It's no secret that newborns are at the same time some of the easiest and most difficult portrait subjects to work with.
On the one hand, they sleep a lot, and that gives you plenty of opportunities to get the shots you (and their parents) want to get.
On the other hand, if they wake up - watch out!
Screaming, hungry babies that need a diaper change aren't exactly what parents want captured in their newborn photography.
Of course, they're also delicate little things that require you to work with an incredible amount of care.
But, boy, when things fall into place, you sure can get a beautiful photo of a newborn.
Here's eight examples of adorable newborn photography that's sure to make you want to find some cute newborn cheeks to pinch!
Photo by Abba Color Photography
This newborn couldn't look more serene and cozy!
When photographing newborns, it's important to capture these moments because, before long, these moments will be few and far between for the parents.
One way to up the cozy factor is to use soft wraps and blankets to swaddle the baby. Not only does that give the shot a cozy, comfortable look, but it also helps keep the little one warm and comfortable (and asleep!).
Note in this instance how a vertical aspect shot elongates the scene. Don't just photograph babies in landscape orientation - take some in portrait orientation too to give more interest to the composition.
Photo by Belly Beautiful Photography
In contrast to the first picture in which the baby was swaddled, this image takes it in another direction and reveals a lot of skin so we can see the baby's little fat rolls.
In this instance, the view from in front of the baby's face allows us to see her chubby body, in addition to the smaller details of her face, like her eyebrows and eyelashes.
What's more, the sequin crown adds some bling to the shot, while her folded arms give the image an added level of cuteness that's hard not to love.
That's the advantage of working with a sleeping newborn - you can pretty easily pose them in ways that amp up the cuteness factor!
This adorable photo is a prime example of how you can use props and wardrobe selections to create a shot that's got tons of details and visual interest but isn't overwhelming to the viewer's eye, either.
Placing the newborn in the small cradle accentuates her tiny size, while the dainty tieback frames her face and gives some detail to her head area.
What's more, the lace gown offers more daintiness to the shot but also brings in some texture that contrasts well with the blanket that occupies the foreground of the photo.
Don't be afraid to layer different colors, textures, and fabrics - in this instance, you can see how they can be used to create a more interesting image.
Photo by Belly Beautiful Photography
Newborn photography (and any portrait photography, for that matter) can benefit from a relatively monochromatic color palette, like the one seen in the image above.
By using mostly purple tones, the photo has a great sense of cohesion and calm.
By repeating certain elements like the flowers surrounding the baby and again in the floral headband, this photo has a nice repetition to it that our eyes tend to enjoy as well.
Notice how there are different textures in the shot to delight the eye, but because most of them are the same shade of purple, they don't feel like they overtake the photo. The result is an image that has tons of visual interest but one in which the baby remains the star of the show.
Photo by Abba Color Photography
When I think of a newborn, I think of chubby cheeks, tiny hands, and little feet.
Putting all those features on display is easier if you manipulate the posing and the wardrobe to put them on center stage.
In the image above, this adorable baby's hands and feet are highlighted because they protrude from the beautiful gown.
It's like you can reach out and pinch them, right?
There's an elegance and lightness about the photo as well, giving it a feeling that the baby is almost floating above the ground.
Photo by Belly Beautiful Photography
It's difficult to find a pose that makes a baby even more adorable, but this one gets pretty close!
Sleeping newborns can be molded and shaped pretty easily, assuming you take care in doing so.
That means you can pose them in ways seen above, that aren't natural for a baby to do and create a portrait that is hard to resist.
In this case, the baby's delicate head and neck are supported by its arms. The way the hands cup the cheeks draws attention to the baby's face (and the size of its cheeks, too!).
Also notice how the beautiful crown adds some height to the shot while also helping draw attention to the little curls in the baby's hair. That makes for one cute close-up newborn portrait!
Earlier, I noted how using monochromatic colors helps create a calm and serene portrait.
There's value in going for high-contrast too.
In this case, the deep, saturated purple gives the image tons of depth and contrasts nicely with the baby's pale skin.
What's more, that contrast helps draw more attention to the newborn, as do the crown and angel wings that adorn her body.
By using color, texture, and shapes in harmony, you can create newborn photography that not only makes the baby look wonderful but is also eye-catching and pleasing to view.
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