After speaking with so many clients and new moms that I am supposed to be seeing right now for newborn sessions and family photos….I thought I’d share some newborn photography tips on how to DIY newborn photos until we can see one another again. These photos should work whether you use a nice digital camera or just the camera on your phone.

I’m so sad that I’m missing out on those sweet babies first few days, but it is better to be safe than sorry right now during this crazy time with the Coronavirus pandemic pulsing through our country and world. Having to cancel sessions, events and weddings is such a difficult thing to do (emotionally and financially to everyone involved) but you are all worth any sacrifice that needs to be made <3

Hopefully these newborn photography tips help you out while staying home with your beautiful family and give you some ideas! You can even try them with older children too!

12 Newborn Photography Tips

**Something that is most important when taking newborn photos is taking them within the first 7-10 days of baby being born. This is when they are the most cuddly, most easy to work with and when they sleep they most!**

#1 – Wear light clothing with nice fabric and layers. Heavy clothing will just add extra bulk that surely no one wants in photos 😉

#2 – Get close to the windows for that gorgeous natural light! Open the shades and let as much light in as possible!

#3 – Turn off all interior lights to avoid a yellow/orange cast in your images. Also, take photos during the brightest time of the day so you have as much light as possible.

#4 – Make that baby sleepy! A sleepy baby (fed, warm, diaper changed) is often a much happier and easier baby to photograph.

#5 – DO include siblings. Portraits smiling at the camera aren’t always the best images. (And bribing with non colorful candy is A-OK in my book (smarties)).

#6 – Dress baby in a tightly wrapped neutral swaddle. Clothing doesn’t usually fit well at the newborn age 😉

#7 – DON’T shoot towards the window light. Take photos of your baby/child with them in the window light and you (the camera) away from the window or your back to the window.

#8 – Babies cry, so don’t stress if it isn’t perfect! Take a break, feed that baby and try again. We take breaks during newborn sessions ALL the time!

#9 – Don’t forget the little details! Tiny toes, little fingers… Get in close for those sweet things that will change so quickly. Good light will be key in getting these in focus (and making sure that little one is asleep and not moving all around).

#10 – Keep baby safe! Don’t try those cute poses where the baby is holding his/her head up on their own. This is not natural for the baby! Those should only be done by professionals. The final images you see like that are several images photoshopped into one – so please don’t try it!

#11 – If one side of baby’s face is darker than the other, prop a white pillow up next to her on the darker side to use as a reflector to add a pop of light!

#12 – When this is all said and done and we are free to move about, please don’t forget your favorite photographers! We would love to come back and capture your special moments that you can be in as a family…including mom (or your family photo taker).

I hope you found these helpful. Shoot me a message here if you have any questions or if I can help in any way! Be safe, friends!

xoxo – Kellie

(If you are interested in a newborn or family session once we are able to meet in person, click here for more info and click here to contact me. We can easily discuss ideas until then…I’d love to chat!)