If your baby is already 4 weeks old, don't panic!
One of the most common questions I get is: "Is 1 month too late for newborn photos?"
The short answer? Absolutely not. While the traditional newborn window is 7-14 days old, beautiful, meaningful images are still absolutely possible at 1 month. That said, there are a few things you should know so that you know what to expect and how we will still get photos you love.
Why the 7-14 day"ideal" window exists
Photographers often recommend the first two weeks because babies are:
- Sleepier and more flexible
- Less alert
- Less prone to baby acne and gas
- More tolerant of transitions between poses
But real life doesn't always go as planned. Maybe your baby came early, or you had a hard recovery. Maybe time slipped away. You are not alone and 1 month newborn sessions are possible.
What changes by 1 month old
Babies at 4 weeks or older tend to:
- Be more awake and alert
- Stretch and flail their arms (which looks cute in person but messy in photos)
- Be harder to settle into curled up sleepy poses
- Need more feedings throughout the session
These changes don't mean we can't get great photos, but they do mean we might have to adapt the session and expectations a little bit.
How I make it work- Even with older newborns
I've photographed hundreds of babies in my 10+ years as a newborn photographer. My sessions are always baby-led, meaning I never force a pose or expect a baby to do everything. Instead, I follow a calm, practiced workflow that allows flexibility for each little one's unique temperament.
Here's how I adjust for 1 month old babies:
- Swaddling is key - a good swaddle mimics the womb and helps baby feel secure and settled. It also prevents flailing arms that can scratch faces or make prop poses unsafe.
- Safety always comes first- If baby is too active or alert, certain poses (like tummy or laying poses) might not be possible, and that is ok. I'll never compromise baby's comfort or safety for a pose.
- Eyes open is okay- Some babies stay awake the whole session! We can still capture sweet expressions even if baby isn't giving direct eye contact.
- Feeding breaks are built in- At this age, baby may need more frequent feedings and I will always make time for that
- We will still get stunning images- Sleepy poses may still happen! Some 1 month old babies snooze peacefully once wrapped and soothed. I've captured many cozy sleepy shots at this age
What about baby acne at 1 month?
Yes, baby acne is more common around 3-5 weeks old, and some parents worry about it showing in photos. But don't stress- I use professional editing to gently erase and smooth blemishes while keeping your baby's natural beauty intact.
Don't wait they change so fast
At one month old, your newborn is already growing and changing. Chubby cheeks are filling in. Eyelashes are longer. That just born look fades quicker than most people expect. If you're thinking about newborn photos at 1 month, the time to book is right now- before another week slips by.
Still not sure what to expect? I've got you.
I'm here to walk you through everything, from booking to gallery delivery. Whether your baby is 5 days old or 5 weeks old, we'll create a stress-free, beautiful experience for you. No pressure, just timeless images of your newborn baby that you'll love.
