"A newborn baby is like the beginning of all things—hope, wonder, and a dream of possibilities." - Unknown

Welcome to the world of newborn photography at home! Getting started capturing those precious first days with your little one can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. With the right tips and some practice, you'll soon be taking beautiful newborn photos in the comfort of your own home.

Whether you're brand new to photography or already know your way around a camera, we want to help you photograph your new babies successfully.

Keep reading for beginner tips on how to get great results from newborn photo shoots at home!

If you would like more in-depth, step-by-step instructions, as if someone was sitting with you and helping you through the entire shoot, please look for our, "How to Master Newborn Photography at Home," guide.

After you get the guide, you will be invited into a private group, where we will help you and answer and and all questions that you may have.

These 25 beginner tips will help you get started!

25 beginner tips for newborn photography at home

1. Safety First:

When it comes to newborn photography, safety should always come first. Don’t try poses that make you uncomfortable; never leave the baby unattended on a prop or surface.

2. Pace Yourself:

One of the benefits of newborn photography at home is that there’s no rush or pressure to capture the perfect shot. Take your time, enjoy the session, and be patient with your little one!

3. Make Sure Baby is Comfortable:

Before snapping any photos, make sure the baby is comfortable and cozy. This will help create the perfect atmosphere for a successful session. A few days before the day of the shoot, try to keep the baby on a regular sleep schedule to ensure that they are well-rested and happy during the session.

4. Have a Plan:

Before starting your newborn photography at home, have a plan for styling your shoot. Decide which props or backdrops to use and what poses to feature in your photos. Make sure to have everything set up before bringing a baby into the space.

5. Utilize Natural Light:

Natural light is key when it comes to newborn photography at home. Place baby near a window where you can capture the best sunlight and shadows. If you don’t have access to natural light, consider investing in some studio lighting equipment.

6. Work Those Angles:

It can be tempting to take the same angle and Pose repeatedly when shooting at home. To make your photos look more professional, experiment with different angles and perspectives. Try shooting overhead or from the floor up for an interesting shot.

7. Utilize Props:

Using props such as baskets, blankets, and fabric can bring out the best in your photos. They can add texture, interest, and color to your shots while accentuating the baby’s features.

8. Take Your Time:

The key to successful newborn photography at home is managing expectations. Don’t be afraid to take your time, as this will help create more natural and relaxed shots. Let the baby do its thing, and don’t worry if you don’t get the shot on the first attempt.

9. Capture Everyday Moments:

In addition to posed photos, try capturing some of those sweet everyday moments with your baby. Photos of them yawning, nursing, or just smiling at you will surely be cherished for years to come.

10. Don’t Forget the Details:

Take a few close-up shots of your baby’s hands, feet, and face to capture their tiny little details that you may want to remember forever. Be sure to snap photos of any family members or pets who were there for the session too!

11. Capture Different Emotions:

Newborn babies can be unpredictable, and you never know what kind of expressions or moods they will be in. Capture a range of facial expressions, from happy to sad, so that you have a variety of shots for your album.

12. Get Creative:

If you’re feeling extra creative, try experimenting with different angles, lighting, and props to create unique shots. Utilize objects such as toys, baby's safety flowers, or blocks to make your photos stand out.

13. Include Your Older Children:

Including older siblings in newborn photography at home is a great way to document the family’s growth and transition. Have them stand beside the baby or pose with a cuddly toy for a sweet shot.

14.Get In The Picture with Your Baby:

Don’t forget to get in a few shots with your little one. These are beautiful memories you can look back on for years.

15. Capture The Tiny Details:

Finally, get some close-up shots of your baby’s hands and feet, as they’ll change quickly. These small details will bring back beautiful memories in the years to come!

16. Experiment With Angles and Perspectives:

Experimenting with different angles and perspectives can help you create unique images for your newborn photography at home. Try shooting from different heights, like the floor or the baby's head, to get some interesting shots. You can also try changing the angle of the light to enhance your photos further.

17. Get Outside for Some Natural Light:

If you’re feeling stuck indoors, try getting outside and utilizing natural light to create beautiful photos of your baby. Find a few patches of sunlight or shade to bring out the best in your photos. Just remember to keep your baby safe and comfortable while shooting outdoors.If you live in somewhere cold, maybe the North Pole, this might not be an option for you...

18. Don’t Forget the Background:

The background of your shots can make or break the overall look. Try to choose a backdrop that will complement the colors and tones of your baby’s skin tone and clothing. Remember to keep it simple, as having too much going on in the shot can be distracting.

19. Enjoy the Process:

Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the process of a newborn photography session at home. With a little patience and practice, you will soon be able to create beautiful photos that you can cherish for years.

20. Print Those Pictures Out:

Don’t forget to print out those newborn photo shoot. Printing the pictures for a photo album or wall art will help you keep those memories alive for years to come.

21. Share with Friends and Family:

Don’t forget to share your precious memories with friends and family! Creating digital copies of your prints makes it easier to share the images on social media or through a photo-sharing service. This way, you can keep everyone up-to-date on your baby’s early moments.

22. Have fun with it:

Newborn DIY newborn photography at home doesn't have to be a stressful process. Have fun, and use the opportunity to bond with your new family member. Don’t forget to take breaks and enjoy the moment as well! With some practice, DIY newborn photos, you will soon be able to create beautiful photos of your baby that you can treasure for a lifetime.

23. Utilize Mobile Apps:

Thanks to mobile technology, you can easily edit your photos on your phone. Play around with color, brightness, and sharpness levels to get the perfect shot. Plenty of free photo editing apps will help you create stunning images in no time!

24. Take Lots of Pictures:

Finally, don’t forget to keep taking pictures! There is no such thing as too many photos regarding newborn photography at home. Keep snapping away and enjoy the process. You never know which one will turn into a masterpiece!

25. Have Professional Prints Made:

For special occasions, consider having your DIY newborn photoshoot photos professionally printed. This will help you create beautiful wall art and photo albums that you can keep forever.

I hope these 25 tips were helpful to get you started! If you want to take your own newborn photos but you still feel less than confident and would like a step-by-step guide, you can get one here! After you get the guide, you will have the opportunity to join us in a private group to help you. Can't wait to meet you and see what we can help you do!

With Love,

Jules B.