Yana Skakun
Your newborn photoshoot: Everything you need to know
By Yana Skakun·20 March 2026·7 min read
The first two weeks of your baby's life are fleeting and irreplaceable. Newborn photography captures those tiny fingers, that perfect curl, the weight of them in your arms — and they grow so fast. Here's everything you need to know to prepare.
When to Book
Book during pregnancy — ideally by 28–32 weeks. The best window for newborn photography is 5–14 days after birth, when babies sleep deeply and are still in that beautifully curled newborn position. After 3 weeks, babies become more alert and the sleepy curls are harder to achieve.
Home vs Studio
I specialise in home lifestyle newborn sessions — photographing in your own space, with your family, using the beautiful natural light from your windows. This approach is more relaxed for new parents, more authentic in the images it produces, and avoids the stress of travelling with a newborn.
How to Prepare for the Day
- ◆Feed just before: A full, sleepy baby is the goal. Time the session for shortly after a good feed.
- ◆Keep the room warm: Babies settle more easily in a warm environment — around 24°C is ideal for undressed newborn poses.
- ◆Have everything ready: Nappies, a clean blanket or two, any props or special items you want included.
- ◆Be flexible on timing: Newborn sessions run on baby's schedule. Allow 3 hours — we may not need all of it.
- ◆Include siblings: Sibling photos are some of the most precious of all — plan a short sibling moment at the start when big brothers and sisters are at their most cooperative.
Book your newborn session
Book during pregnancy to secure your preferred window. I cover Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties for home lifestyle newborn sessions.
Newborn Photography →See My Work
Newborn & Family Photography
Yana Skakun
Photographer · England
Professional wedding, family and portrait photographer based in England. Passionate about capturing authentic emotions and timeless moments.
About Yana →newborn photoshoot guide UKnewborn photography what to expectfirst two weeks baby photosnewborn photographer England
Newborn Tips — Newborn & Baby Photography in Cambridge & England
Newborn and baby sessions with Yana Skakun take place in the comfort of your own home — unhurried, led entirely by your baby's timings, and focused on the quiet intimacy of those first weeks. Sessions are available across Cambridge and the wider East of England. This guide — Your newborn photoshoot: Everything you need to know — is part of the photography journal: practical, experience-based advice drawn from real sessions across England. Whether you arrived searching for newborn photoshoot guide uk or newborn photography what to expect, the same care and attention shapes every session Yana photographs.
Newborn & Baby Photography sessions are available year-round, with bookings open across Cambridge, Ely, Huntingdon, Peterborough, and further afield — East England, London, the Midlands, and beyond. If you have specific questions about first two weeks baby photos, mention it in your enquiry. Get in touch through the contact form above to check availability and discuss your session. Enquiries are welcomed from anywhere in the UK.
Get in Touch
Ready to Book Your Session?
Get in touch to discuss your vision — I'll reply within 24 hours.