Hey there, tired legends, photo newbies, and parents craving perfect bub pics! Ever tried squeezing a newborn photoshoot into your busy day, only to end up with chaos or a fussy bub? I’ve been there—new mum days, juggling feeds and naps, praying for a calm moment to snap a pic. After 10+ years and hundreds of bubs, I’ve cracked the secrets to creating a newborn photography schedule for stress-free shots. These hacks work for newborns, 1-12 month-olds, and even wiggly toddlers—whether you’re snapping at home or booking me in-person! My free 30-min masterclass video will have you shooting like a pro in less than 30 mins!
Why a Schedule Saves Your Shoot
A smart schedule means calm bubs, quick snaps, and heart-melting pics. These hacks deliver:
- Fast: 5 mins to plan—no endless stress.
- Easy: Just a notebook or phone—no fancy apps needed!
- Wow: Gorgeous shots—mums save memories, pros get happy customers!
Others might say you need hours of prep or rigid plans—nah, my way’s safe, simple, and nails it. Let’s schedule that perfect shoot!
1. Time Around Feeds
Struggle: Hungry bubs derail shoots.
Fix: Plan your shoot right after a feed when newborns are sleepy, with a parent nearby. I find newborns settle best earlier in the morning from about 9-9.30am. I find sessions held even after 11am tend to be more restless for baby.
If you’re DIY at home, you can make the session earlier if better suited to your bub. If a client is coming to you, I find 9-9.30am is the sweet spot. Not too early, so the parents have plenty of time to get ready, but not too late where bubs tends to not settle as well in the late mornings/early afternoon. Set up a soft blanket near a window (like in the pic below!). For 6-month-olds, schedule post-morning feed for happy vibes, parent holding.
Tip: Plan to keep sessions to 20–30 mins to avoid overstimulation – especially for the older babies! Newborns when settled and sleeping sessions can be held for much longer.
Safety Tip: Always have an adult’s hand ready, especially during setup—super safe!
2. Factor in Nap Times
Struggle: Tired bubs fuss and ruin shots.
Fix: Shoot during newborn naps for dreamy poses, parent securing bub. For 12-month-olds, plan around their afternoon nap to catch calm moments, adult close. Avoid late evenings when everyone’s cranky.
Tip: Track bub’s nap patterns a day before to nail the timing!
3. Build in Buffer Time
Struggle: Rushing stresses everyone out.
Fix: Add 10–15 mins before and after the shoot for setup or unexpected fussiness. For 8-week-olds, have a swaddle ready (demo here), parent nearby. For toddlers, let them play briefly before posing, adult holding.
Tip: Keep a toy or lullaby handy to soothe during delays!
4. The Pro Secret – The Calm Lock (Tease!)
Struggle: Chaos kills the shoot vibe.
Fix: Here’s my trick: a quick feed-nap combo and a warm room lock in a calm bub, letting you snap perfect shots in minutes. My $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course shares more calming magic, inspired by my chat with Sheyne Rowley, the Australian Baby Whisperer—read it here—and my 10+ years settling every bub I’ve shot! There’s never a baby I couldn’t settle!
Tip: Want more? My free masterclass will have you shooting like a pro in 30 mins—click below!
Level Up with My Free Masterclass (or Book an In-Person Session!)
These hacks are your scheduling starters, but want pro-level secrets for shooting? My free masterclass for at-home shots covers:
- Posing hacks—cute curls, safe and simple.
- Lighting hacks—no gear, just glow.
- Baby-calming moves—peaceful shots every time.
It’s 30 minutes to stunning pics—phone or DSLR—mums save memories, pros get happy customers! Join the free video here—you’ll be hooked!
My $179 course (reg. $359, worth $579) covers 0-12 months, tricky toddlers, messy homes, and more—and sleep tips from The Gentle Sleep Specialist Tara covering the first 3mths of your babies sleep schedule. Or snag my $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course—pro calming skills that work! Want studio shots? Book an in-person session!
My Scheduling Flops to Frame-Worthy Wins
I’m Jess—mum, Netflix binger, pork crackling addict. My first shoot schedules? Total flops—crying bubs, missed naps, and me panicking over why everything fell apart! Now, after years of tweaking and building the JJP Method, I’ve got the hacks I wish I’d had back then. No big words, just real tips for every parent! Let’s schedule those stress-free newborn photos!
