapped-photos, parent-snuggle, natural-portrait, and awake-baby moments.

The best thing to do is reach out as soon as you can. We’ll talk through the baby’s age, what you’re hoping for, and what kind of session will make the most sense.

There is still so much sweetness to capture.

When Should I Contact a Bakersfield Newborn Photographer? aka Me, Makenzie!

The best time to contact a newborn photographer is before the baby arrives, ideally around 28 to 30 weeks pregnant.

That gives you the best chance of securing a spot during the ideal newborn photography window.

So if you are pregnant and searching for:

Newborn studio photography in Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield newborn photographer

Newborn photos near me

Kern County newborn photography

Baby photos in Bakersfield

We would love to help you plan ahead. These first days go by so fast. The sleepy stretches. The tiny fingers. The curled-up snuggles. The way your baby fits perfectly in your arms.

It all changes before you can even believe it.

Ready to Reserve Your Newborn Session?

If your due date is coming up, now is the perfect time to reserve your newborn photography session.

Even if baby won’t be here for a few more months, reaching out early gives us the best chance of saving space for you during that sweet 5-to-14-day newborn window.

Makenzie Photography is proud to offer newborn studio photography in Bakersfield, CA, for families throughout Bakersfield, Kern County, and the surrounding areas. We would be honored to capture your baby’s first days in a way that feels soft, timeless, and full of love.

Contact us here to reserve your newborn session — just tell us your due date, and we’ll take it from there.

FAQ: Newborn Photography in Bakersfield, CA

When should I book newborn photos?

The best time to book newborn photos is while you are still pregnant, usually around 28 to 30 weeks. This allows us to reserve a tentative session date based on your due date.

When are newborn photos usually taken?

Newborn photos are usually taken when the baby is between 5 and 14 days old. This is when babies are typically sleepiest and easiest to gently pose.

Can I still book newborn photos if my baby is older than two weeks?

Yes. While the first two weeks are ideal for sleepy newborn photos, older babies can still have beautiful sessions. The style may be more wrapped, natural, or awake.

Where does the newborn session take place?

Newborn sessions take place in our Bakersfield studio, which is kept warm, cozy, and calm for the baby.

How long does a newborn session take?

Most newborn photography sessions take two to three hours. This gives us plenty of time to feed, soothe, change, and photograph the baby without rushing.

Do you photograph families outside Bakersfield?

Yes. Makenzie Photography photographs newborns and families throughout Bakersfield, Kern County, and the surrounding areas.