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Congrats on the little one! Between the feeding, changing, crying (from you or the baby), we know you adore your new arrival. Being a parent can be physically and emotionally exhausting, but it can also be joyful and rewarding. While we cannot help you with the newborn night shift, we can most definitely help simplify capturing beautiful memories of your growing family.
We recommend that you schedule your newborn session five to 14 days after the baby is born. It’s important to take photos in this stage because the newborn is, in fact, newly born. After this period, they are less likely to sleep through the session (which is often ideal), and it is often harder to place the newborn in those endearing womb-like poses.
That being said, our tips below are applicable to babies of any age, even after they are a few months old.
Story by Pixel and Hank
Using matching swaddles and blankets in newborn photoshoots can create a cohesive and visually appealing look. Opt for swaddles and blankets made from soft, breathable, and comfortable fabrics like cotton, muslin, or other stretchy knit materials. Consider incorporating different textures to add depth and visual interest to the images.
The Simplest by Lea Delaveris
Place the wreath on a soft surface, such as a blanket or bed, and position the baby inside or next to the wreath. This can create a beautiful frame and add a natural and organic element to the composition. Ensure that the wreath is safe and made from materials that are gentle on the baby's skin. Putting the baby in a shallow basket as shown in the picture can add an extra layer of protection to limit the baby’s interaction with the wreath arrangement.
Taking newborn photos with siblings can be a wonderful way to capture the special bond between the baby and their older brothers or sisters. Be mindful of the attention span and mood of the siblings, especially if they are young. Plan to be patient and flexible, allowing breaks if needed (which can be a great opportunity for capturing candid moments).
BFFs by Pink House Press
Beanies can add a cute and cozy element to newborn photos. They give the photos a warm and snuggly touch, especially in sessions with a winter or autumn theme. Consider if the beanie aligns with the overall style and aesthetic you envision for the photos.
Birth Certificate by Hooray Creative
If you’re a paw parent, you know that your family shots are not complete without your fur babies. Keep in mind that having a pet in a shot can be challenging. Ensure you familiarize the pet with the baby's scent and presence before the photoshoot. Capture candid and authentic moments of the pet and the newborn together, and encourage gentle and supervised interactions—such as sniffing, nuzzling, or lying beside the baby—beforehand.
Pictured Here by Christie Garcia
In this pose, the baby is positioned with their chin resting on their hands, resembling a frog. It requires careful handling and support to ensure the baby's safety and comfort. Make sure your photographer is experienced in posing newborns this way.
While the frog pose above might require professional newborn photographers, this one does not. Simply rest the baby’s head in their hands as shown in this example.
Splendid little one by Orasie
This pose involves gently curling the baby into a fetal position, resembling a taco shape. The baby's legs are tucked under their body, and their hands can be placed near their face or chest.
Linen frame by Lea Delaveris
Aerial shots can add a unique and creative perspective to a newborn photoshoot, capturing the baby and their surroundings from an overhead view. It's crucial to prioritize the baby's comfort and calmness while trying to take a shot like this.
headline news by Phrosne Ras
An outdoor photoshoot is uncommon for newborns due to the amount of planning required. Think about the baby’s sleep schedule, travel time, weather, and sun exposure, plus the amount of props or outfits that you’ll need to bring. Extra considerations aside, this setting can be a fun experience for the whole family. If you can, get creative with your surroundings nearby (such as a backyard).
Capture a beautiful moment with your newest family member, and include one of the photos in a birth announcement card to introduce the baby to your loved ones. You can also print and frame the shot as a family keepsake.
Perfection by Pixel and Hank
Consider an aerial shot of you and your partner’s hands holding the little one as an artistic option to try.
Simple Photo by Brianne Larsen
Hair accessories are common in baby girl photoshoots. While cotton hair bands and tiny bow headbands are beautiful, you can also opt for flower crowns for a more whimsical touch.
Infiltrating the baby’s space with too many props can make them feel uncomfortable, which can ruin the their mood and affect the whole photoshoot you have planned. Accessorizing the backdrops with flowers is a safe option to try. This will make the photos beautiful without risking the baby’s comfort.
When doing a photoshoot at home, natural lighting is important. Standing facing the window is a good option to capture the natural light. Sheer curtains can help soften the light and add an elegant background to your pictures.
This pose involves placing the baby on their side with their head supported by their hands or a prop. It creates a relaxed and serene image of the baby peacefully sleeping.
Soft Edges by Erica Krystek
A rattan basket is a nice prop foryour newborn photoshoot. Prep the basket with swaddling clothes or soft blankets, and make sure to clean the basket and any props prior to the shoot.
Loving Welcome by Ekko Studio
Show how much joy the arrival of the little one brings with a close-and-comfy shot.
Ollie by Kristie Kern
A crib can provide a beautiful and intimate setting for capturing memorable newborn photographs. Use a fitted sheet that complements the desired aesthetic or theme of the photoshoot. While bedding, pillows, and stuffed animals can be used as photo props, remove unnecessary ones to avoid clutter.
Be creative in visualizing how to prop the photoshoot. A uniquely shaped box that can fit the baby can make the photo fun and differentiated.
Ric Rac by Megan Davis
Do you want the photos done in your home? If so, is the photographer willing to come to your home? Especially with newborns, location is vital because you want the baby to feel comfortable and also be in a clean environment.
It is important to have the correct lighting when planning a newborn photoshoot. Utilize natural light or consider using soft and diffused artificial lighting to create a warm and inviting ambiance. We tend to find that the morning works best, but that is dependent on the direction of the sun, so plan to work around your knowledge of your home’s lighting.
Six Photo Grid by Nicole Walsh
We advise that you take the newborn’s photos between five and 14 days old because they sleep deeply around 16 hours a day and are easy to move around and pose in that state of deep sleep. Make sure the little one is fed and going down for a nap for optimal time for photos. Ultimately, you know the baby best and will be able to identify their least fussy time of day.
If the baby is uncomfortable, fussy, or upset, it can be challenging to pose them and capture the desired images. A baby in a good mood is more likely to display these charming expressions, making the photographs more engaging and memorable. If the baby is happy and calm, it can create a more enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere for everyone involved, resulting in more natural and heartfelt photographs.
Find a cozy blanket and gingerly place it on your mattress for an easy backdrop in your bedroom. Anything soft and plush on a surface that is not precarious will get the job done.
While the newborn's mood is essential, it's important to remember that babies can be unpredictable, and their comfort and needs should always take precedence. Our favorite newborn photography tip is to keep it simple with clothing and props! Don’t let the photo props make the baby uncomfortable and cranky.
Pastel and neutral colors tend to look the best. For clothes, there are a few options: the onesie, the baby blanket swaddle, and of course, nude. You can also throw cute knit beanies and dainty headbands into the mix. Try a small stuffed animal, a textured blanket, or any other plush prop to make your photos more dynamic. The options are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
One huge benefit of not hiring a photographer: If the newborn is unhappy, you can just try again tomorrow. In fact, that’s what we recommend. If the baby is feeling grumpy, don’t force it and instead just try another time. Here are a few tips for you:
First, try and place your phone perpendicular to the newborn to get that stunning aerial shot. For another shot, get down to the newborn’s level for an endearing close up of their feet or hands. Next, play around with angles until you feel that you have a winner in your camera roll. Especially if the little one is not fussing, take advantage of repeating this process with cute hats, new poses, and different backdrops.
concha by chocomocacino
Additionally, be sure to get a healthy mix of both horizontal and vertical photos so you can take advantage of a variety of custom photo framing options later.
If you’re planning to create a birth announcement, we recommend that you take several photos that leave ¼ of the photo empty on the top or bottom to leave room for the newborn’s name, height, and weight.
Ultimately, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to recreate your inspiration photos. Don’t be too ambitious. Take pictures that truly reflect your family to capture candid moments of you bonding with the little one.
A newborn photographer specifically focuses on capturing images of newborn babies. Newborn photography requires a unique set of skills and knowledge due to the delicate nature of working with infants, and as such, newborn photographers are trained to handle and pose newborns safely while creating beautiful and memorable images. They understand the specific needs and limitations of photographing newborns, including their vulnerability, sensitivity to light and sound, and the importance of maintaining a comfortable environment. As the photographer, they will be positioning the little one, and they must ensure that the positions they’re putting them in aren’t causing distress. For example, all upright positions, as well as any poses requiring suspension, must require the support of human hands.
It’s important to ensure that your photographer’s health allows them to safely work with newborns. Ask if the photographers and their team are up to date on their vaccines, and find out the overall sanitation practices to the photo props and equipment as well as their studio.
Another key question is to ask how long they have been taking pictures of newborns and how many babies they have taken pictures of since the start of their career. This will give you a clearer idea of the depth of their experience. Ask them to share several poses they have in mind and newborn photos they took in the past. Some photographers may have unique newborn photo ideas and poses that catch your eye. You want to make sure the babies look calm and comfortable and that a variety of poses are captured. Another thing to look for is even lighting and clear, high-resolution photos.
You know your family best. It is better to over communicate to the photographer(s) so they know what to expect when working with you and your family. If you want some family shots, make sure to tell the photographer team so they can prepare some props for the whole family and allocate ample amount of time during the photoshoot.
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