With smartphones' amazing picture quality, the idea of attempting newborn photography right at home does not seem that far-fetched. Expensive equipment like tripods, lighting, and DSLR are not the only things to give you professional-looking newborn photos. Additionally, with the restrictions set by the pandemic, DIY newborn photography at home is the safest and the best option for any expecting parent.

Before you get started with DIY newborn photography, there are a few qualities that might enhance your ability to execute this project and I would like to share my experience. Apart from the obvious eye for aesthetics, there are many qualities you can adopt that can go a long way when it comes to photographing newborns.

As I say this, it does not mean that lacking one of these qualities will make your photography bad. You can always take the help of someone and when it comes to executing newborn photography ideas, having extra hands on the set is a blessing.

If you want to attempt your own newborn photography but might be a little timid, please come join our community of moms who are also on the same journey!

You can join us on Facebook at: Newborn Photography at Home.

My name is Jules, I am a professional photographer who turned mom later in life and now I am on a mission to help all moms get the best quality photos they can from the comfort of home.

What Are The Qualities Needed For DIY Newborn Photography At Home?

Time Management

While time management is essential for all kinds of photography, newborn photography is ruled by proper time management. While shooting at home, picking the right time is critical for the best background, lighting, and emotions on your baby’s face.

You might be excited to start your DIY newborn photography project, but imagine this scenario: It’s early evening, and the sun is shining bright in your room; the lighting is just right. You are about to start your shoot but your baby is already stirring; you’ve forgotten their nap-time is about to come to an end!

Time management might be a skill that new parents have not mastered yet. Heck, I have 3 kids and I haven't managed it most days. So, try to understand the best time for your baby, their schedule, your own schedule, and the setting for the photo shoot. Not managing your time means your photos will be rushed, with things like lighting and your baby’s comfort compromised. This means that you cannot capture the essence of many precious moments.

Improvisation

The best thing about DIY newborn photos with iPhone at home is that you are not restricted by a professional photographer’s creativity alone. You can try out all the ideas that pop into your head. A downside to this is that parents lack the exact equipment needed to execute the newborn photography ideas most of the time.

Here is where maximum improvisation can come of help. While keeping the newborn’s safety in mind, deviate from all the classic newborn photography poses and create something of your own. To improvise well, I recommend having an extra set of hands nearby. Together, you might end up perfecting a new pose or an angle that works uniquely for your baby.

Patience

I cannot emphasize the importance of patience with in-home newborn photography. Digital media might make it seem that photographing babies is quick and easy. This is seldom the case. There will be breaks due to feeding, crying, napping, and general disinterest in being photographed.

Sometimes the babies might have too much energy and will keep bouncing, making the pictures blurry. What you need to do is click away multiple snaps when the opportunity presents itself. Do not let go of a perfect shot if you can but never pressure the baby and yourself while shooting.

Calming Presence

The fact that newborns can sense your nervousness is not to be ignored. This is one of the newborn photography tips - for beginners especially. If you remain harried and uncoordinated while photographing babies, they too will become uncooperative. An uncooperative baby can mean doom for your DIY newborn photography at home.

To ensure that your energy is regulated and your baby is kept happy throughout the shoot, remember that your goal is to have fun and create photos to look back on. Since you are the adult on the scene, keep a trick or two up your sleeve to entertain the baby as well. Soothing background music is a good trick to use.

Newborn photos with parents are equally important, so get in the frame if your baby needs you close.

Spontaneity

The best newborn photos are candid shots. The ones clicked when the baby is just waking up from a nap or when they see their favorite person or pet nearby make for some of the best shots. This is why you need to be ready to click good pictures without a detailed setup.

While this might seem difficult in newborn photography for beginners, another parent or a family member can surely help you out with this. Natural pictures that are taken at the right moment have a different appeal to them. So have your camera on hand at all times to document the growth of your newborn from infancy to childhood and beyond.

Keen Eye For Detail

Your newborn should never be left at a great distance from you, even while photographing. This means that close-up shots are your best bet than pictures with grand backdrops and poses. Utilize this opportunity to get macro shots that focus on those tiny toes and button noses.

This does not mean you have to compromise on the backdrop of a lush meadow if you find one. If you get someone to assist you, I recommend stepping out to experiment with light, backdrops and have fun with all the different aspects of newborn photography.

Multitasking

This goes without saying: DIY newborn photography with iPhone will test your multitasking abilities. Having to manage the exposure, the hygiene, and safety of a potential location, and the newborn’s emotions and comfort for a particular shot can get the best of us. Lots of practice is perhaps the only way to do this right.

Again, with an extra set of hands to keep the baby interested or to watch your back if you are outside, things might just take a positive turn, and you will have your perfect shot.

My Final Thoughts...

DIY newborn photography is a field that most parents today dabble in. In fact, I find the whole DIY newborn photography setup even more effective and emotional than the professional one.

With more charming and whimsical newborn photography ideas, new parents can have their baby’s photos taken easily by incorporating the qualities aforementioned while shooting. Trying to build these qualities will only make you a better photographer on the whole.

Also, don’t forget that your baby may not be able to support themselves yet. Professional photographers remove the support props from their pictures post-production. Get creative in your DIY newborn photography without compromising your baby’s well-being.

If you want to join a community of other like minded parents, we would love to have you! Come join us!

You can like us on facebook at: Newborn Photography at Home.

See you on the inside,

Jules B.