When my son was born, we had professional photos taken of him.
If you can find the right photographer, I highly recommend it, even if you're a photographer yourself!
But that doesn't mean that you can't grab your camera and take photos of your own baby...
Here's a few quick tips for photographing your newborn.
Give It Some Time
If you're like me, you feel a rush to get photos before your baby starts growing and changing rapidly.
But to try to cram a lifetime worth of photos into an hour or two just doesn't make sense. It doesn't make for very good pictures, either.
Instead, resolve to take a few photos each day or every other day.
Each time you shoot, try a different setup, a different angle, use different lighting, and so forth, that way you get different looks from one shot to the next.
Another benefit of pacing yourself is that you can document the subtle changes that occur with your baby in their first weeks and months.
You won't notice those changes in the moment, but when you look back on your photos, you'll be amazed at how much your little one changes!
Accessorize Tastefully
One thing I see in some newborn photography is over-the-top additions that make the shot look and feel chaotic.
Whether that's a busy background, too many props or something in between, going overboard with accessories will only detract from your baby's beauty.
With that in mind, do yourself a favor and accessorize your newborn photos in a tasteful manner.
In the image above, for example, notice how the darling floral crown adds some color and texture to the shot, while the wrap that's swaddling the baby keeps her warm and cozy (while also adding a gorgeous pattern to the photo as well).
These accessories work so well together because they complement one another color-wise, and because the background is fairly plain and empty.
The result is that these accessories help draw your eye to the baby for a more powerful shot.
Editor's Tip: See the floral crown from the image above and other newborn photography accessories by clicking here.
In this example, the addition of the floral crown adds texture and interest to the photo.
Again, this is important because it helps make the baby the focal point of the image.
But in this case, since the baby isn't clothed and the background is a single, solid color, the floral crown adds a punch of visual interest that takes the photo to the next level.
Learn More:
- Get Outfitted With Newborn Clothing and Accessories for Your Next Photo Shoot
- Take Your Newborn Photography to the Next Level With These Simple Tips
Keep Your Baby Comfortable
It should be a no-brainer, but I'll mention it anyway...
The more comfortable your baby is, the more likely they are to stay asleep, and if they're asleep, you'll obviously have a much easier time taking their photo.
That means turning up the heat so the room is nice and warm for them when you take their photos.
That also means ensuring that noise is at a minimum, that way they aren't woken up as you work.
Also try a beautiful wrap to keep them warm and swaddled.
Wraps like the one above also add color and texture to the shot, as I was explaining earlier.
That gives you an accessory that pulls double-duty!
Editor's Tip: Click here to see lace rompers, knit wraps, blankets, and other newborn accessories you can use for your newborn photos.
Include Yourself
Purest Light Photography
Remember that when you're photographing your own newborn that you need to include yourself, your significant other, your other kids, and other friends and family in some of the photos.
Putting yourself into the shot, as seen above, creates a beautiful dynamic between mom and baby.
Showing that love and the relationship you have with your newborn makes it easy to capture a gorgeous photo that you'll love for a lifetime!
Learn More:
- Newborn Photography Tips That Will Completely Change Your Images
- These Babies Dressed Like Princesses is Cuteness Overload
About Sew Trendy
This is a company that photographers absolutely need to be in touch with. Their gowns, crowns, and other high-quality accessories are just what you need for maternity photos, photos of newborns, and mommy and me sessions. These accessories not only make your clients look and feel great, but they also add a depth of detail and interest to your photos that elevate the images to an entirely other level. What started out with just a few people manufacturing these eye-catching items is a growing business that provides accessories to photographers worldwide. Help your clients look and feel their best by partnering with Sew Trendy Accessories.