Can I take newborn photos with my 1 month old?

1 month old and cute as a button during a Sugar Land TX newborn session

I photograph a lot of newborns. Like most newborn photographers, I always recommend that clients book their photo sessions during the first three weeks.

But today I want to be share a little secret. You don't need to book in the first three weeks, and in fact, there are a couple of instances where you should probably wait.

So don't worry. If you missed the "ideal" window for newborn photos, take a deep breath—you haven’t missed anything. In fact, waiting until your baby is a bit older can bring its own kind of magic.

Many photographers focus on capturing newborns within the first 5 to 21 days, but lifestyle photography—especially in-home, natural sessions—is far more flexible. Whether you're 4 weeks postpartum or 12, there are still plenty of beautiful moments to capture.

Let’s explore the benefits of waiting (yes, there are many!) and what you can expect from a newborn photo session after the first month.

Why are Newborn Photos Usually Taken in the First Three Weeks?

Traditionally, newborn photographers aim to schedule sessions during the first two to three weeks for a few reasons:

• Sleepy, curled-up poses: In those early days, babies sleep deeply and still curl into fetal positions, making it easier to pose them in those classic womb-like poses often seen in studio photography.

• Minimal baby acne or colic: The first two weeks are sometimes called the “honeymoon phase” before skin sensitivity, baby acne, or colicky phases kick in.

• Tiny details: Babies grow fast—within weeks, those teeny toes, delicate fingers, and sleepy smiles start to change.

  
  

But these timelines are largely relevant for posed studio photography, which relies on deep sleep, wraps, and controlled lighting. If you’re leaning toward a natural, connection-focused session, waiting longer can still produce stunning, emotional, and honest results.

Why you Might Want to Wait to Take Photos

Life with a newborn is unpredictable. Recovery takes time. Emotions run high. Scheduling a photographer during those whirlwind first few weeks just might not happen—and that’s okay.

Here are some valid reasons to wait:

You Need Time to Heal

Whether you had a C-section, experienced birth trauma, or just need extra rest, your physical and emotional healing matter more than a timeline. When you're feeling more grounded—around 4 to 6 weeks postpartum—you're likely to enjoy the experience much more.

You Want to Establish a Routine

By week 4 or 5, you may have settled into a feeding rhythm, and baby might have slightly longer stretches of alertness and sleep. You’re no longer in survival mode, which can help everyone feel more present and connected during your session.

You Simply Forgot—or Didn’t Know

Not every parent knows there’s a “window” for newborn photos, and that's okay. There’s no expiration date on capturing your baby’s early life, especially when the focus is love, connection, and real moments.

Baby’s Personality is Emerging

Around 4 to 8 weeks, babies start making eye contact, smiling, and stretching out. Their tiny personalities begin to peek through—which makes for heartwarming, expressive images you’ll cherish forever.

Your Baby Was Premature or Just Very Small

If your baby arrived early or was born on the smaller side, you may need extra time before they’re ready for a photo session. Many NICU families understandably want to focus on baby’s health and bonding first. Waiting a few extra weeks allows your baby to gain strength, develop feeding routines, and settle in at home. Whether your preemie was born in a Houston-area hospital like Texas Children’s or Memorial Hermann, know that there’s no rush to “catch” a photography deadline. In fact, photographing your baby once they’re home, growing, and thriving often results in even more meaningful images.

Here's a baby that was over a month old when I photographed her. While she wasn't premature, she was tiny when she was born (under 5 pounds!) and was just starting to fill out regular newborn sized clothes when I photographed her at one month.

Honestly, if mom had made it in any earlier these photos would not have been any cuter. You know your baby best. If they are tiny and you want squishy newborn photos, don't feel bad about waiting a couple extra weeks.

She also came with her two older sisters and it was so cute to see the bond they already had with her! I doubt I would have gotten so many snuggly photos if this little one was only a week old and they weren't as comfortable holding her.

You Want to Capture Those Delicious Baby Rolls

Let’s be honest—chunky thighs, round cheeks, and squishy arms are some of the cutest things about babies in their first months. If you wait until 6, 8, or even 10 weeks, your little one will likely have filled out a bit, making those photos even more snuggle-worthy. These are the features that grandparents swoon over and that you’ll want to remember forever. The extra time also means more intentional, eye-contact-rich images that truly showcase your baby’s emerging personality.

Here's another photoshoot I did with a baby who was over a month old. You can see how much he has filled out with those adorable plump cheeks. Here's the thing: babies actually do get cuter and cuter. You aren't going to wake up with a two month old and think- boy, this kid isn't very photogenic anymore! Of course, each stage is unique and there is something precious and fleeting about the newborn stage when they are just oh so little. But each stage is like that. Every time your baby changes and does something new or develops a new trait you are going to think: I need to capture them just like this!

Baby Acne, Flaky Skin & Common Concerns May Pass

Newborn skin is often unpredictable. Around weeks 2–4, it’s common for babies to develop flaky patches, baby acne, or even cradle cap. While these can be airbrushed out in post processing, you will lose some of that close up detail. If you wait a bit—typically around 5 to 8 weeks—those skin conditions often clear up on their own, leaving behind the soft, dewy glow . Plus, with a lifestyle session, we’re focusing on connection and storytelling over “perfect” appearances, and I always use gentle editing to keep things real while minimizing any temporary distractions.

What will my Newborn Photos Look Like if I Wait Over a Month?

If your baby is over a month old, your photos will look a little different than a 7-day-old studio session—but in the best way.

More Awake, Engaged Baby

Older newborns are often more alert and interactive. Expect wide eyes, thoughtful stares, or even your baby locking eyes with the camera. You may not get those sleepy, swaddled shots—but you’ll get something arguably more special: connection.

Gentle Posing Over Posed

Your photographer (hi, that’s me!) will guide you into soft, natural poses—rocking baby on the bed, snuggled on the couch, or laying together on a cozy blanket. No complicated props. Just your family, as you are.

Baby Expressions

Older newborns start to show subtle expressions: sleepy yawns, tiny smirks, furrowed brows. These candid moments are gold and bring variety to your final gallery.

A Stronger Bond on Display

Waiting a few extra weeks allows more time for you to build emotional connection and physical comfort with your baby. You’ll see it in the photos—how confidently you hold them, how attuned you are to their needs, how deeply in love you are.

🌿 Expect relaxed, heartfelt, personality-filled images that feel real—not staged.

Here's a newborn shoot I did with a 4 week old baby. You can see the connection and comfort that mom had with him right away!

And here's a newborn baby session with a three month old baby. Some medical issues prevents newborn photos in the first couple months but mom still wanted those wrapped and swaddled baby photos. Look how sweet they are with his chunky arms and cheeks!

Why You Might Want an At Home Lifestyle Session With your Older Baby

If you’re taking photos with a baby older than 3 or 4 weeks, an in-home lifestyle session is the perfect fit.

Here’s why:

Your Home Is Your Story

At-home sessions capture the place where you rocked, fed, changed, and stared in awe at your baby. Whether it’s the nursery in your Pecan Grove home, the sunlight streaming into your Sugar Land bedroom, or snuggles on your couch in Pearland—your photos are layered with personal meaning.

It’s Flexible and Baby-Led

Lifestyle sessions follow your baby’s pace. Need to pause for a feed? No problem. Want to keep them swaddled or let them stretch out? Totally your call. There’s no rush, no pressure, and no expectation that baby sleeps the whole time.

In fact, I love getting some like this so you can see those huge baby eyes just taking in the world around them.

Those baby blue eyes!

Everyone’s Included

Big siblings, family pets, and even grandparents who happen to be visiting—everyone can be part of the story. These aren’t just baby photos—they’re family photos in the making.

Sibling always bring the love and snuggles, especially for this rainbow baby (mom brought this cute rainbow wrap which was so sweet)

You’ll Be Glad You Documented This Season

Even at 5, 6, or 8 weeks, your baby is still tiny. Your arms still cradle them in that sweet newborn way. Their toes still curl, their hands still clench. Whether they’re asleep or wide awake, now is still a moment worth remembering.

In fact, here's some sweet shots from a lifestyle baby session with a 6 month old baby:

Final Thoughts: You Haven’t Missed Your Chance

There’s no deadline on documenting love.

If you’re a new parent in Sugar Land, Friendswood, Pearland, Katy, Richmond, Fulshear, Sienna, or Rosenberg, and you thought you missed the newborn photo window—I'm here to tell you: you haven’t. Not even close.

Whether your baby is 5 days old or 100 days old, I’ll capture beautiful photos of your family’s newest chapter—in your home, on your terms.

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