10 tips for dreamy newborn photos – for beginners & parents!
As a new parent, there’s nothing more precious than capturing those early weeks of your newborn’s life in beautiful photographs. However, as a beginner in newborn photography, it can be overwhelming and challenging to get those picture-perfect shots without causing distress to your little one. But fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share 10 expert tips to help you achieve dreamy newborn photos effortlessly, all while ensuring the safety and comfort of your baby. So, grab your camera and get ready to create cherished memories!
TIP 1 – SAFETY FIRST
As a novice in newborn photography, it’s crucial to prioritize your baby’s safety. Avoid attempting complex poses seen on Pinterest, as these often require professional assistance and post-processing. Stick to gentle poses, like having your baby on their back or side, to ensure their comfort and minimize risks. Never leave your baby unattended during the shoot, and consider using safety barriers when shooting from elevated surfaces.
TIP 2 – FEED AND AWAKE TIME: SET THE STAGE FOR SERENITY
Before the photo session, ensure your baby is fully fed and burped to prevent fussiness during the shoot. Allow for at least 30 minutes of awake time, giving your little one a chance to expend energy, making it easier for them to settle into a peaceful slumber for the photos.
TIP 3 – KEEP IT TOASTY WARM: CREATING A COZY ENVIRONMENT
Newborns are used to warmth, reminiscent of their time in the womb. Set the room temperature to around 27 degrees Celsius (80.6 degrees Fahrenheit) to create a comfortable atmosphere for your baby, which can help them relax and sleep soundly during the session.
TIP 4 – USE NATURAL WINDOW LIGHT
Utilize natural sunlight streaming through a window without direct sunlight. This soft and beautiful light will result in stunning, well-exposed images. Avoid shooting during dawn or dusk when the light is insufficient. Position your baby’s face at a 45-degree angle to the light, keeping their feet away to prevent unwanted shadows on their face.
TIP 5 – SWADDLE/WRAPPING
Newborns feel secure when swaddled firmly. Wrapping is an essential technique to keep your baby calm and content during the shoot. Use stretchy wraps or fabric to reduce movement and ensure there’s enough space for your baby to breathe comfortably.
TIP 6 – EMBRACE WHITE NOISE: MIMICKING THE WOMB
White noise can work wonders in soothing your baby, as it resembles the sounds they experienced in the womb. Play white noise at a moderate volume during the shoot to create a familiar and comforting environment for your little one.
TIP 7 – CONSIDER A PACIFIER: A HANDY SETTLING TOOL
Even if your baby doesn’t typically use a pacifier, having one on hand during the photo session can be beneficial. A pacifier can often provide that last bit of comfort needed to settle your baby, resulting in relaxed and serene photos.
TIP 8 – STYLING AND COLORS: SIMPLICITY IS KEY
Keep styling simple and use items readily available in your home. Opt for neutral and earthy tones, avoiding bright or fluorescent colors that can cast unwanted hues on your baby’s skin.
Try using your favourite scarves to wrap baby in and use your favourite linen, blankets and quilts as a backdrop. Whatever you choose, make sure your background is uncluttered so the focus remains on your beautiful baby.
TIP 9 – GET IN A POSITIVE STATE!
Taking photos of your newborn should be a joyous experience. Before the session, uplift your mood with simple activities like listening to upbeat music, laughing, or practicing deep breathing. Being in a positive state will reflect in your images and create a relaxed atmosphere.
TIP 10 – MAKE THE MOST OF EACH POSE
When your baby is settled in a pose, take advantage of the opportunity and capture multiple shots. Vary the angles and zoom levels to obtain a range of images. This way, even if your baby stirs and needs to be resettled, you’ll have a variety of shots to choose from.
FINAL STEP – UNWRAP BABY
Follow these tips as described, and you’ll achieve great success in capturing photos of your baby looking calm and sleepy. Wrapping your baby is an essential step in ensuring their comfort and settling them for the shoot. However, it’s important to unwrap the baby (to see our video on unwrapping) but only after you’ve taken beautiful shots of them wrapped and settled first.
When you unwrap a baby, they may wake up and become unsettled since the safety and security provided by the wrap are no longer there. Nonetheless, this presents a wonderful opportunity to capture action shots of your baby as they stretch and squirm around. So, be sure to save the unwrapping for later in the session and make the most of those adorable and dynamic moments!
LEVEL UP WITH MY FREE MASTERCLASS!
These hacks kickstart your budget-friendly photoshoot, but want pro secrets to make every shot shine? My free 30-min masterclass for at-home or professional photos covers:
- Posing: Safe, cozy setups for stunning shots.
- Lighting: Window tricks for glowy pics.
- Calming: Soothe bub for perfect captures.
Join the free video here—in 30 minutes, you’ll style shoots that melt hearts! My $179 course (reg. $359, worth $579) dives into 0–12 months, messy homes, and toddler chaos—get it here but watch the masterclass first to save! With styling, posing, lighting, and calming tips from Tara The Gentle Sleep Specialist for bub’s first 3 months, it’s a must-have for every new parent to capture those fleeting moments. Or grab my $37 Baby Whispering Mini Course here for calming tricks that work every time—you’ll feel so much more confident running newborn sessions and styling them like a pro!
