Newborn photography offers a beautiful way to capture some of the most precious moments with your new family. From the tiny hands and feet to the sleepy yawns and small smiles, any parent would want to take endless photos when their bundle of joy arrives.

But taking photos of a newborn who’s only a few days old can be tricky. You want to take unique pictures of the baby and family but don’t want to do anything to upset the baby. Thus, newborn photography requires a special set of skills.

In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the basics of photographing newborns to help you get that perfect photo!

What is Newborn Photography?

As the name suggests, newborn photography focuses on capturing the memorable moments of a newborn baby. Typically, this type of photography is done within the first month of the baby’s birth as it aims to capture the baby’s first few days.

Not all photographers can take on this kind of session. Ideally, a photographer must have an understanding of taking care of a baby, whether that is through a specific training or life experience before they can start taking pictures of tiny humans.

When is the Best Time to Capture Newborn Moments?

There’s no ideal time to schedule a newborn photography session — a newborn baby’s development provides different milestones and moments that the parent may want to capture.

Different periods during the first few weeks or months also offer different advantages to the photographer.

For example, babies who are one to two weeks old are more flexible and will more naturally pose in snuggly fetal positions. During this time, babies also sleep a lot, making it much easier to pose them. Dressing them in creative swaddles and baby wraps is also more convenient.

On the other hand, if you want to capture milestones, such as sitting up, it’s best to wait till the baby is a few weeks or months old.

Safety First

Any new parent’s primary concern would be ensuring the newborn is comfortable during the photoshoot. And it should be the priority of the photographer as well.

Newborns are delicate, so extra precaution is crucial to keep them safe. Most professional photographers have hands-on training and are skilled in handling and posing babies and know how to best capture them candidly.

However, if you’re a beginner, stick to simple poses that babies can naturally hold. Remember that a newborn cannot hold its head up. So, poses on their tummy, side, or backs are safe bets.

Here are some additional tips to consider:

Ensure any props or nearby objects are baby-safe.
There should be no danger of the baby rolling off or falling.
Sanitize all surfaces that the baby may come in contact with, particularly if you are not photographing in the baby’s home.
Ask the parents to feed the baby before the shoot and be available should the baby need to eat again.
Keep the room at a comfortable temperature. A warm room is always the best setting, but if the shoot happens outside, ensure the clothing choices keep the baby toasty warm.
Playing white noise in the background can also keep the baby relaxed. Avoid any sudden or loud noises to prevent the baby from being startled.
Avoid using flash or exposing the baby to bright light during the shoot. Natural light will be the most gentle and natural.
Remember – the baby’s comfort is paramount. No pose is worth upsetting the baby.

Popular Poses For Newborn Photography

So, what are some popular poses or shots to consider for newborn photography?

Every baby is different, so what may be the perfect pose for one baby may not be great for another. A good photographer will always work with the baby rather than forcing any pose.

That being said, here are some popular poses that most babies can rock:

1. Fetal/Sleepy Poses

Positioning the baby in a fetal position, sleeping on its tummy with its bum up and hands under its chin, or laying on its side with hands folded under its chin are all great poses.

2. Swaddled up

You can bundle up the baby in a soft blanket to create a baby burrito pose! Using different wrapping techniques, like swaddling the baby snugly or using an “egg” wrap that leaves its hands and legs free, will help keep the baby comfortable and offer great photos.

3. With Family

The parents holding their baby or having a sibling pose with the baby are also common poses often included in a session.

What Newborn Photography Props Add a Special Touch to the Photos?

Some of the more popular props used in newborn photography include baskets, bonnets, bowls, crates, headbands, and stuffed animals. To make the pictures more special, parents can also bring something that holds sentimental value.

Is a Professional Photographer for Newborn Photos Necessary, or Can I Do It Myself?

A DIY newborn photography session can be a good bonding experience for the entire family. And you don’t have to be a pro to do this at home or in any preferred location. You will need a good camera and ample natural light to snap adorable pictures of your baby.

However, hiring a professional photographer will make the process more convenient as they have more experience working in a variety of conditions (homes, in the field, various lighting, etc.) and easy availability of resources/equipment. They also have the skills to know what poses will look best given the light and environment, giving you peace of mind about your precious bundle’s safety and proper handling.

All you need to do is show up at your scheduled appointment, or be ready at your home, after discussing the type of pictures you’d like to capture.

Your personal preference, budget, and time will help you decide if you want to onboard a pro or take the photos yourself.

What Are Some Essential Tips for Photographing Newborns?

For parents, scheduling the photoshoot appointment ahead of time is essential. It’s also crucial to communicate with your photographer about what types of photos you want, so the photographer can confirm whether it can be done and throw in suggestions along the way.

As the photographer, here are some important tips to consider:

Acknowledge the parent’s wishes but set proper expectations about how newborn photography usually works. Let them know how long a newborn photo session lasts, what they must bring, and other preparations they must complete beforehand.
Set up the studio and prep your props beforehand so that you can focus only on the baby during the photoshoot.
In the case of photographing in the baby’s home, parents should make sure that the space where they’d like the photos to be taken is neat and naturally lit.
Highlight the baby’s noticeable features, be it a massive fluff of hair or a dimple. All babies are precious, but posing them correctly can make all the difference.
Be flexible and be prepared to alter your intended poses — working with babies will rarely go according to plan. Many alternative ideas exist, especially when the baby’s parents or siblings join.
It’s alright to take breaks during the session; it will benefit both you and the baby.

How Many Photos Should I Aim to Capture During a Newborn Photoshoot?

The primary goal of a newborn photoshoot is to capture this precious moment in time for the baby and their family. There is no set number of raw photos that you should capture. Take at least a handful in each pose or setup, as babies may squirm. You are bound to have several great photos from each environment.

Final Thoughts

All newborn photo sessions are unique and come with their own set of challenges, and as a photographer, you bear that massive responsibility of capturing a baby’s best first moments. Take your time and make sure the baby and family are comfortable. Let your creativity lead you, and the baby inspire you!

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How to Capture the Precious Newborn Moments