How to Photograph Newborns: Tips for Capturing Precious Memories

The first few weeks after having a newborn baby are a whirlwind of emotions, sleepless nights, and indescribable joy. It’s a fleeting moment in time that you’ll want to cherish and remember forever through beautiful photographs. However, newborn photography can be challenging due to the baby’s fragility, squirmy movements, and irregular sleeping patterns. With some preparation and the right techniques, you can capture stunning images that showcase your little one’s innocence and vibrant newborn details.

Scout the Perfect Location

Find a warm, comfortable spot in your home with plenty of natural lighting from a large window. North-facing rooms are ideal as they provide soft, diffused light with minimal harsh shadows. The nursery or master bedroom often works well, or you can set up a simple backdrop with a solid blanket or cloth diaper in front of a window. Ensure the background is clean and uncluttered to avoid distractions.

Timing is Everything

Plan to do your newborn photoshoot within the first two weeks after birth. Newborns are often sleepier and easier to pose during this window. Try to capture the session when your little one is in a milk coma after a feeding. However, be flexible as babies run on their own schedules. Watch for tired cues like eye rubbing or yawning and take breaks as needed.

Keep them Comfy and Safe

The most important factor when photographing newborns is ensuring their safety and comfort at all times. Never prop or force your baby into an unnatural pose. Only use approved posing accessories like tightly rolled blankets and watchfully spot them with your hands. Keep babies swaddled or loosely wrapped in soft fabrics, only exposing the areas you’re shooting. Use a space heater nearby to maintain a warm environment.

Get in Close

To best capture all those tiny features and details, get in close with your lens. A prime lens with a large aperture like 50mm f/1.8 can produce beautifully blurred backgrounds and make colors pop. Shoot from different perspectives—overhead, side angles, close-ups—for a variety of shots and mini scenes. Move slowly and watch for those fleeting newborn expressions.

Incorporate Meaningful Props

You’ll want some portraits with just baby alone but incorporating meaningful props can add visual interest and symbolism. Try swaddling them in a cozy knit blanket, tucking them into a wooden bowl, or nestling them in a flokati rug. When using any props, ensure they are free of loose threads, have no sharp edges, and can’t trap little fingers or toes.

Take Your Time

Newborn photoshoots require loads of patience. Expect plenty of breaks for feedings, changings, soothing, and naps. Be prepared for fussiness and lots of trial and error as you find what poses and angles work best. Take advantage of any little windows where your baby is settled and snap away. The more patient and persistent you are, the more precious images you’ll capture.

With some basic gear, a prepped setting, and an abundance of patience, you can beautifully document your newborn’s first days through photographs. These emotional images preserving your baby’s fragile innocence and tiny features will be treasured forever.