Newborn Week 1 — When to Book: Most first-time parents don't realize they need to book a newborn photographer until it's too late. Here's the honest truth about timing, why the newborn window is shorter than you think, and exactly what to do whether you're newly pregnant or already holding your baby.

Sweet Isabel was in my Long Island portrait studio recently for her professional newborn photoshoot. Look at those cheeks! She slept like...