We all see beautiful Newborn Photography being shared on-line, the trend of photographing 5 - 10 day old infants has exploded - and finding the right Newborn Photographer to document this fragile window of time, is just as important as finding the right Wedding Photographer.  

Professional photography can cost anywhere from $500 - $2,000 or more - and while I agree it is an investment that is well worth it - the fact is, is that many parents are opting to try it at home due to budget restraints and other factors.

While photographing your newborn yourself at home is a wonderful idea, the results can sometimes be hit or miss.  Newborn photography is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity, so I have compiled a list of tips to help guide you in the right direction should you choose to photograph your newborn at home.
 

  1. Keep it simple.  Choose a simple outfit like a white sleeper or a plain light colour swaddling blanket to wrap your baby in.  By doing this, you will free the image from distraction and keep the focus on your baby.  Although you may be tempted to dress your baby up in a cute little outfit, put her in the middle of a hundred stuffed animals, or place a bright coloured headband on her - I would suggest that for newborn photography simple is always best, and you will never regret having a clean timeless image of your baby.
     
  2. De-Clutter the background.  Take a moment to look at what is in the background of the image.  If you are in your bedroom, remove distracting items (like a phone, ipad, coffee mug) off your night table, and create a clean distraction free backdrop.
     
  3. The most important part of any image, is light.  Good light, good image!  Bad light, bad image!  Turn the flash on your camera off, and always opt for natural window light, which is softer and more flattering than on camera flash (not the mention that a flash directly on a baby may hurt their eyes).
     
  4. Watch the direction of light.  Make sure to position the baby, so the light is flowing across or down his face.  Always avoid light flowing 'up' the baby (which will result in scary halloween camp fire face).
     
  5. Use different angles to achieve more interesting looks.  Stand over the baby, and shoot down - take a step out of the room, and include the doorway in the image.  By using different angles, you will capture the moment and be able to tell a story with your image.
     
  6. Get in the picture.  Have a friend or parent help you - it is so important to get IN the picture - while you want nice pictures of your baby to keep, YOUR BABY will want nice pictures of you holding her as a newborn, when she is older.  Many mothers that I meet don't want to be in the pictures, and often this is their biggest regret.  Make sure to take this opportunity to document your entrance to motherhood - trust me, you have never been more beautiful than you are holding your newborn baby.
     
  7. Keep the room warm for sleepy baby pictures.  Newborns are used to being a nice warm environment, and that is how they sleep best.  So if you are thinking of removing their clothes and venturing into the world of posed Newborn Photography - turn your heat up, or get a space heater to heat the room... your naked baby will thank you.
     
  8. Don't forget the details.  Fingers, toes, lips, ears, eyelashes...  get up close, and get those sweet little perfect detail shots.
     
  9. Leave the posing to the Pro's.  Don't attempt to pose your baby too much.  Those beautiful shots that you see of newborns hanging from a branch, or faced forward with their chin on their wrists - are almost always composite shots, taken with spotters and extra helpers, and should only ever be taken by a professional.  Go to NewbornPhotography.com to find a professional near you, there are over 5,000 professional newborn Photographers listed, and it is a great resource for parents to find newborn photographers in their area.
     
  10. Print your pictures.  Remember how you had a baby album when you were growing up, that your mom made for you?  Make sure to do the same for your baby!  In this age of digital images, so many beautiful pictures aren't being printed and are getting lost forever.  Don't make that mistake this time, you will want to see these pictures and share them with your baby in years to come.