Simple Tips for Shooting DIY Newborn Photography at Home

Photography can be a great way to capture the joy of bringing a new life into the world.

We recommend taking your photos on a bright, sunny day. This will ensure a beautiful, natural backdrop and that the baby can enjoy the view as well as looking directly at the camera. A wide angle lens will allow you to capture the scene in a larger space and to show the whole room in one shot. The type of lens you need will depend on the size of the space you have available.

When photographing babies, you should never point the camera straight at them and you should always use a protective case for your camera and lenses. Be sure to remove your lenses from their cases and wipe them down to avoid dirt and smears.

To achieve the best possible results, we recommend keeping your camera and lenses clean and protected, using a tripod, keeping your lighting level consistent, and setting up shots before the baby wakes and stays still. It can take up to half an hour to get the perfect shot and you may need to set aside several sessions for different poses and settings.

1. Get the basics right

The lighting in your home will affect how well your photographs come out, so it’s essential to use the same kind of light throughout the session. You may want to use natural light from windows or bright lights such as a lamp, depending on where you are. The lighting can be adjusted later with software.

2. Start in the right place

Put the baby down, where you expect her to sleep, and look around to ensure that there is no sharp furniture, rugs or toys nearby. If you plan to use your baby’s surroundings, check that they are suitable for posing.

3. Get comfortable

Make sure you are wearing loose-fitting clothing, preferably clothes that don’t have any creases, and shoes that are easy to put on and off. Sit down comfortably on a sofa or chair and place your baby’s clothes and a blanket or sheet over the back.

4. Set the pose

Get your baby into position, so that she looks directly at the camera. Babies love being looked at and smiling, and this is the most flattering angle. If your baby is sleeping, gently wake her so she’s aware of what is going on. Once awake, try not to move her and give her as long as possible to adjust to the new surroundings.

5. Start shooting

Position your baby so that you can see clearly through the lens and use your hand to hold the baby steady. If you’re taking photos of both you and your baby, try not to touch the baby unless absolutely necessary.

6. Work quickly

If the baby starts to wriggle or cry, take the picture as quickly as possible, without disturbing the pose. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the moment, but it’s important to work quickly.

7. Take a break

Set your baby down somewhere safe for a few minutes and try to relax. Give your baby time to adjust to the new environment and then try again.

8. Keep shooting

Keep going until you have several good images, then choose the ones you like best. You may find that you need to take several shots to get the perfect pose. Once you’ve taken a few, you can delete any photos that didn’t work or any images of your baby’s face.