Newborn portraits are all about capturing the quiet beauty of those first precious days—the tiny fingers, the delicate expressions, the overwhelming love that fills your home. While every baby is perfect at any hour, lighting plays a huge role in creating the soft, dreamy look that makes newborn photography so timeless. So, what is the best time of day for newborn portraits? In my experience, the ideal time falls between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, but there are a few important factors to consider when choosing the best time for your session.
The Best Time of Day for Newborn Portraits
1. The Magic of Natural Light
Newborn portraits rely on soft, natural light to create an ethereal and organic feel. The mid-morning to early afternoon window (10 AM – 1 PM) is typically when natural light is at its best—bright enough to illuminate your space beautifully but still soft enough to avoid harsh shadows. This is especially important if you love the light and airy look, as it enhances the softness of newborn features and the warmth of family interactions.
2. The Role of Your Home’s Natural Light
Since many newborn sessions take place in the comfort of your home, the best time for portraits also depends on your home’s natural light. A few things to consider:
- Which direction do your windows face? North or South-facing windows tend to get consistent light throughout the day, while east-facing windows will have the most light in the morning.
- Are there trees or buildings blocking the light? Homes with a lot of tree coverage may have softer or more filtered light throughout the day.
- What rooms will we be using? We’ll work together to determine the best space for your session, whether that’s the nursery, the primary bedroom, or the living room.
If you’re unsure about your home’s lighting, I’ll guide you through a simple pre-session check to determine the best room and time for your session.
3. Considering Your Baby’s Natural Rhythm
Another reason 10 AM – 1 PM works beautifully? Most newborns are naturally more settled during this time. They’ve likely had a morning feed, the house is still relatively calm, and they’re ready for a cozy nap—allowing us to capture those peaceful, sleepy moments. If your baby is awake, this time also provides the best natural light for documenting their delicate features and quiet expressions.
4. What If Your Home Doesn’t Get Much Natural Light?
If your home has limited natural light, don’t worry—there are still ways to achieve the soft, luminous feel of natural-light newborn portraits. I’ll bring my expertise in positioning and styling to ensure we use the most light-filled areas of your home. I also choose studios with ample natural light for families who prefer a more controlled setting. No matter the space, my priority is creating a warm, intimate, and beautiful environment for your portraits.
The beauty of newborn sessions is that they are designed to be slow, calm, and natural—fitting seamlessly into your family’s rhythm. The best time of day for newborn portraits allows for soft, glowing light and a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere, so you can focus on soaking in the fleeting moments of this season.
If you’re expecting and wondering when to schedule your newborn session, I’d love to chat about the perfect time for your family and home. These first days are gone in the blink of an eye—let’s make sure they are documented beautifully.
Cleveland Newborn Photographer
Brittany Serowski Photography is a Cleveland Maternity, Newborn, & Family photographer, dedicated to offering a joyful, seamless portrait experience for mothers who cherish timeless moments and want to preserve their family’s legacy with grace. Specializing in light-filled, tender portraits, I proudly serve families across Cleveland and its surrounding communities—Bay Village, Rocky River, Westlake, Avon Lake, Shaker Heights, Chagrin Falls, and beyond.
Every motherhood session includes a personalized, pre-session consultation to help you feel confident and prepared. From style assistance to a curated guide designed to help you make the most of your session, I’ll ensure that your experience is both stress-free and enjoyable. Sessions take place at my exclusive, handpicked locations, where natural beauty compliments your family’s story. I’ll deliver your beautifully edited, high-resolution portraits through an online gallery. Easy to access and share with loved ones.
Looking for the perfect newborn photographer to document your little one? I would be honored to create portraits that you will treasure for years to come. Let’s start a conversation about bringing your vision to life!
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Best Time for Newborn Portraits | Cleveland Newborn Photography | Brittany Serowski Photography
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