Clicking newborn photography yourself is not so daunting as it seems, and if done right, you can get the most stunning pictures! To help you get inspired, here are some of our newborn baby photoshoot ideas for photographers:
Bringing a newborn baby home for the first time can be one of the most wonderful moments in any parent’s life, and the very first few weeks of the little toddler are precious and need to be preserved forever. Let’s face it, newborn photography is not just about capturing moments but preserving the beauty of those early days that can never be relived.
If you’re a photographer looking to expand your portfolio or specialize in newborn photography, these ideas will help you capture the most memorable shots:
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How to Click Newborn Baby Photos: Tips for Perfect Newborn Photography
They grow up too fast, and capturing those early moments with newborn baby photography is essential. To get the best pictures, your best bet would be to hire a professional newborn photographer. However, there are plenty of reasons why parents often shy away from hiring a professional photographer. Some of these reasons include health concerns, work schedules, finances, and many other factors.
Thus, it is likely you may consider a DIY approach by conducting a newborn baby photoshoot at home. So here are a few newborn photoshoot ideas that you can carry out on your own:
1. Make sure the baby is safe
This should be the #1 priority of any parent when photographing a newborn. A newborn baby needs to be taken care of more delicately since their mind and body are still developing and adjusting to the new environment. Before you begin, make sure you are well informed about how a baby is carried or placed, and what support they will require.
If you are using a heavy DSLR camera and are shooting from above, make sure to place the strap around your neck. If you are still concerned about any risks, get an expert baby photographer to conduct the session instead.
2. Taking Newborn Baby Photos in the First 2 Weeks
Deciding on when to take your newborn baby photos depends on what you are keen on capturing. If you want to capture the baby’s tiny, barely open eyes, wrinkly and delicate newborn skin, or their rosebud lips, your best bet is to click the baby’s pictures within the first 2 weeks.
If you are feeling like clicking newborn baby photoshoot before your little one leaves the hospital, try to get some shots of the baby in various locations, such as in mom’s arms or in the crib. To enhance the photos, you can add natural lighting by opening a window to let some sunlight into the room. However, always consult with a nurse or doctor before doing so, as the baby may be sensitive to light.
3. Keep it simple
The sweetest and best DIY newborn photos are the simplest ones. When conducting your newborn baby shoot, try to not move the baby or use different poses, click photos organically with natural poses of the baby.
When it comes to the baby’s clothing, put on a solid-colored wrap or an undershirt that snaps at the crotch or just a simple baby blanket. This will allow you to capture the cute and adorable details of your baby without overshadowing them with a funky costume.
4. Sleeping baby photos
To take the best photos of your baby, you want your baby to be calm and in a contented state. The easiest way to do this is to try using a baby sound machine that will help your baby feel relaxed, and ultimately fall asleep. You can even feed the baby right before the photo shoot.
A full belly will surely make them snooze off. Additionally, make sure the baby’s room is nice and toasty to add to the baby’s comfort. You can take the most angelic photos of your baby when they are asleep.
5. Clean your camera lens and keep it steady
Clicking photos of the first few weeks of your baby is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you would want your images to be perfect without any unwanted glare or marks. This is why you need to make sure that your camera lens is dust or smudge-free.
If you are using a DSLR camera, use an adjustable tripod to keep it steady. On the other hand, if you are using a smartphone, a simple trick would be to inhale and hold your breath. This will make your hands temporarily steady thus allowing you to take steady shots of your baby.
If you would like to quickly grasp a few technical and nitty-gritty details about pro photography: Read our photography guide for beginners.
6. Take some sibling shots
For the newborn baby shoot, it can be great to include the toddler’s siblings too. This can be done by asking them to be seated on the bed with the baby in their arms. If the sibling is not old enough to carry the baby, place the baby beside them.
Give them some prompts to interact with the baby, such as telling them to touch the baby’s nose or asking them how they feel about their new sibling. This will allow you to get some natural reactions and adorable photo moments.
7. Don’t stop clicking
You may get a sense of worry that you didn’t get the right shot of your baby, or the pictures may not look good when viewed on a laptop or television screen.
In such cases, it can be a good idea to take plenty of pictures during the newborn baby photoshoot. Remember, there’s no such thing as ‘taking too many photos and when you look back on them, you will surely find the right shot of your baby.
8. Polish your photos
Found some spots on the baby’s photos that can use a little brushing up? Export your photos onto your laptop and edit them using photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop. You can easily crop, brighten, and colour adjust the photos as you see fit.
If you feel that this is too tedious, download a free photo editing app on your smartphone such as Snapseed which will allow you to edit your photos with a simple few clicks.
Feel like you are getting the hang of photographing your kids and want to dive a little deeper: Read our 5 Creative tips for better kids photography.
No matter how your photos turn out, babies will always remain adorable, and taking photos of them is something that you will do for a long time to come. So go ahead and keep capturing those precious moments with your little toddler.
Also Read:
1 to 12 Month Baby Photo Ideas at Home – Capture Every Milestone with These Simple & Creative Tips
FAQs : Newborn Baby Photography
1. What is the best age to click newborn baby photos?
The ideal time to photograph a newborn baby is within the first 5 to 14 days after birth. During this period, babies sleep more soundly and curl naturally, allowing you to capture adorable, peaceful poses.
2. What camera settings work best for newborn photography?
For professional results, use a wide aperture (f/1.8–f/2.8) to get that soft, blurred background. Keep ISO between 100–400 for natural light shots and use a fast shutter speed (1/200 or faster) to avoid motion blur.
3. Can I do a newborn photoshoot at home without professional gear?
Absolutely! A smartphone with portrait mode and good natural lighting can give you beautiful results. Focus on angles, soft light, and baby safety over expensive gear.
4. How do I keep my newborn baby calm during the photoshoot?
Keep the room warm and cozy, feed the baby right before the shoot, and use white noise or lullabies to keep them relaxed. A calm baby makes for perfect dreamy photos.
5. What are some creative newborn photoshoot ideas?
Try capturing your baby sleeping in cozy wraps, in parents’ arms, or with siblings. Use props like soft blankets, baskets, or toys for extra cuteness—just keep it simple and safe.
Conclusion
Newborn photography is more than just taking pictures—it’s about capturing fleeting emotions, innocence, and love in the first few days of life. Whether you’re a budding photographer or a parent trying your hand at DIY newborn shoots, remember that the best photos come from patience, care, and love.
Every click tells a story—of your baby’s first yawn, first stretch, and the quiet warmth of family. These moments are worth treasuring forever.
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