The newborn phase goes by so fast. One moment your baby is a curly bean, sleeping and eating and the next, they're waving their hands and legs waiting to leap right out of your arms. Let's roll it back to the beginning though - after you bring your baby home. The best time to get those sleepy newborn photos is between 0-2 weeks. As a Seattle in-home newborn photographer, I always say to my families the earlier the better. On the same hand, it's never too late and as your photographer, I want these tips to encourage that thought.
This blog post aims to help you take some memorable newborn photos at home with your iPhone, Android phone or a digital camera. Whether you're the mom, dad, grandparent, older sibling or even the nanny, my hope is that you'll feel confident enough to snap all the little milestones in your newborn baby's growth with any camera.
(Of course, if you'd like to just relax and let a professional newborn photographer do all the work for you, you can always contact me.)
pick out outfits, props and accessories
There are an endless supply of props that you can use for newborn photos at home. In order not to get overwhelmed, narrow it down to a few sentimental stuffed toys, blankets, swaddles and accessories like headbands, pacifiers, diaper covers. If you're using a letterboard to introduce your baby, have it ready before you start your newborn photo shoot.
For your baby's outfit, pick something neutral and not too heavy on the patterns. Baby skin picks up colours from the clothing very easily so choose something light. That way the focus stays on the baby.
For accessories, don't use anything that fits too big on the newborn baby and will end up taking away from their face. Avoid big bows on headbands, if you are using any.
For swaddles, cotton (muslin) swaddles are my favourite for newborn photos, and that's what I recommend to parents.
Look for a natural light location
Perhaps you have a more that a few windows that bring in natural light in your home? Seek out these natural light spaces at home and place your baby safely on a blanket, pillow or in your arms for the photo. Make sure the light coming is not too bright and if it is, you can take a few paces away from the window or filter some of it with sheer curtain.
know if you want baby asleep or awake
You will have a different set of photos and expressions depending on whether you photograph your baby asleep or awake. Once you know how you want the photos to look, figure out when their awake or asleep time is for your newborn photos. Plan for a 15-30 minute window of time where you can give the photos and your baby all your attention. This might take some logistical shuffling, as it goes with every DIY project. Have a look at my newborn portfolio to see how different awake and asleep newborn photos at home look.
Make an inspiration board of newborn poses
You can do this anytime before the shoot but remember that you are doing this as a mom (or dad) - not a professional newborn photographer. It's okay if you can't get the photo to look exactly like it does on Pinterest. Here is a quick list of my favorite newborn baby poses:
- Overhead shot of the baby's full body
- Overhead shot of baby in the crib
- Baby through the rails of the crib
- Baby laying on your primary bed (the scale of big bed and small baby makes for an interesting contrast)
- Close-up photos of their fingers, toes, lips, ears....you get the picture.
- A chest up photo of their face while they are swaddled
All versions of these photos can be viewed on my Pinterest page or if you scroll to the bottom o this post.
Edit your photos
Most Smartphones take great photos these days but every photo needs editing to make it all the more better. The best editing app for photographers that is available for free on your iPhone or Android phone is Adobe Lightroom. It's really easy to use and if you are hesitant, I say play around with what all the settings do so you know how you want to modify your photos. My tip is to bump each individual correction meter to the highest and lowest setting and see how and what it changes in your photos. You got this!
Get yourself in the photos too
Use the self-timer or don't DIY and hire a professional! It's going to be a lot of mental effort to plan a photoshoot and then execute it as a new mom or parent. These tips are great but what would be worth even more is you being able to relax into this time with your new baby and let a professional in-home newborn photographer do all the work. I have years of experience photographing families with a newborns at their homes and will think of everything + more, for you. Besides, if you're the mom, you need to be in the photos with your spouse, your baby and their siblings.
Whether you have a newborn you just brought home or you feel like you missed the newborn window, I can do every single kind of newborn or family photography right in the comfort of your home in the greater Seattle area. I have preparation tips so know that any kind of home space (apartments, townhomes, tiny homes, cabins, dark houses) would work for your newborn photos. Contact me to inquire about your session today.
