Feature photo by Laura Barr
Birth is a momentous occasion. Newborns grow so quickly in those first weeks that it’s important to record this time in pictures. But right now, with strict hospital visitation policies and most of us under stay-at-home orders, professional newborn photos are most likely impossible. That’s OK! You can take your own newborn photos (with any camera).
We’re sharing newborn photography tips from pro newborn photographers (who wish they could be there with you!) so you can take your own newborn photos, with whatever camera you have on hand. From lighting to can’t-miss photos to what to wear, this advice will help you create beautiful newborn pictures at home.
And, if it’s all too overwhelming, we hope you’ll remember that the best photo is the one you actually took. So, just take pictures, perfect or not! Embrace this moment and remember that at some point this quarantine will be over and your photographer will be more than happy to schedule a newborn (or baby) session with you when it’s safe to do so.
Preparing for your DIY newborn photos
Remember, nothing needs to be perfect! But here are a few tips to help you prep for your newborn photo session.
1. Declutter: It’s a good idea to quickly tidy up the room you’ll be using for your at-home newborn photos. No need for a deep clean, just do a quick check for stray phone cables, empty water glasses and used burp clothes.
2. Get baby ready: Consider doing your photo session just after a feeding, when your newborn is likely to be relaxed. A warm room, some white noise and a clean diaper might also help. More on what to wear below.
3. Get everyone else ready: It’s easiest if everyone (including you) is ready to be photographed before you begin the session. If you have other children, have them get dressed and then give them a quiet activity or movie until you’re ready to bring them into the picture.
4. Prep your gear: Make sure your batteries are fully charged, lenses are clean and that there’s space on your memory card.
1. Look for the light.
Look for the spaces in your home that have the most natural light (window light) and use these spaces for your newborn photos. Pay attention to how the light looks in these rooms during different times of the day. Turn off all other lights to avoid mixed lighting scenarios (overhead lights and lamps can have different hues and cause color casts). This important step will make a huge difference in your photos!
— Lisa Weingardt, Little Loo Photography
2. Wait for the right time of day.
Find a spot in your home where there is a bed or a chair next to a window where you can cuddle up comfortably with your baby. Look at the light throughout the day and choose a time when the sun is high in the sky, but not shining directly in through the windows. You want a nice, even soft light, not harsh or bright light, if possible. Make sure to turn off overhead lights and lamps.
Have your spouse or partner stand back and take a picture of the whole scene, then move closer and closer until they are taking close-ups of the baby in your arms. Try to expose for the baby’s or mom’s face, which means the light on the face is not too bright and not too dark and you can see all of the details.
More from Laura: 10 Tips to totally rock your lifestyle newborn photography session no matter what
3. Use the master bedroom and nursery.
My favorite places to take newborn photos are the master bedroom and the nursery. For both of these locations, it’s easiest to have the baby wrapped up in a cute swaddle or a favorite blanket, especially because this can soothe fussier babies. A plain white onesie looks great too.
Master bedroom
In the bedroom I like to place the baby towards the end of the bed and take several photos at different angles. Make sure to face the top of your newborn’s head towards the window light (this is much more flattering than having the feet closest to the light). Adding siblings and family members to this pose is simple, as they can safely slip in behind the baby.
Nursery
In the nursery my two favorite shots are: the baby sleeping in the crib, and a parent snuggling the baby in a rocking chair. I’m going to let you in on a little pro secret… we newborn photographers like to move your furniture around! If the crib or chair aren’t near a window, feel free to move them so you have nice, pretty light instead of a dark corner.
Take the crib shots from an above, bird’s-eye view, and then from the side. If you’re up for a little challenge try different angles and points-of-view, like shooting through the crib slats or mobile (while keeping baby in focus). Each parent can trade off with the camera while the other reaches in to hold baby’s hand. Siblings can peek into the crib or reach an arm in to gently touch the baby.
Pro tip: Use your bed.
A big bed can be the perfect the place for DIY newborn photos. Beds are usually placed  near a window, which will give you  good natural light, and are usually at the perfect height. Place the baby on the bed and photograph a variety of expressions and movements. You’ll love looking back on these later.
4. 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 baby’s 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?
5. Photograph the details.
The best time for photographing the little details is when your baby is taking a deep nap. Dress baby in a plain onesie so you can see all of those sweet wrinkles and bare features. Have one parent hold the baby, or place baby safely on a bed or soft surface next to a window. With the window light at one side of your newborn, get in close and capture all of the beautiful little details you love — tiny feet, fingers, wrinkly legs, fuzzy hair, lips, etc. I also love to capture a parent’s hands around the baby to add more emotional impact.
6. Snuggle in close.
Wrap up your baby in a muslin swaddle or dress them in a neutral onesie. Have one parent stand near a window, holding the baby. Remember to choose a time of day with soft, even light coming in. If the light seems too harsh try hanging some sheer curtains or wait until later in the day. Angle the parent and baby towards the window while they snuggle in close, positioning baby near the parent’s face to capture that special connection.
Hand off the camera so you can also get in the photo with baby, or set up a self-timer or remote shutter on your camera or smartphone.
7. Add a personal touch.
When someone makes your baby a special blanket it’s a wonderful idea to take your baby’s photo with it. One way to do this is to lay the blanket out on the floor on a soft rug or carpet near a window. Place the baby parallel to the window and avoid placing the baby with its feet towards the window light. Position the baby on the blanket either wrapped up in a cute swaddle or in a neutral onesie and snap away. You could also photograph baby with the blanket in the crib.
8. Get siblings (safely) involved.
Including siblings is a beautiful way to document your newborn, but it can be tricky depending on the ages of your children. Toddlers have shorter attention spans and don’t always grasp the vulnerability of the newborn stage. Having the children sit in a safe area where they can lean against something — like the back of a couch or your headboard — helps everyone stay more secure. Always have one parent or adult close by for safety. Keeping young children engaged is easier if you direct them to look at certain areas of their newborn sibling. For example, ask them questions like, “Are your baby’s eyes open or closed?” or “What color hair does your baby have?”
— Lisa Weingardt, Little Loo Photography
9. Include yourself in the photos.
Taking your own newborn photos can be a daunting thought, but the best way to tackle it is to give yourself grace and take it slow. If you’re shooting with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, take some time before baby arrives to teach your husband or older children how to use it! It will be the easiest way to get in the frame, stress free, when the time comes. I did this before the birth of our third baby, and my husband came through with the most magical shot during our cesarian birth! Just remember, moment trumps perfection.
To achieve this photo, I set up the camera when we got into the room and then handed it to my husband. I asked him to put the focus point on the baby and try to get me in the shot, too. That’s it!
— Brittany Blake Photography
More from Brittany: How to create a full newborn gallery with just two poses
6 Newborn photos to take before you leave the hospital
— by Aimee Glucina Photography
1. Baby in the hospital bassinet
2. Your hospital room
Capture the details of the birth experience without feeling like you have to hide equipment or tidy the room.
3. Little details
Details add color to your story. Photograph wrinkly little feet, the hospital bracelet, tiny clothes, bottles set up and waiting to be sterilized, piles of diapers, etc.
4. That newborn tininess
Find ways to show how tiny your new baby is by juxtaposing their tiny size against big adult hands or their surroundings.
5. Mom and dad with baby
Take a moment to freshen up, brush hair, and throw on comfy clothes so that you feel your best before you snap the picture. If possible, stand or sit near the window with baby angled so that the light falls softly across the face.
Note: New moms will be feeling tired, bloated, and overwhelmed. But you can bet she will treasure this photo and moment forever. It’s so important to get mom in the photos!
6. The whole family
Ask a nurse or midwife to take a photo of your whole family. Squeeze everyone together tight near a window and try to keep everyone’s faces on the same visual plane (so their eyes are all the same distance from the camera). This will help to get everyone in focus.
What to wear for your DIY newborn photos
— by Aimee Glucina Photography
There’s no need to overcomplicate your newborn photos — you have enough to think about! Instead, focus on getting a handful of photos you love, not creating a baby-wear look book of every knitwear item and headband you were gifted. Here’s how to create a great DIY newborn photo look for the whole family:
1. Complement, don’t match.
Start with the most difficult person to dress — most likely mom, because she’s feeling the most vulnerable and uncomfortable right now — and plan the rest of the family’s outfits around her. Try not to be matchy-matchy. Instead, aim for a simple color palette with a range of tones. Sticking to a color palette of two colors plus a neutral for the whole family will make your photos look more cohesive.
2. Choose solid colors.
Soft neutrals, like white or cream, oatmeal and grey, look great in photos. Try mixing a neutral with just one or two other colors, like navy, mustard, chocolate, charcoal or soft pastel tones. Simple, solid colors look best on parents, children, and newborns.
Avoid logos and bold graphics, as these will date and distract. Also keep away from tight zigzag or pinstripe patterns, as these don’t photograph well. You really can’t go wrong with solid colors broken up by texture instead of pattern.
3. Use layers and textures.
Soft textures and layers look great in photos. For a feminine look think about textures like mohair, cashmere and linen, or soft flowing fabrics. Flowing tops or a camisole and soft cardigan combo are flattering options for new moms. For dad, try a solid or neutral colored shirt or sweater. Avoid buttons that may press into baby’s skin, or a collar that can cover baby’s face when you snuggle. I always recommend removing watches for photos.
4. Dress baby in something super simple.
Many outfits are too big for brand new babies and can look overwhelming. I recommend a simple onesie in a true newborn or even preemie size to better show off their tiny proportions. If you want to add textures and layers, try including a simple muslin wrap or heirloom baby blanket as a layer for baby to lie on or be loosely swaddled in.
Here’s a mood-board for some what-to-wear inspo for your newborn photos:
Be well.
Thank you to our photographer friends who stepped up to share their best DIY newborn photo advice with you! This is a time for making it work and sharing what we can. We hope you and your babies stay well. When it’s safe, we hope you’ll consider hiring a newborn photographer. They miss you and they’re waiting for your call!
More resources for taking your own newborn photos at home:
A beginner’s guide to newborn posing & studio lighting
5 Poses & a baby: Behind the scenes of a newborn session
3 DIY newborn props for the non-crafty photographer
12 Newborn photography safety tips every pro photographer should know
Leave the props at home: 5 honest elements for your newborn lifestyle photos
6 tips for getting varied photos at a lifestyle newborn session
