Seattle Newborn Photography Guide: What to Expect & How to Book
Bringing a new baby home is one of the most emotional, special, and chaotic moments of your life. It’ deserves to be captured, but choosing a photographer can feel overwhelming. Let me help.
If you’re searching for a Seattle newborn photographer, you’re likely looking for someone you can trust. Someone experienced, calm, and capable of creating timeless portraits without stress.
This guide will walk you through:
When to book your newborn photography session
What to expect during a studio newborn session in Seattle
How to prepare
What to wear
Why timing matters
How to choose the right newborn photographer
How to officially book your session
Whether you're still pregnant or your baby has just arrived, this will help you feel confident and prepared.
When Should You Book a Seattle Newborn Photographer?
Most newborn photographers in the Seattle area book several months in advance. To ensure availability, it’s best to reserve your session while you’re still pregnant.
Newborn sessions are typically photographed within the first 5–10 days after birth. During this window, babies:
Sleep more deeply
Curl naturally
Are more easily soothed
Still have those fresh, brand-new features that change quickly
At Sandra Coan Photography, we pencil in your due date and adjust once your baby arrives.
If your baby is already here, reach out anyway. We always leave room in our schedule for newborns.
Why Choose Studio Newborn Photography?
Seattle weather can be unpredictable, especially during fall, winter, and early spring. A professional studio ensures:
Consistent, beautiful lighting
No weather rescheduling
A warm, calm environment
Privacy and comfort
No need to clean your home
Our North Seattle studio is designed specifically for families with newborns. It includes:
Three separate spaces for photographing in
A mother's lounge
A toddler play area
A restroom stocked with diapers and wipes
Comfortable seating for family members
The goal is simple: you relax while we take care of everything else. Newborn photo sessions should be fun, not stressful!
What to Expect During Your Newborn Photography Session
Many parents worry that newborn sessions will be stressful.
They aren’t — at least, they shouldn’t be.
At Sandra Coan Photography, sessions are baby-led.
That means:
We do not force poses.
We do not use heavy props.
We follow your baby’s natural movements.
If your baby wants to stretch, curl, or rest a certain way, we honor that.
Sessions typically last 1–2 hours to allow time for:
Feeding
Diaper changes
Soothing
Sibling breaks
There is no rush. Everything in the studio is washable. Babies cry. Babies poop. It’s all normal.
Our job is to create a calm environment and beautiful photos.
What Should You Wear for Newborn Photos?
Simple is best.
For parents and siblings, we recommend:
Neutral tones (white, cream, gray, black)
No logos
No bold patterns
Soft textures
For newborns:
Most babies are photographed in a diaper or simple swaddle. We focus on their tiny fingers, lashes, and natural expressions.
If you have a sentimental outfit or heirloom blanket, bring it. We can incorporate meaningful details while keeping the overall look timeless.
What Makes a Great Seattle Newborn Photographer?
Not all newborn photography is the same.
When choosing a Seattle newborn photographer, look for:
Experience – How long have they worked with newborns?
Safety knowledge – Do they understand infant physiology and safe posing?
Consistent lighting – Does their portfolio look cohesive?
Calm energy – Babies respond to confidence and steadiness.
Clear process – Are expectations and timelines clearly communicated?
Sandra Coan has been photographing newborns in Seattle since 1999. With over 27 years of experience and more than 80 five-star reviews, families trust her calm presence and simple, honest approach.
Her philosophy is rooted in one belief:
Babies are perfect exactly as they are.
Frequently Asked Questions About Newborn Photography in Seattle
What if my baby is fussy?
That’s completely normal. We build time into every session for soothing and feeding.
What if my baby is older than 10 days?
We can still create beautiful portraits, the approach simply shifts slightly to match your baby’s developmental stage.
Do siblings participate?
Absolutely. And we have toys and books at the studio to help keep your older child entertained during the session.
How long does it take to receive photos?
Online galleries are delivered within two weeks of the session. Prints and albums ship directly to your home within two weeks of ordering.
How to Book Your Seattle Newborn Photography Session
Booking is simple.
Visit our booking calendar (you can find it here)
Choose a date that works for you.
Pay your deposit fee.
Schedule your session.
Sessions take place in our North Seattle studio, conveniently located near Woodland Park Zoo and Ballard.
If you’re expecting and want timeless, natural newborn portraits without stress or heavy props, we would love to photograph your family.