How to Capture the Perfect Newborn Photo: Tips from Professional Photographers

Babies are only this tiny for a short amount of time, so capturing that preciousness as soon as possible is crucial for expecting parents. Taking a newborn photo is an important milestone, and if done right, can be a beautiful memory of your child’s first days that will last a lifetime.

The key to success is understanding the unique needs of newborns, and knowing the best strategies to get the perfect shot. Here are some tips from professional photographers that can help ensure you get beautiful newborn photos.

Best Time For Newborn Photography

When it comes to newborn photography, timing is everything. It’s important to photograph the baby when they are in the perfect state — relaxed, sleeping, and content — in order to capture the sweetest images.

The ideal time for newborn photography is between the 5th and 14th day after birth, when the baby is at their sleepiest. At this stage, you can capture all the sleepy smiles, wrinkly details, and tiny toes that make newborn photography so special. It may also be easier to settle the baby into sleepy poses during this stage.

By the two-week mark, newborns tend to be more alert, making it more challenging to photograph them in a sleepy, relaxed state. If you want to capture images of the baby’s eyes open, then this is the perfect stage.

There are many other factors you also need to consider when scheduling newborn photography. Parents should give priority to the baby’s needs, as even the easiest newborn photography session can be tiring. Make sure the baby has had at least one feed before they come to the shoot and that they have been fed and changed shortly before the session begins.

Use Cushion As Prop

When setting aside time for the shoot, it’s best to give yourself plenty of cushion. Newborns can be unpredictable, so you want to ensure that you have lots of time to get the perfect picture. Professional photographers suggest planning ahead, and reserving a two to three hour window.

Consider Natural Light

Also, try to get the shoot done in natural light. Natural light sources provide a softer, gentler look and feel to the photo that can be very effective in newborn photos. Pay attention to the temperature of the room – you don’t want the baby to be too hot or cold – and keep a consistent level of light throughout the shoot. Professional photographers sometimes use a diffuser – a accessory used to soften harsh light – in order to avoid hot spots or shadows on the baby’s skin.

Natural light is softer, warmer and can create a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere for parents and newborn babies alike. Natural light can make photographs more aesthetically pleasing, enabling you to create timeless images that the family can cherish for years to come.

When starting your newborn photography session, the first step is to scope out the location and identify which way the light is coming from. You want to use a light source that is evenly spread and which provides a soft quality of light onto your subject. If you’re shooting indoors, avoid using fluorescent lights as they tend to create harsh shadows across the baby’s face.

An effective way to use natural light is to create a natural vignette effect. This is when the center of your photograph is brighter than the edges. This can be achieved by positioning the baby in the center of the light source, allowing the light to pass through windows and fan out slightly onto the baby. This effect tends to create a beautiful light portrait of the baby, with the edges softened and glowed.

Also, try to avoid direct sunlight on the baby’s face. This will cause squinting, as well as underexposed facial features. You also want to make sure that the light is not causing a shadow on the baby. It’s essential to have a consistent amount of light across the face so that you can clearly see the baby’s eyelashes and other delicate features.

While natural light can be the most challenging to work with at times, it can also produce stunning results. With the use of natural light, a newborn photographer is able to capture beautiful photos of a new baby without needing to rely on additional equipment. As a result, the photos capture a timeless beauty that the family can hold onto forever.

Avoid Overcrowding

Another common tip for getting the perfect shot is to avoid overcrowding the baby. Feel free to enlist help from family, but keep their numbers to a minimum to avoid any distractions during the shoot. Also, try to keep the baby comfortable between shots, and ensure the room is quiet and calm during the session.

Last thought

Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative. To make your newborn photos stand out, experiment with different angles and poses. Storytelling is especially effective for newborns, so take some creative liberties when coming up with ideas for the shoot. Once you’ve got the pictures you need, you’ll have a beautiful memory of the start of your child’s life that you can cherish for years to come.