Are you looking for newborn photoshoot tips for beginners or newborn photography ideas? This Beginners Guide to Newborn Photography will be your go to for tips and pose ideas.
SAFETY FIRST!
Always make sure your baby is safe and not in any danger of falling or getting hurt in any way. The newer the baby, the less they move which makes it easier but always make sure there is no way they can get hurt if they suddenly stretch out their arms or legs as newborns tend to do. This could be one of the most important aspects for a newborn photoshoot.
You can set your settings for your dslr camera and then hand your camera to a friend or family member for them to take some newborn poses for you. Be sure to offer them some brief instructions or set your camera on a tripod and use a remote (I got my remote on Amazon for about $6)
Newborn Photography Ideas
CAPTURE THE DETAILS
Eyelashes, lips, toes, and hair are great details to document! Grab some up close shots while baby naps. Babies change so much so quickly so make sure to capture those little details before they grow and change!
DOCUMENT THE EVERY DAY
Take your camera to the store, the library, the market, wherever you go with baby during the day. I love to shoot my reflection in every day surfaces when I have my daughter with me. Taking a nap in the car, getting groceries, going shopping, or visiting with friends/family. These are my favorite pictures to take during a newborn photoshoot.
Newborn Photography Camera Settings
SNAP SOME SELF PORTRAITS
Set up your tripod!
If you don’t have a tripod, you can use plenty of other items around your home to set your camera on. I have used a garbage can, a stack of books and even my breast pump as a tripod when I didn’t have my actual tripod nearby. Stand where your tripod is, focus on the spot your shot will be. You can place an item like a stuffed animal or chair in place to set your focus and mark your spot.
Switch your lens to manual focus after setting focus, set your camera on your tripod and get into position. Shoot at at least f/3.2 to help avoid missing focus. Use your remote, or an intervalometer (you can get them on Amazon for about $15) press the button and capture the shot!
You can get really creative with self portraits! Pay attention to different lighting in your home, and use it to your advantage. I love using window light to get some pretty images with my daughter.
DON’T STRIVE FOR PERFECTION
Don’t worry if you don’t get that perfect shot. Keep practicing, experiment, and remember it’s ok to make mistakes. Don’t scrap an image just because you slightly missed focus or the composition isn’t perfect. Keep it. In 20 years, you’ll be so glad you have it. Amy Tong Photography talks about 8 Mistakes of newborn photography – so take a read so you’ll avoid those!
Be sure to visit the Beginners Guide to Newborn Photographer’s Workflow
Guest Blogger: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
Hi there! My name is Samantha and I am a photographer in West Michigan! I live with my husband, bonus daughter, daughter, our surprise gender baby due in January, and 2 big lazy dogs. I started my photography journey when I was just a kid. I was always snapping shots of my family and friends and pets, way back when you could drop off film at the local grocery store to be developed for just a few dollars. I finally bought my first dslr 4 years ago and was determined to learn how to shoot in manual. I honestly thought it would be so easy. I had NO idea what I was getting myself into and how hard it actually would be! I am SO glad I stuck with it! Over time, I kept noticing improvement in my skills and eventually took the step to start my own business, Augusta Rae Photography. My camera rarely leaves my side, and I’ve been known to lay down on the floor in Target just to get a good shot. 🙂 Documentary and lifestyle are my absolute favorite style of photography, and I also take a lot of self portraits. When my daughter Raven was born, I was determined to document it as much as I could. I hired a great local newborn photographer for more of the “posed” and composite shots and set out to capture the documentary shots in my home.
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