How To Take Newborn Pictures At Home

Famous Baby Photographers You Must Check Out

How to do Newborn Photography at Home

No matter the genre you are specializing in, we all need photography inspiration from time to time. Photography is about lifelong learning. And who are the best teachers? Other photographers, of course.

Never stop looking at other artists work. You can learn new techniques or find inspiration in their photos.

We collected 10 famous baby photographers who are great sources of creative ideas. And their newborn photos are heart-melting.

Newborn Photography Ideas At Home

Youve probably seen a wide variety of newborn baby poses, from a sweet swaddle to a baby in a basket or hanging in a sling from a branch. Lots of the poses you may have seen might take half an hour just to set up, and some actually require having an assistant hold the baby in position and are photoshopped afterward. Some people love these more creative poses some people hate them. I prefer more natural poses that dont look contrived and poses that keep the baby safe. Since my goal here is to help you take better photos of your own newborn at home, Im going to share three simple, go-to poses that youll be able to use without extra equipment, as well as plenty of inspiration photos for your DIY newborn session.

Why do you need to pose newborns at all? A couple of reasons:

  • Newborns have very little control over their limbs, so they tend to flail about. Left to their own devices, their arms and hands can look very contorted.
  • Most newborns burrow their heads into whatever is nearest them, meaning they will generally hide their faces in any blanket or pillow you lay them down on.
  • Newborns legs are long and skinny, and they just dont look good in photographs when they are sticking straight out. Tucking their legs up underneath them makes for a much tidier looker photo.
  • Summary For Newborn Photos At Home

    Those are my go-to poses for newborn sessions and most most requested poses. Have a read again on the day of your mini-shoot to make sure you know what to do. Babies sense if youre uneasy. Do it with secure hands and with intention and they will stay asleep. If you are nervous they will wake up. If you at any point feel unsafe doing this, please stop. Its not worth endangering your baby. The easiest pose is the baby on back pose . I love the master bed for this pose. There is not risk of the baby falling anywhere.

    Again, for my clients I am currently offering free mini video chats to walk you through this and to coach you. It should take about 15-20 minutes. Its a difficult time, and I dont want you to have regrets about missing out. I will be there to photograph your baby as soon as this stay at home request is lifted. Every phase should be treasured. Your baby will always be your baby.

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    Here Is A Break Down Of What To Expect At Sessions For Babies In The First Year

    1 7 weeks old: These are traditional newborn sessions. Babies are sleepy for most of the day, making it easy to pose babies in the popular newborn poses. Baies are swaddled, posed in buckets or baskets, and in sleepy poses laying on beautiful fabric backdrops. I also include some great awake pictures, to document all those great baby expressions in the first few weeks. Read more about my newborn photography sessions at my Northfield photography studio for more information.

    8 weeks 3 months: At this age baby is awake more. They still enjoy being wrapped, enjoy tummy time, and begin smiling and mimicking facial expressions. Many of the poses are similar to newborn poses, but adjusted to accommodate babys growing body and decreased sleeping time.

    4 6 months: This stage is different for all babies. I often encourage parents to not get caught up in the month of when we take pictures, but focus more on the milestones you baby is reaching. It is better to wait a few weeks until baby is able to sit unassisted. This will give your sessions in the first year more variety and also show the big milestones baby has reached.

    7 9 months: Babies at this stage are typically able to sit on unassisted. This is also my favorite milestone for babies. They are able to sit and crawl, have great facial expression but cant run away from me yet. Because that will happen when they can walk!

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    Best Newborn Photography Props

    Newborn Charlotte Portraits at Home  Babys First Year

    There are five main types of props used during a newborn photography photo shoot.

    1. Round Prop

    For round props, things like woven baskets, wood bowls, and nests are used. Photographers love this style of prop because they seem to naturally keep baby in a nice, round shape.

    2. Rectangle Prop

    The most popular rectangular props right now are wood and bamboo crates. Baby is always padded underneath with layers of knit blankets, faux fur or felted wool for comfort. This prop is also perfect for capturing close up macro shots of babys details.

    3. Baby Bed Prop

    Wood baby beds are the most popular newborn photography prop right now. They are often handmade by a woodworker photographers. Made with specific dimensions, they are perfectly sized for a newborn baby.

    4. Bucket Prop

    Although the bucket prop shot can be more challenging, it sure is a parent favorite! In this prop, babys half swaddled body is placed down into the bucket. Babys arms rest on the edge of the bucket for a perfect shot of their face. Dont worry, there is plenty of padding and support in and around the inside of the bucket to keep baby very comfortable. Buckets props come in a variety of materials, with wood and metal being the most popular in newborn photography.

    5. Flokati Rug

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    Tips For Diy Newborn Photos

    Ive always been incredibly impressed with those moms who have the wherewithal to schedule an in-home newborn session with a photographer in those early days of bringing baby home. They make some of the most beautiful, treasured memories you can capture as a family. But, sometimes a professional photographer isnt in the budget, or youre just not mentally prepared to change out of your milk-stained nursing bra and welcome a stranger into your home, much less be camera-ready.

    You can still capture beautiful, quality memories with a few simple tricks and a tap of your phone camera.

    01. Keep it simple

    Youll find that the sweetest DIY newborn pictures are the simplest. Neutral swaddles and a sweet knotted hat are really all you need. When deciding on outfits for your new babe, less is more. Same goes for your background. White bedding or blankets with texture can be your base. Simplify your shoot by keeping the focus on baby.

    02. Remove clutter

    You dont need a professional photo studio to capture your newborn photos. But you do need a clean workspace. Once you designate a spot for your photos, gather up all the clutter into a laundry basket and move it out of the way until youre finished.

    03. Opt for natural light

    04. Practice makes perfect

    05. Get creative with props

    Everything you need for your newborn shoot is already at home! Try using these props to set the scene.

    06. Aim for sleepy babies

    07. Safety first

    08. Get in the picture

    Tip: 5 Dont Be Afraid To Pose The Baby

    I made the mistake of being afraid to pose the baby. I was so concerned with my babys comfort that I didnt have the heart to close his fingers, move him around, put him on his stomach, wrap him tightly in cheesecloth, you get the idea.

    Learn from me and dont be afraid to pose the baby. You get one chance for these photos and your baby will be fine even if he/she looks uncomfortable on his/her tummy or tightly wrapped in cheese cloth. Be patient and keep trying.

    For this shoot, I gathered a few props from around the house such as a basket and few blankets. I threw in a tiny doll that I happened to have in the nursery. These are some photos I got from this look.

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    Use Templates To Create Cute Birth Announcements

    When youre done with your photoshoot, you can edit the pictures in PicMonkey and use our baby graphics to turn them into birth announcements, wall hangings, or get them scrapbook ready. You can also use your newly discovered baby photography ideas to create a personalized baby gift for someone in your life. Here are a few of our designer-made baby announcement templates to get you started. Have a great photo day!

    Tips To Take The Best Photos Of Your Newborn At Home

    How to take a newborn photo at home with Natural light.

    I originally wrote this at the start of the pandemic to help new parents who were having their newborns photos ripped away from them. I know most people have cell phones these days, and a lot of them are quite capable with the right environment and settings. So here are a few tips to take the best photos of your newborn at home with your cell phone or point and shoot camera!

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    Experiment With Camera Angles

    Think about different angles when taking photographs of your baby. Use trial and error to get something you like. For example, try taking a photo at babys eye level. Next take a photo while standing directly above the baby. Now, move around the baby while taking photos from different angles to see how the light falls differently on your newborn. Notice what happens if you move the camera to one side or if you move it forward a little. What angles look best to you?

    What To Pack For Diy Hospital Newborn Photos

    So lets start before you get to the hospital and are packing your go-bag. Planning ahead of time will give you more options later I always say. If I was packing my hospital bag right now this is what Id put in there when it comes to photos.

    • A cute robe! Lets be real, under that robe is a nursing bra/ tank top and leggings because comfort is key. But throw a cute robe over the top and you look cute and put together!
    • A swaddle blanket for baby with either a hat or bow. You can find sets on places like Spearmint Baby or . You can also pick up muslin swaddle blankets from Target with cute patterns.
    • Letterboard sign! I love these for putting babys birth info on or a fun quote. The one linked is double sided and even has storage for all the letters!
    • Small makeup bag for mom. This can be just mascara, eyeliner, and concealer. Just something to feel a bit more refreshed.
    • Your phone and charger. You can bring a camera if you like but dont stress yourself. Your phone is just fine for this!

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    Best Newborn Photography Outfits You Should Try

    Adult subjects are proactive in deciding what to wear for a photoshoot. Newborns have no choice but to rely on the photographers styling ideas.

    Newborn photos often have the same outfits. Sure, you need to be safe and use materials that are comfortable for the babies. But there is still space for creativity.

    Read our article on the 10 best newborn photography outfits.

    Smartphones are a great tool for capturing precious moments in time. They allow you to take high-quality images easily.

    Through apps, you can edit, add filters and post your images. All in one tiny package.

    One tip we can offer you here is to focus on the details. An iPhone allows you to get closer to a subject, locating those easy to miss wrinkles newborns have

    Read here on other ways you can use your smartphone to capture amazing images.

    Tips On How To Take Newborn Family Photos At Home Using Your Cell Phone

    4 months baby DIY photoshoot. All you need is a white sheet and ...

    My first newborn photoshoot was in 2005, right after the birth of my little nephew. Ive been a professional newborn family photographer in Boston since 2012. With over a decade of experience with newborn and baby photography, Ive learned a lot of tricks along the way to help you take beautiful baby photos at home. These are the tips that I use on a daily basis as a professional in-home newborn photographer. You dont need to be a professional.. these tips will help you capture your little baby at home, even if youre using your cell phone.

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    Experiment With Wide Angle Shots

    Your iPhone 11 also has the ability to do a wide angle shot when you apply .5 setting in camera mode.

    This zoomed-out effect is great for when you are taking photos in a cramped space.

    Or, when you want an overhead shot without having to stand on anything.

    You can do a lot with this iPhone photography tip, so dont forget its an option!

    As weve pointed out, a big advantage to DIY-ing your own newborn photography is that you can take your time and try many different things.

    As long as you baby is cooperating, you have the green light to get as creative as you want!

    Newborn Poses: How To Minimise Fuss And Maximise Cuteness

    Posing newborns can be a little daunting on your first try. They are all floppy and cant hold themselves well, if at all.

    Move slowly, be confident and never put the baby in danger. Use the parents to hold the baby in different poses. Then Photoshop them out during the editing stage.

    The back pose is one of the most common and the easiest to start with. Lay them on their back on soft material. Place their hands on their tummies.

    While they are there, grab some detail shots of their hands and feet. For the other two poses, read the article here.

    Also Check: How To Take Newborn Baby

    Beautiful Black And White Style

    Different newborn photographers will have different styles and approaches whether they photograph in a studio or at home. Do make sure you have a really good grasp of what your chosen photographer offers to ensure youre delighted with your pictures.

    For example, all my work is in black and white and taken in a very natural style. Im keen that the pictures are all about you as a family, focusing on connections and emotion. Photographing in your home can bring a lot of distracting elements into an image and so by working in timeless black and white there are no worries about plastic toys or colours cast from brightly-painted walls.

    Black and white photography is perfect for newborns as it will really stand the test of time. It will shine through the generations, looking great now, as your children grow up and when theyre adults.

    First Things First Light

    How to do a newborn photo shoot at home

    Before I share a single photo idea for your own DIY newborn photos at home, you have to understand the importance of light.

    Without good, flattering light, you wont have pretty photos.

    In fact, thats the most important aspect of any image, which is why access to natural light is my primary concern whenever I arrive at a clients home for a newborn photography session.

    So, what makes for beautiful light?

    You want soft sunlight, not the harsh light of the sun directly overhead. The way light flows into the rooms of your home will change throughout the day. The color of light will also change its warmer at sunrise and sunset, and more neutral in color during the day. Personally, I prefer the cooler look of light during the day, so this is when I schedule photo sessions.

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    Simple Tips For Shooting Diy Newborn Photography At Home

    Babies grow up fast and change so much even in days. There is no way people can schedule a professional photo shoot to capture every little milestone.

    So its a smart idea to learn how to take DIY newborn photography at home. The photos might not look that professional. But DIY newborn photography has advantages.

    Like you can take all the time you need. Or use any props that you have on hand.

    For the rest of the tips, read here.

    Be Careful With Overheating

    Although warmth can help calm and sleep a baby, excessive overheating can be dangerous. If it is too hot in a room, your baby may have trouble breathing: it may be very fast and uneven. You can also observe too fast heart beating with a broken rhythm. If you notice changes in breathing or that skin is too hot, stop taking pictures immediately. You must turn off the heater and give the baby wrapped in a light blanket to the mother.

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    Adorable Baby Christmas Picture Ideas You Should Try

    Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.

    Especially if a family just welcomed a new member and they are celebrating the babys first Christmas together.

    Here, we collected 19 adorable baby Christmas picture ideas for you.

    No matter if you want to shoot a newborn photography session or capture an older baby. You will find the inspiration you need!

    How To Get Professional Looking Newborn Photos At Home

    Best baby photo shoot ideas at home DIY

    February 2 by Steph

    Today weve got a tutorial Ive been wanting to include in our section for such a long time!

    Capturing a childs fleeting newborn stage is so important to so many parents out there but trying to get that elusive, perfect pic of a sleeping infant can be beyond frustrating and hiring it out can be prohibitively expensive.

    Of course not every type of shot can be achieved by a novice, the photo above of the baby propped up on her hands, for example, is done with special props and shouldnt be attempted at home for safety reasons. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of beautiful shots you can achieve on your own .

    Here to help is guest poster Andrea with her top six tips on how to get your newborns good side.

    Having a baby is exciting and fulfilling beyond words. Yet with the joy of a new little person also comes the reality of how expensive they can be. From diapers and formula to car seats and cute outfits, a newborns expenses add up quickly!

    Like many first-time mothers, when I had my first child two years ago, I went overboard filling our home with way too many baby accessories. I also invested a small fortune on a newborn photo shoot. Unfortunately, the whole experience was a mess and the photos turned out terribly.

    If youve recently welcomed a new member to your family, follow these step-by-step instructions for capturing those fleeting moments that youll cherish for the rest of your life.

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