Why the First 12 Days Matter for Newborn Photography

As an East Bay newborn photographer, one of the most common questions I hear is: “Why do photographers recommend scheduling newborn photos within the first 12 days?” The answer is simple but so important—those first days are truly magical, both for your baby and for capturing timeless portraits your family will treasure forever.

Babies Are Sleepiest in the First Two Weeks

During the first 12 days of life, newborns are naturally very sleepy. This makes it easier to gently pose them in those curly, womb-like positions that parents love. Once babies pass the two-week mark, they often become more alert and less flexible, which can make those cozy, classic poses more difficult to capture.

Capturing Their Fresh, Tiny Details

From their flaky skin to their tiny fingers and toes, newborns change so quickly. By day 12, you’ll start to notice your baby filling out, losing that “just born” look. A newborn photography session in Moraga during this short window ensures you’ll have images that preserve all those fleeting details forever.

Parents Are Still in the Newborn Bubble

As a mom myself, I know how quickly those first days fly by. You’re in a haze of feedings, cuddles, and learning your new routine. Taking time for a newborn photo session gives you a chance to slow down, breathe, and soak in the love surrounding your new little one. Many families tell me the session itself became one of their favorite early memories together.

Flexibility With Scheduling

Because newborns arrive on their own timeline, I always recommend booking your session before your baby is born. That way, your spot is reserved and we can adjust the date depending on when your baby makes their arrival. My Lamorinda studio and in-home lifestyle sessions are designed to be calm, cozy, and completely baby-led so parents can relax and enjoy the experience.

A Lasting Investment in Memories

Your newborn stage is so brief—it feels endless in the moment, but it’s gone in a flash. Choosing to schedule photos within the first 12 days ensures you’ll have beautiful, professional images that reflect the love, tenderness, and beauty of this season of life. These portraits become heirlooms that grow in value with every passing year.

When I look at my work, I want it to feel like it could have been taken yesterday… or 50 years ago… or 50 years from now. That’s why I’m drawn to old props, delicate lace, worn wood, and rich textures. These elements have a soul to them – they add depth, warmth, and a sense of history to your baby’s photos.

I’ve always believed that newborn photography should be timeless. I don’t want your baby’s portraits to scream, “This was taken in 2025!” in the same way we can instantly spot photos from the 80s and 90s. You know the ones – overly bright backdrops, neon colors, and those strange duplicated “fade” images floating behind the subject. Or babies with giant flower headbands so big they look like they’re about to tip over. They’re fun to look back on… but maybe not exactly the kind of style you’d hang in your living room forever.

That’s why my sessions are built on simplicity and authenticity. I use neutral, earthy tones that will still look beautiful decades from now. My lace wraps, vintage crates, and weathered wooden backdrops tell a story without overshadowing the most important thing – your baby. Textures invite you to feel the image, to imagine the softness of the blanket or the roughness of the wood, all while keeping the focus exactly where it should be.

I want your newborn photos to be as treasured in 30 years as they are the day you first see them. When your child is grown, you won’t remember what colors were trending – but you’ll remember how tiny they were in your arms, how peaceful they looked sleeping, and how full your heart felt in that moment. That’s what timeless photography is all about.

If you’re ready for newborn photos that will never go out of style, I’d love to welcome you into my East Bay studio. Together, we’ll create classic, heartfelt portraits that you’ll be proud to display for generations. Contact me here:  brandynicole77@gmail.com

~Brandy Lewis (East Bay newborn baby photographer)

Summer has always been my season to slow down and soak up every precious moment with my three kids. They’re teenagers now—independent, growing fast, and just a few short years away from leaving the nest. I know these summers are numbered, and I want to be fully present for them—without rushing to appointments or constantly watching the clock.

That’s why, every year, I take a step back from my photography schedule during the heart of summer. You’ll find me traveling with my family, enjoying lazy mornings, and savoring spontaneous adventures. My focus shifts entirely to them, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

But I’m not gone for long!

I reopen my calendar in mid-August through the end of September, and again starting in January. If you’re expecting a baby or planning a milestone session, now is the perfect time to reserve your spot. Booking before your baby is born ensures I can hold space for you—my calendar fills quickly once I’m back in the studio.

I offer:

• Newborn studio sessions – clean, classic, and baby-focused
• In-home newborn lifestyle sessions – perfect for capturing your family’s unique environment
• 6-month sitter sessions – a milestone full of giggles, chubby thighs, and growing personality

Whether you’re planning ahead or just found out you’re expecting, I’d love to work with you. Please don’t wait until baby arrives—reach out early so we can secure a date that works best.

Here’s to slowing down, being present, and capturing what matters most—when the time is right.

Brandy Lewis Photography
East Bay Newborn Baby Photographer
Now booking newborn and milestone sessions for late summer, fall, and 2026 newborns.

Contact me here:  brandynicole77@gmail.com

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Older Newborn, Beautiful Eye Contact: A Sweet Lamorinda Session
by Brandy Lewis | East Bay Newborn Baby Photographer | Lamorinda Baby Photographer

Sometimes, the best surprises happen when things don’t go exactly as planned—and this sweet girl’s session was a perfect example of that. As an East Bay newborn baby photographer, I typically photograph babies within the first two weeks of life, when they’re still extra sleepy and curly. But this little one was a bit older than most of the newborns I photograph, and let me tell you—she totally rocked her wrapped mini session.

Her eye contact was absolutely incredible. Wide-eyed, calm, and so connected—she gave me several moments of beautiful gaze that felt straight into the lens. While it can be challenging to photograph older newborns with their eyes open (hello, crossed eyes and fleeting focus!), this baby girl was alert, curious, and perfectly content in every wrap we tried.

What made the session even more special was spending time with her parents. I instantly felt comfortable with them—they were so easy to talk to, relaxed, and clearly head-over-heels in love with their little girl. Her dad was especially hands-on, helping with feeding and changing her and making sure everything ran smoothly. Watching new parents work together like that always warms my heart—it’s such a beautiful reminder of the deep love and teamwork that comes with welcoming a new baby.

As a Lamorinda baby photographer, I love creating a space where families feel at ease, even when sessions aren’t “textbook.” Every baby is unique, and I’m here to celebrate that—from sleepy snuggles to wide-eyed wonder.

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Looking for an East Bay newborn photographer who’s flexible, experienced, and loves capturing the real magic of your family?
Let’s create something beautiful together. Contact me here:  brandynicole77@gmail.com