Newborn Photography Tips: How To Capture Your Baby’s First Moments

I’m going to go out on a limb here and assume that, if you’re reading this blog post, there’s a pretty high chance that you are a new parent. So, firstly, I’d like to say a huge congratulations to you on the new addition to your family! I’m sure you’re keen to create and capture as many memories as possible – after all, as we all know, kids really do grow up quickly! Today I am sharing some of the best newborn photography tips that will help you to capture beautiful, high-quality photos of your little one.

It’s amazing to think about how just a few tweaks to your positioning, or changing up the lighting, can drastically improve the quality of a photograph. These practical newborn photography tips are all beginner-friendly, however, if you’re keen to get your hands on some wonderful quality newborn photos without the added faff of doing it yourself, you could also consider hiring a professional newborn photographer.

Let’s get started: here are 10 practical tips that will help you to capture those precious newborn moments.

1. Choose the Right Time

The number one newborn photography tip is to choose your timing wisely. This applies to both DIY photoshoots and professional photographer shoots. Timing is absolutely crucial in newborn photography. It’s best to take these photos within the first two weeks of your baby’s life. During this period, newborns are typically more sleepy and easier to pose. You should aim to photograph your baby in the morning when they are usually more settled.

2. Use Natural Light

Natural light is your best friend when it comes to newborn photography. Position your baby near a large window where soft, diffused light can illuminate them. Avoid using flash, as it can be harsh and startling for your baby. If natural light is not available, consider using a softbox light kit, like this one on Amazon*, or another type of diffuse lighting to softly light up your newborn without disturbing him/her.

3. Keep the Environment Warm

Newborns can get cold quickly, which can make them fussy and upset. This definitely isn’t ideal for newborn photography! To minimise that amount of fuss you’ll have to deal with when taking photos of your newborn, ensure the room is warm so that your baby stays comfortable. A cosy, comfortable environment will help your baby stay calm and content, making it easier to capture those precious moments.

4. Simplify the Background

Another vital newborn photography tip is to keep the background simple. The main focus of your DIY newborn photo shoot is to capture the gorgeous features of your beautiful baby. To ensure that the background doesn’t distract the eye from your baby, use a simple backdrop such as a sheet or plain blanket. Stick to neutral colours such as white, beige, or soft pastels to keep the focus on your newborn.

5. Get Close and Focus on Details

One of the best newborn photography tips I can share with you is to stay close to your baby and really focus on the details. Newborns have so many adorable little details that you’ll want to remember for years to come. Think about those tiny fingers, cute little toes, and those adorable button noses! To make the most of these features, use a macro lens, or the close-up mode on your camera, to capture these important details. Staying close to your newborn also helps to eliminate any background distractions, as well as highlighting the unique features of your newborn.

6. Incorporate Props Thoughtfully

Another of our newborn photography tips is to use props to add a creative touch to your newborn photo shoot. Props, such as soft blankets, hats, and headbands are popular choices for newborn photos. These props do not distract from your newborn and are also safe and comfortable.

7. Newborn Photography Tips – Experiment with Angles

Don’t be afraid to try different angles to find the most flattering perspective. Photograph your baby from above, from the side, or at their eye level. Each angle can offer a different view and bring out different features of your gorgeous newborn. Of course, you must ensure that you are always prioritising your baby’s safety and comfort when positioning them.

8. Capture Candid Moments

Perhaps this isn’t a traditional suggestion that you’d expect from a blog post about newborn photography tips, but there’s something to be said for candid photos. While posed photos are, of course, lovely, candid shots can often capture the essence of your newborn’s personality. Take pictures while your baby is yawning, stretching, or making funny faces. These candid moments can be some of the most cherished photos, showing the natural and unscripted beauty of your baby’s early days.

9. Newborn Photography Tips – Edit with Care

When it comes to newborn photography tips, there’s more to it than simply “point and click”. It can be tempting to over edit your photos, especially when we have access to so many image-editing apps and software programs. However, it’s important to remember that when you’re editing newborn photos, a light touch is better. When it comes to editing your newborn photo shoot, adjust the brightness, contrast, and colour balance to ensure that the photos look natural. These subtle enhancements can be made on your phone’s inbuilt editing software, on apps such as Snapseed, or software such as Photoshop or Lightroom.

10. The Ultimate Newborn Photography Tip: Be Patient and Take Your Time

The most important newborn photography tip is to be patient and take your time. Newborn photography requires a lot of patience. Babies are unpredictable, and it may take some time to get the perfect shot. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to take breaks if your baby becomes fussy and don’t rush the photoshoot process. Use your DIY newborn photoshoot as a way to mindfully be present and enjoy the experience and opportunity to spend this special time with your newborn.

Newborn Photography Tips: Final Words

Photographing your newborn is a wonderfully rewarding experience. Planning your own DIY baby photo shoot can capture the fleeting moments of your newborn’s earliest days. With these newborn photography tips, you’ll be well on your way to capturing some truly stunning photos that you and your family will treasure for years to come.