How to Take the Best Newborn Photos at Home

Newborn photos are so adorable and the best mementos of those fleeting early moments of life. It’s so much fun to dress baby up, use props, and swaddle them tight to get the perfect shot. I never did maternity photoshoots of myself, but have newborn shoots for both my kids. As a photographer, crochet addict, and mom, I do it all myself and love every second of it!

However, I do not recommend doing your own newborn photos if you don’t know what you are doing. Positioning a newborn can be really tricky and it’s important to do it in a safe way. You need to support the head properly and make sure their airway stays nice and open. It’s also important to make sure they stay warm. That being said, there are some easy positions and tips that will allow you to get some really cute photos without paying for a professional photographer.

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Get Ready

Before you start taking photos, make sure you are completely ready. Fully set up any little props, outfits, and backgrounds that you want to use. Adjust your lighting and take a few practice shots to make sure it looks how you want. I highly recommend using as much natural light as possible as it will make for the best photos.

I used a simple background using a dark green sheet on the ground and had a Peter Pan outfit and a little sword that I had made along with a stuffed dog (like Na-Na from the story). Last, I had a little prop pillow from an activity mat that is meant for tummy time that I use for a certain position.

Keep it Warm

Keeping a newborn warm is essential. Newborn’s can’t regulate their temperature well and so they get cold easily. This not only can cause a baby to be fussy, but it can also create a marble effect on their skin, turning it interesting colors. Cold babies will clench their fists and curl up in an attempt to warm themselves, which is not good for your positioning. If the room you are using isn’t nice and warm, you need to use a space heater. Turn it on several minutes before you start shooting so the room is at a good temperature by the time you are ready.

A Happy Newborn

Once your environment is warm and all your supplies are gathered, you’ll want to do everything you can to have a happy newborn for the pictures. This means putting them in a clean diaper and feeding them until they are fully satisfied. Make sure to burp them well! The last thing you need is a big spit up in the middle of the photoshoot! A happy baby makes the best photos and eases your stress during the shoot. If you can get them to sleep, that is best, plus it’s so sweet to have some sleeping baby pictures. Once they are happy, you can dress them in any special outfits you might have picked out, like the Peter Pan outfit that I made.

Positioning

There are some basic positions that are easy and safe to do. If you don’t feel comfortable at any point while positioning your baby, stop what you are doing and trust your instincts!

Flat on back.

This position is really simple. You just lay your newborn on their back and shoot! They will often squirm into a comfortable position and then you just move around them to get whatever angles you want. Having them in a diaper cover or outfit allows you to see their little hands, feet, and bodies.

Swaddled flat on their back.

This is just a variation of the first position. You just have baby swaddled. I think that this is a classic position and makes for some really precious photos.

Laying on their belly.

This position can be a little trickier. You need to be careful that you keep baby’s airway open and don’t leave them in the position for too long. I use a tummy time pillow placed under my background sheet to prop baby up off the floor a little bit. Then, I carefully place baby on the pillow with his arms folded under his head.

Conclusion

It takes a lot of patience to do newborn photography, but it is one of the most rewarding things. If you aren’t comfortable doing your own, then don’t! You can always hire someone to take them for you. A major benefit of hiring a photographer is that they will be able to edit the photos to get the best look possible.

If you live in the mid to lower Hudson Valley, I’d love to take your photos! Email me for a quote.

I’m also available to make any outfits or props that you want. These crochet projects are some of my favorites one to make. Just tell me your vision and I’ll make it a reality. You dream it, I create it!