Many newborn photo shoots have been canceled because of the coronavirus quarantine so I wanted to offer a few tips on how to have a beautiful DIY newborn photo session at home.
Let me start by telling you a little about my beginning in newborn photography. I had mostly been photographing families and high school seniors until my first grandchild was born. She changed everything! With her birth, my love for newborn photography was born. Over a 10 year period, I had seven grandchildren so I gained lots of experience! I have learned so much over the years and feel I could help guide you through a sweet and beautiful memory-making day for you and your family.
1. First Gather Your Supplies for the Shoot
- Camera or iPhone
- A simple outfit for baby (clothes can swallow a newborn so simple is best)
- Swaddle fabric
- Outfits for family
- Headbands/small accessories
Hint: Neutral colors such as whites, creams, light gray and other muted colors work best. Here are a few props on Amazon to consider.
2. Prepare Your Home and Baby for the Photoshoot
Make sure the temperature in the home is warm and comfortable. I suggest between 76 and 78 degrees. Create a warm nest of blankets for the baby. Have everything prepped and feed your baby right before the shoot. The goal is a milk high and lots of sweet sleeping shots. If the baby is awake you may get cross-eyed shots since they aren’t great at focusing yet. If you plan to do naked shots, be ready with towels and wipes for accidents!
Also if you have a Baby Shusher have it handy!
3. Find the Best Natural Light in the House
Look through the house in the morning for the best window for natural light. Large windows with beautiful filtered light across the room would be great. For the best shot, you want to use soft natural lighting. Turn off the overhead lights and the flash on your phone or camera.
5. Set the Scene
Remove clutter and any items that would be distracting in the shot, less is best. You want the focus to be on your baby so anything that draws your eye could be a distraction. Good props would be chairs, sofas, beds and medium shallow baskets.
6. For the Best Shot Focus the Camera Down on the Baby’s Face
Make sure your camera is focused on the baby’s face and that you are not shooting up the nose but down for a more flattering angle. Get in close so that you cut out most of the surroundings and stay tight to the important things. Soft throws and fluffy pillows are a big help with posing.
Try these shots:
- Full baby from above
- Close-up
- Hands, toes and other tiny features
- Swaddled
- Basket shot (take blankets and fill to make a nest)
- Each parent
- Siblings
Remember simple, don’t try manipulative poses that you see online that aren’t natural and can be unsafe for the baby, especially without experience. Let me know if you have any questions, I would love to help!
You can learn more about my photography business here.
