Learn the Do’s and Don’ts straight from a professional photographer with these In Home Newborn Photography tips so your newborn family photos will be beautiful
You’ve brought your newborn home from the hospital…and now you’re all settled in at home with your sweet new bundle. Maybe you’ve already had professional newborn photos taken, but it’s not like you’re going to have TOO MANY pictures, right?? So, you want to take some pictures of your own sweet newborn, but you’re realizing it may not be as simple as it sounds. Keep reading for some “Dos & Don’ts”, straight from a pro! Use these in home newborn photography tips as a guide to help you get the best shots you possibly can!
In Home Newborn Photography
DO feed baby right before starting your newborn photos. Babies are most content when their tiny little bellies are full. This is hands down the most important thing on my pre-session guide I give clients. Feeding baby helps them settle down and keeps them happy while you snap away!
DON’T stand at baby’s feet and shoot up their body. The best angles for babies are to shoot angled down from the top of the head, even if it’s only slightly angled. It may take some practice, but it’s a noticeable difference.
DO use natural light. Get baby as close to a window or other natural light source as possible. This will provide much more beautiful light than your overhead lights in your home, and will highlight baby’s natural features and skin tone. Professionals use either natural light, or lighting kits that are made to mimic natural light. You just can’t beat clean, soft light.
DON’T use your on-camera flash. Not only will you risk startling baby, but the light from the on-camera flash is harsh and unflattering.
DO grab a onesie or blanket to use that will look adorable and matches your other home decor. Deciding how to style for your session can be so hard! Having something that coordinates is a good idea, so if you want to print the photo, it’ll “fit” in your space. This is a question I ask clients before they come for their newborn photos – “What is the color theme for the nursery, and the color theme throughout the rest of your home?” You want your photos to be printable.
DON’T go overboard with props and outfits. It’s easy to want to replicate the elaborate setups you see on newborn photographers’ pages. But a reputable photographer has studied up on safe materials and props to have around newborns, and has probably invested hundreds (or thousands) of dollars in high-quality props and outfits. So not only would you risk your pictures looking like a prop explosion, you may also be risking your baby having a reaction. It’s best to keep it simple and sweet when you’re snapping pictures at home.
DO take photos of baby in their nursery. You’ve worked HARD decorating that nursery before your new baby made their grand arrival. You’re going to want pictures. Take the pictures now before baby is big enough to destroy that beautiful display on the bookcase.
DON’T try to pose baby. When taking photos at home, it’s best to wrap baby up, (get these great –> detail shots) and let them lay safely on their backs. Reputable newborn photographers have studied newborn posing safety, and trust me, it’s not as simple as it seems. And many images have to be made from multiple photos in Adobe Photoshop, so baby can be supported for the pose. It is not worth risking baby’s safety to try to pose them.
Newborn Family Photos
DO let your partner snap a photo of you with baby, and do the same for them. I know, you still look four months pregnant and have barely slept. But they’re only this little for such a short time. None of that is going to seem quite so important when you’re looking at those newborn family photos 5 years from now. You’re beautiful, and you’re nurturing a tiny life. Capture this moment before it’s gone.
I’m Kayla, a portrait photographer, living in Fairfield Bay, AR. I specialize in newborn and children’s portraiture. My favorite parts of my job are the smiles and snuggles. My least favorite part is being peed and pooped on (which happens A LOT), but I’m pretty used to it by now. I feel incredibly blessed to have a business doing what make my heart fullest. FACEBOOK WEBSITE
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