I have had the joy of photographing many babies over the years and capturing precious memories for families. Booking a professional newborn session is a wonderful way to create beautiful artwork that your family will treasure for years to come. But babies change quickly, and as a new parent, you want to capture every moment of that growth and preserve all the precious milestones as your little one develops.
Photographing your infant at home can be fun and rewarding, but sometimes, it can be challenging to get the perfect shot. Here are some tips to make sure you can get the results you want while capturing the magic of those early days and months.
Good lighting is key to any photo. Soft natural light works best. Find a window with soft indirect light. Position the baby’s head 45 to 90 degrees angle to the window so that the light is coming down their nose. Avoid harsh light as this can cause unflattering shadows on their face.
Timing
You know what they say—timing is everything! Choose the right time when your baby is well rested. Before you bring your camera out, make sure all your baby’s needs have been met. Right after a feed and a diaper change is a perfect time for calm photos. If you are aiming for awake pictures, give it a try just after they have woken up from a nap.
Backgrounds
Keep the focus on your baby by using simple, uncluttered backgrounds. A cluttered background can take focus away from your little one. Using neutral tones or soft coloured blankets can also bring more attention to their face and features. Use simple swaddles or dress your baby in a onesie to see all their sweet little rolls, fingers and toes. Position them on a couch, a bed or a soft blanket on the floor.
Safety
Always prioritize your baby’s safety and comfort. Make sure the environment is warm and that your baby is always supported. Keep your poses simple and avoid any setups that put your baby at risk or cause discomfort.
Wrapping babies in a soft swaddle is a great way to keep their little arms and legs from moving around, and will help make them feel warm, cozy and secure. It is always a good idea to have a helper and a second set of hands.
Once your baby reaches the age where they can sit up on their own, make sure that the environment around them is safe. If they are not quite sitting on their own, ensure they are supported while sitting.
Natural Moments
Let your baby move naturally. Some of the most cherished photos are those that capture your baby’s expressions. Be patient and wait for that stretch, yawn or smile. These are the day-to-day authentic moments that showcase your baby’s personality.
When infants start to become more aware of their surroundings, you can focus on capturing eye contact. You will notice more and more of their personality shine with every week and month that passes.
As babies get closer to the sitting age, you can have fun capturing their giggles, curious looks and playful expressions. Consider using their favourite toy close to your camera to get their attention.
Connection
Consider photographing your baby while being held by a parent. Let the pose be relaxed and natural, while holding them close. Your gentle embrace will highlight the love and connection between you and your infant.
Patience
Babies can be unpredictable. It takes a lot of patience in the studio to capture all those sweet, posed images. Don’t stress if your baby isn’t in the mood when you want to take their photo. Take a break, soothe them and go with the flow. Take the lead from them. The best photos happen when you are both relaxed.
Remember, these early days pass by quickly. Each photo you take will become a treasured memory. Having pictures to look back on will remind you of just how tiny they were. Enjoy the process and have fun capturing the love and joy your baby brings into your life.
And of course, if you are looking for something more artistic and polished—reach out to a professional photographer who will work tirelessly to provide you with a wonderful experience and some treasured keepsakes of your precious little one.
