When Should You Book Your Family Photography Session? A Month-by-Month Guide

One of the questions I hear most is, "When is the best time to book our family photography session?"

The answer depends on what stage of family life you'd like to remember. Every age brings something special, and there's never a "perfect" time to update your photographs.

Whether you're looking for a family photographer in Ashford, family photography in Kent, or an at home newborn photographer, here's a guide to help you decide.

Newborn Family Photography Session (0–6 Weeks)

Those first few weeks often pass in a blur.

An at home newborn photography session captures all the tiny details that change so quickly – little fingers wrapped around yours, sleepy cuddles on the sofa and the way your family settles into life together.

There's no rush, no studio to travel to and no pressure for your baby to sleep. Everything happens at your family's pace.

Around 6 Months

This is one of the most underrated stages for baby photography.

Your baby may be sitting confidently, laughing easily and full of curiosity, but they're not usually on the move just yet. It makes for a wonderfully relaxed session with plenty of smiles and interaction.

It's also a lovely opportunity to update family photographs if it's been a while since your newborn session.

First Birthday

A first birthday doesn't have to mean a cake smash.

Many families now choose a relaxed outdoor session or photographs at home, celebrating everything their little one loves at this age – walking, exploring, cuddling and playing.

These sessions often feel much more personal and timeless.

Toddlers and Preschoolers

If you're waiting for your toddler to "behave" before booking, don't.

Some of my favourite family photos have come from children who spent the whole session running, climbing, collecting sticks or splashing in puddles.

Outdoor family photography gives children the freedom to be themselves, and that's exactly where the magic happens.

School Age Children

As children get older, family life often becomes busier.

Between clubs, sports and weekends away, it's easy to put family photographs off for another year.

This stage is worth documenting too. Their personalities are growing, siblings are changing and the way they interact with you evolves every year.

Teenagers

Many parents think they've missed their chance once their children are teenagers.

In reality, this can be one of the most meaningful times to update your family photographs.

Teenagers may not always love the idea beforehand, but once the pressure of posing disappears and you're simply walking, chatting or spending time together, the session becomes much more relaxed than expected.

You Don't Need a Special Occasion

Some families book because they're celebrating a new baby or a first birthday.

Others simply realise it's been years since everyone was in a photograph together.

You don't need a milestone to book a family photo session. Sometimes the ordinary years become the ones you treasure the most.

Booking at the Right Time

If you're hoping for outdoor family photography during spring or summer, it's worth booking a few months in advance, particularly for weekend dates.

Newborn sessions are best reserved while you're pregnant so I can keep space available around your due date, even if your baby arrives early or late.

Family Photography Across Kent

I'm based in Ashford and photograph families throughout Kent, including Folkestone, Hythe, Canterbury, Deal, Dover, Faversham, Maidstone and the surrounding areas.

Whether you're welcoming a new baby, chasing toddlers through the woods or gathering everyone together for updated family photographs, every stage deserves to be remembered.

There will always be another reason to wait.

But there won't always be another chance to capture your family exactly as they are today.