5 Helpful Tips: Newborn Photos at Home
It’s so disappointing that you can’t have a professional photographer in your home to capture those magical first few weeks or months right now. These simple tips will help you create your own memorable moments to treasure always. My philosophy is all about capturing the authenticity of a new little one in your home and part of your family.
What You’ll Need:
Baby :-)
Camera (phone, point and shoot or break out that DSLR you have been wanting to try!)
Simple swaddle or onesie for the baby
Window
What To Wear:
Neutral colors and textures work well
Steer clear of logos or distracting wild patterns
Baby: simple white or neutral color onesie or muslin or stretchy swaddle (it’s about the baby not the outfit!)
Coordinate and compliment without being matchy matchy
SAFETY NOTE: SAFETY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO CONSIDER WHEN TAKING NEWBORN & BABY PHOTOS!
NEVER pose baby in any unnatural positions! Much of what you see on Pinterest is composed in Photoshop and doesn’t occur in real life! Photographers who pose newborns are specifically trained in posing (and Photoshop) and all safety related to it. Be sure to have a second pair of adult hands to help you “spot” to be safe.
Prepare
Figure out where to take the photos. Master bed, nursery, or living room are often the best spots for light and environment. Clear any clutter you wouldn’t want in the photos.
Think about what time of day the light is best in the place you want pictures. In general, I find the light to be wonderful around 9-10am in people’s homes.
Get baby ready by swaddling or putting on onesie and then having a good feed. A good full belly helps put baby in a calm disposition. They don’t have to be asleep, you can get gorgeous shots with baby awake!
Light
The main ingredient in photography is light. Look around your home, where is the light bright & harsh? Where is it even? Where are the deepest shadows? What time of day do these types of light occur?
Soft natural light is best for photos. Find a window, open the blinds, and turn OFF all the over head and table lights. Not only does artificial light mess with the color of your photos, but they create shadows where you don’t want them. Also, turn OFF the flash on your phone or camera.
Work near a window so you can use all that beautiful natural light coming in, but don’t block the light.
Position
*AGAIN, SAFETY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT! I never pose the baby, but place them in positions that are most natural and comfortable.
Lay baby on bed, floor, basinet, crib, etc… with window to left, right, or top of baby’s head. You never want the light coming from the direction of the feet.
Once baby is settled, take photos from several different angles, move yourself around- above, from the side, tilted, the side for a profile, full body, just shoulders and head, etc. Try at least 3 different angles, and see what you like best. You could also use this time to get details of baby’s fingers, toes, belly button, ears, wisps of hair. Phones and most cameras will let you get pretty close up! On point & shoot or DSLR cameras find the mode that is labeled with the little flower (macro mode).
If baby is in the crib or basinet, try shooting through the slats to get little toes, or from above to get a different perspective.
Capturing Connection
Take turns with your significant other. Hold and snuggle the baby how you would naturally and have the other take the pics. Some ideas:
Stand with one shoulder to the window and the photographer facing you. It creates a nice angle.
Sit on the edge of the bed holding the baby with the window light on you.
Get up close, far away, from above, get those little feet or hands sticking out. Then switch partners!
Get siblings involved. AGAIN, SAFETY FIRST! Always make sure you have a set of adult hands to spot sibling with baby. Children, especially toddlers are very unpredictable!
Siblings on bed together, older holding baby if they are old enough and can support baby’s head.
Self Timer
The self timer is an invaluable tool on any camera! Everyone get on the master bed or on the living room sofa and snuggle in together!
Take a few where everyone is looking at the camera (for grandma!)
Take a few where everyone is looking at the new baby.
Take a few where everyone is snuggling and hugging each other!
Bonus
Relax and enjoy those new baby moments as much as you can. Take in their smell, tiny features, the little noises. I know it’s overwhelming and days go by like a flash, but these beautiful captures you are about to take will be there to remind you always!
I am available for zoom consultations. I can help you get started with finding the ideal location in your home, figuring out what to wear, swaddling the baby, and tips on using your phone or camera that will make a difference in the photos. I am also available to help edit your photos once you have finished your session. Please reach out for rates and any other information or questions! Looking forward to connecting with you!