By Pei Aui - Melbourne newborn, maternity, family, couples and wedding photographer.
Deciding when to book your first family photoshoot is a moment many new parents and growing families pause over. Life is changing so quickly, and it can feel important to choose the perfect time to document it all. As a Melbourne newborn, maternity, family and couples photographer, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside many families during these early milestones, and each chapter brings its own beauty. This guide will help you understand the ideal timing for your first session, what the experience is like, and how to make the most of it.
Why Your First Family Photoshoot Matters
Your first family photoshoot is more than a date on the calendar, it’s the beginning of your family’s visual story. Whether it’s the quiet anticipation of pregnancy, the early days of newborn life, or the lively presence of older children, these moments change quickly. An intentional photo session creates a gentle pause. It helps you slow down long enough to take in what this season looks and feels like right now.
The way your baby curls into your chest.
The way your partner smiles at you with pride.
The way your children hold your hand, even if just for a second.
These are the details you’ll want to look back on, long after life has moved forward.
The Best Times to Schedule Your Melbourne Family Photoshoot
1. During Pregnancy (Maternity Session)
If you’d like to document the beauty and anticipation of pregnancy, the ideal time for a maternity session is between 28–34 weeks. Your bump has a lovely shape, you’re generally comfortable enough to move naturally, and this season has a quiet sense of expectation that photographs beautifully. Outdoor golden hour sessions are popular, but in-home maternity sessions offer a soft, intimate feel that many families love as well.
2. The Newborn Stage (First 2-3 weeks)
For families wanting to capture those early days, newborn sessions are best held when your baby is within the first 2-3 weeks of life. Babies during this time are usually sleepy, settled and small enough to be held close in ways that won’t last for long. My newborn sessions are always baby-led. There’s space for feeding, settling, cuddling and breaks, no rushing, no pressure. All newborn sessions I offer are in-home, where your family can stay relaxed, cosy and comfortable in your own space. There’s no need to pack a thing, rush out the door or worry about whether your baby is having an “off day.” Home is familiar and soothing, for both babies and parents.
3. The 3–4 Month Stage
If the newborn season passes in a blur (and it often does), the 3–4 month stage is a beautiful alternative for your first family photos. Babies are more engaged, expressive, and alert — which brings soft smiles, eye contact and gentle, joyful moments.
4. The Sitting Milestone (Around 6 Months)
Once babies can sit independently, their world expands — and the photos become wonderfully expressive. This is a perfect age for outdoor sessions, as babies engage with their surroundings while still enjoying being held and cuddled.
5. The First Birthday
Your baby’s first birthday marks a major milestone — not just for them, but for you as parents. A session around this time beautifully captures their growing personality, curiosity and all the little expressions that have emerged over that first whirlwind year. If you're after something simple and joyful, I also offer a quick 20-minute Melbourne Cake Smash mini session, perfect for parents who want fun, playful portraits without the full session structure. These are relaxed, child-led and designed to capture genuine reactions — whether that’s excitement, curiosity or the classic first-bite face. For families planning a celebration, I also offer first birthday event photography, capturing not only the key moments of the day but also a short family portrait and a small cake-smash moment if you’d like. It’s a lovely way to remember the joy, colour and connection shared with your loved ones while still walking away with keepsake portraits of your little one.
6. Families With Toddlers and Older Children
If your children are beyond the toddler or baby years, it’s still an ideal time for your first family photoshoot — and many families begin here.
Toddlers (1–3 Years)
Playful, curious and wonderfully unpredictable — toddlers bring life to a session. Outdoor settings allow them freedom to explore while keeping the experience light and enjoyable.
Early Childhood (4–7 Years)
This age is rich with imagination and personality. Children interact naturally, making the session feel like a gentle story unfolding.
Primary School & Tweens (8–12 Years)
As children grow older, their expressions and interactions become more grounded and confident. These sessions often capture both independence and connection.
Teens
Teenagers bring honesty and authenticity to family photos. With the right approach, sessions with teens feel relaxed, genuine and surprisingly meaningful.
No matter the age of your children, it’s never too late to begin documenting your story. Families often say, “We wish we had done this earlier… but we’re so glad we did it now.”
Considering Seasons, Locations and Sunset Timings in Melbourne
Summer
Long days, warm evenings and glowing light make summer ideal for sunset beach sessions.
Autumn
A favourite for many families. The colours are soft and rich, and the weather is gentle, creating a cosy atmosphere for both in-home and outdoor park and nature sessions.
Winter
Soft winter light is flattering and calm. In-home sessions are perfect during this season, offering warmth and comfort while still capturing genuine family moments. However, parks and beach locations are equally sought after for its calmer energy.
Spring
Melbourne’s gardens bloom with colour, and the air feels fresh and lively. Spring suits families with young children who love bright, open spaces.
Sunset Timings in Melbourne
Beach sessions are typically scheduled around sunset for the most flattering light. In Melbourne, sunset ranges from 5:05pm in winter to 8:45pm in summer. Families with young children often prefer early-autumn or late-spring, when the light is soft but the timings are more baby- and toddler-friendly.
Why Booking Early Matters
Like most Melbourne newborn maternity family and couples photographers, I take a limited number of sessions each month to deliver a truly personalised, high-quality experience. When you think about it, there are only 52 weeks in a year — and once you factor in Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, personal commitments, school holidays, and families who have already booked, the number of available weeks becomes smaller than expected. Booking early helps you secure the season, date and style of session you’re envisioning. It also allows you to relax, knowing your time is held long before life becomes busy again.
Ready to Begin Your Family’s Story?
Whether you’re expecting your first baby, navigating life with toddlers, or parenting older children, your family is already writing its story. A photoshoot is a way to pause and hold onto this chapter — just as it is. I’d love to help you create images that feel true to your family and meaningful for the years ahead.
You can explore my galleries here:
Or book directly through my Book A Session page whenever you’re ready.
Every season of family life is worth remembering — and your first photoshoot is a beautiful place to begin.