Photographing a newborn baby is one of a photographer’s greatest joys. Newborns are squishy and sweet, and as they sleep most of the time, you can follow them around with your camera all day. It’s about more than finding the proper lighting and backdrop for photographs. The babies are the show stars, and it’s up to you to make them comfortable on set. When taking pictures of newborn babies, you might want to take photos of the following:
- The baby in its crib or bassinette (with props)
- Close-ups of feet or hands
- Portraits from above
Photographing a newborn may seem daunting because babies are so small – but it’s easy once you get comfortable! Just set up your shot and try taking pictures every few minutes until you capture that perfect moment.
Newborns do not stay still for long! To capture those precious moments, you need to be quick and ready. You may need to take several shots of the same pose or action before getting the perfect one.
Take a lot of photos. Some babies will be more cooperative than others, so don’t get discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t turn out well. It may take several takes before you get a photo worth sharing with your family and friends!
Try different poses and angles. Try different poses and angles to see what works best for your subject and yourself as a photographer/videographer. If one pose isn’t working, try another until you find something that makes everyone happy!
Get your camera ready. If you’re using a digital camera, make sure it’s set to manual mode to control the settings manually. This will allow you to adjust them as needed throughout the shoot without messing up any previous shots. Set your image based on what works best for babies and parents (if they’re present).
Make sure you fill the house with soft light
Pull back any heavy drapes from windows and turn off any bright lights. This is the most crucial step in achieving great newborn baby photos. To create a peaceful and soothing environment, ensure that your home’s lighting is even and consistent throughout the session. The best way to do this is by using natural light from windows or lamps with low-wattage bulbs. Avoid any harsh lights (harsh can be anything from fluorescent to LED), bright lights (such as those found in offices and factories), and dark lights. Also, try not to use red lights!
- If you’re photographing in your home, pull back any heavy drapes from windows so that there are no shadows on your subject.
Make sure all props are safe for babies
- Make sure all props are clean, soft, and safe for babies. For example, your braces should be made of natural materials, such as wood or cotton, to minimize chemicals and contaminants.
- Be careful about what you put on the floor. You don’t want anything dangerous for a baby crawling around with toys.
If you have a blanket or rug on the floor, ensure it is not too thin or slippery. If you use a carpet, ensure the texture is not too rough for babies’ tender skin and that no loose threads are sticking out.

Keeping your photos candid is sometimes better than positioning a sleepy newborn baby in a cute pose.
Newborn babies can be highly unpredictable and difficult to pose, but they also have a habit of being very cute in their sleep. They don’t always cooperate with your ideas for how you want them positioned, so you should take lots of candid shots by following them with your camera.
Ultimately, it will be worth it because newborn baby photos are some of the most beautiful images you can take as a photographer!
During our first photo shoot with a newborn baby, I remember thinking this was my chance to get those iconic shots of a baby in its dad’s hands or wearing a tiny hat. But I quickly realized that babies don’t always cooperate when dressed or posed. While you may think your baby is the most beautiful thing in the world, it’s important to remember that they’re not a prop. Your newborn baby is the star of the show! So, when photographing them, it’s imperative that they feel comfortable and safe in your arms. If they are crying, try changing their diaper or letting them sit on a blanket instead of holding them up in your arms (this can cause strain on their neck).
If you want to keep things simple, opt for a clean white background with nothing distracting. This will allow for more focus on capturing those adorable little faces and cute outfits!
You can expect to have a lot of fun photographing your newborn baby. It’s amazing what you can do with natural light and a few props. This article has given you tips on creating a perfect environment for photographing newborn babies at home, but the best thing about these photos is that they are authentic and unique!