During this time of isolation and staying home, the hardest sessions for me to postpone and reschedule have been newborn sessions. Knowing that these first few weeks with your new baby are so important to document, I’ve put together a few tips for taking your own DIY newborn photos. Just because I can’t get to you, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t capture the first few days and weeks of your baby’s life. All you need is your phone to make the most of this special time, and of course that adorable baby. And don’t forget, there is no bad time during that first year of your baby’s life to do professional portraits. In fact, they just keep getting cuter. Reach out anytime to schedule a session later this year.
DIY Newborn Photography while Staying at Home
LIGHTING
Light is always the most important element for a photograph. A window is the perfect way to get soft, even light for your newborn portraits. For the most even light, make sure the window is at your back and you have indirect sun on your baby. Make sure to turn off any lamps or overhead lights as they don’t mix well with window light.
EXPOSURE
Don’t rely on your phone camera to make the best exposure. You can tap on the brightest section of your phone screen for the camera to expose for a highlight, which will give you a more dramatic photo.
COMPOSITION
Keep the surroundings clean and simple without distractions. You always want the focus to be on baby. Try different angles, including above your baby and close up.
PREPPING FOR THE SESSION
Keep your subject happy. For newborns, it’s important to keep your house warm, take plenty of time to feed them, and make sure they’re in good fitting clothes, or just a diaper cover. Get them ready before feeding so you don’t have to wake your little one up.
SIBLINGS
The first days an older sibling meets their new best friend are important to document. When photographing them together, stay safe. Make sure you take pictures on a soft bed with room for movement. If your oldest isn’t ready to hold your newborn, have them lay down on their belly or back and place the newborn next to them.
GET IN THE PHOTOS YOURSELF
This is the picture your child will treasure some day. Take turns with your partner photographing a snuggly baby in your arms. Make sure to bring your baby close to your face and cuddle cheek-to-cheek when your baby is calm and sleepy.
