This has been a challenging time for so many people due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’ve been specifically thinking of the families who’ve had to forgo their plans of a newborn photography session. If you are one of those families, I can’t imagine how many other plans you’ve had to rearrange, and I know how difficult this time may be.
If you are not able to have a professional photographer during this time, I want to provide some free help and encourage you to try taking your own newborn photos at home! Your baby’s first few weeks of life goes by so fast, and will be full of moments you’ll want to capture and keep forever. Here are my top 10 photography tips on how to capture newborn photos at home so you can still have beautiful memories you can cherish!
10 Tips on How to Nail Your DIY Newborn Photography at Home:
1) Take newborn photos within the first two weeks.
I highly recommend to capture photos within the first two weeks from your baby’s birth if possible. Even though I know you and your spouse will be sleep deprived and trying to adjust to a new rhythm, it will be a little easier capturing photos of your baby. Your newborn will likely be sleeping a lot, making it easier to hold them and cuddle with them. After the two week mark, most babies tend to become more alert, wiggly, and fussy, which makes it a little harder to take photos if you do not have a professional photographer on hand.
2) Find the room with the most natural light in the house.
Lighting is EVERYTHING. No matter the subject, the light you use will make a significant difference in your photos. When I’m shooting at homes, I often look for soft natural lighting. Often times I’m looking for rooms with large windows. Which room in your house gets the most natural lighting? What time of day does that happen? Trust me—this will make a huge difference in your photos!
3) Keep the room warm.
Having a cozy, warm room will help your baby stay comfortable during the shoot. I know some photographers like to keep rooms at a certain temperature (some recommend as high as 78 to 80 degrees), but I suggest to just keep it cozy and comfortable. Just make sure your room isn’t drafty or chilly! Also, consider using a white noise machine or app. The soothing sounds can help keep your baby stay asleep while you’re taking photos.
4) Feed your baby before shooting.
Make sure your baby has a nice, full belly before the shoot! It will help keep your baby happy and comfortable while you take photos. I always like to say happy babies make happy photos!
5) Keep it simple.
To me, less is more. Keep your poses simple. Keep your background clean. Go for baby-led posing. Don’t try and force them into unnatural poses or try putting them in a basket. If they flop their arms out when they’re sleeping, that’s ok! It’s genuine and real. The beauty in the simplicity will keep your photo looking modern, natural, and clean.
6) Get in close. Capture the details.
Get your camera close to your subject. For example, capture details like your baby's fingers and toes! Babies grow so fast and capturing these little details are so important; it will help you remember how small and tiny they used to be. Don't be afraid to get in close and "fill the frame" so you can really highlight the small details!
7) Don’t forget a family photo!
Do your best to get a photo of the WHOLE family. If you have older siblings and/or pets, do your best to get them in the shot—your family is not complete without them! Kids and pets are often wiggly, so try interacting with each other instead of getting everyone to sit still. Maybe sing a song or read a book together while you’re all sitting on the couch!
Also, setup a tripod or lean your camera on something so that you can be in the photo. Set a timer, and then go for it!
P.S. If you have an Apple Watch and iPhone, you can control the camera and timer from your Apple Watch! Learn more here >>
8) Shoot near a window. Turn your subject’s face towards the light.
Shooting near a window creates soft, diffused light, which is beautiful and flattering for portraits. The closer you get to the window, the softer the light will be. Try it out!
Also, remember to face towards the light source so your face can be illuminated and not hidden in the shadows. I usually like to shoot perpendicular to the direction of the light source so that I can capture both the light and shadows—this will help create dimension to your image.
9) Display affection in your photos (snuggle, kiss, and laugh!).
To avoid flat, stiff, or boring photos, show emotion in your photos by snuggling with one another, kissing your baby on the cheek, or laughing together! It may feel funny or awkward at first, but it truly gives LIFE to your photos. Your display of affection shows your love and connection as a family.
10) Complement your clothing. Go for neutral colors.
Don’t forget to coordinate your outfits! Complement your clothing and go for a comfy and cozy look. Neutral colors are also an excellent choice for newborn sessions. A popular color palette is wearing creams, grays, and blues. Stay away from large logos (or any writing, if possible), and avoid black and neon colors as they tend to look heavy and distracting in photos.
Bonus Tip: Share your plan with your family.
Communicating your plan with your family is so important and often forgotten! Set the expectations ahead of time with your spouse and kids, and let them know why you are doing this, when you’re doing this, how they can help! You can get them excited by saying you’ll be having a “Family Picture Day” to celebrate the newest addition to your family :) Getting them excited will definitely help make the shooting process easier as you capture this special season of life.
Captured the moments, but need help editing? Let me know!
I would be happy to help and offer my professional editing and retouching services to all parents who have been affected by the COVID-19 situation. Whether you used your iPhone or DSLR, or feel like your images are “bad” or “good,” feel free to contact me! Please shoot me an email at genevieve@glinphotography.com or fill out the contact form, and I’ll provide you a quote based on your needs.
