Newborn photography is literally that: it is taking photographs of your brand-new baby. Capturing them and all their gorgeous newness in an image that you will treasure forever. But it is worth considering your newborn photo timing, to make sure you get the most memorable images of your little one. Let’s see if 1 month is too old for newborn photography.
What Counts as “Newborn” in Photography?
A baby is typically considered a newborn for the first 28 days of life. But in photography, the ideal time for a newborn photoshoot to take place is generally when your little one is up to 2 weeks old. In fact, 5-10 days is the perfect newborn photography age.
During this “golden window” first fortnight, a newborn will typically still be very sleepy for much of the time which makes it much easier to gently and safely pose them and achieve the super cute newborn images you want in newborn photography. Plus, they are less sensitive to touch at this early age so are less likely to be disturbed by movement and posing. During the first two weeks newborn babies still naturally curl up in deep, snug, sleepy poses and tend not to have too many baby spots yet or flaky skin just yet. So, the first two weeks really is the ideal time for newborn photos to be taken.
But what if your little one is slightly older, and outside this golden window of the perfect newborn photography age? What if they are 1 month?
Is 1 Month Too Old for Newborn Pictures?
No! Not at all. A one-month-old is not too old for newborn photos. So don’t worry if your baby falls outside of this first two weeks age range. Lots of photographers, me included, work with babies that are slightly older. I photograph newborns up to 1 month. So, if your little one is three weeks or four weeks old, then you haven’t missed the opportunity for newborn portraits. 1-month-old baby photos are super cute and precious.
However, do bear in mind that the older your little one is, the more awake and more easily disturbed they may be, and therefore some of the poses may be more difficult to achieve. This is why newborn photo timing is so important.
How Babies Change in the First Month
Oh my goodness, don’t they grow and change so very fast? In the first month, babies make big developments with their bodies, brains and senses. They become stronger and more in control of their movements. Their vision, hearing and sense of smell all develop as they become more familiar with their surroundings. They begin to make eye contact and maybe even their first real smile!
Importantly, in their first month newborn babies become much more alert and responsive. As a newborn photographer, this means that even the gentlest moving may wake baby and make certain poses more difficult to achieve. Definitely something to bear in mind with regards to newborn photography age.
Tips for Photographing a 4-Week-Old Baby
A 4-week-old baby will be far more alert and responsive than a two-week-old newborn, and this can make some of the typical newborn poses more difficult to achieve.
There are a few tricks to try to make their newborn photoshoot go as smoothly as possible. Before the shoot it’s a great idea to keep baby awake for a few hours. This means they will be sleepy when they arrive at the studio, which I will have ready at a toasty warm temperature. This will then be the ideal time to give your little one a top-up feed. A full tummy means a calm and content, sleepy baby. And a deep slumber means peaceful poses.
If your little one can sometimes be tricky to settle, have a read of these seven great ways to soothe your baby, which just might help.
SAMPHIRE PHOTOGRAPHY | HORSHAM PHOTOGRAPHER | SPECIALISING IN NEWBORN, BABY AND MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY
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Your newborn is just about the most precious thing. You want to be confident that they are in safe hands. Read my 10 things to consider when choosing a newborn photographer. It should answer any questions you might have and help put your mind at ease. And let me reassure that baby safety is paramount when booking a portrait session with a professional newborn photographer.
Is 1 Month Too Old for Newborn Pictures?
