Whether you’ve been a photographer for years or you’ve recently welcomed a little one into the family, we’re sure that you might agree with us when we say that capturing newborns can be a little bit tricky, to say the least.
Not only that, but besides trying to capture beautiful moments of the first stages of their life, you’re also going to want to make sure that you are creating a photography session where everyone feels safe, comfortable and happy.
The only question is, what is the art of photographing newborns, exactly? In this guide, we are going to be sharing with you some of the top tips that you can utilize when it comes to being a newborn photographer.
So, with all that being said, just keep on reading to learn more. Let’s begin!
Photographing Newborns: Everything You Need To Know
There’s plenty to consider when it comes to newborn photography.
From making sure that you are creating a safe and loving environment all the way to ensuring that you are listening to what the parents are saying – you’re going to need to make sure that you’re getting everything right.
To make sure that you do exactly that, below we are going to be sharing with you some of the top tips for successful newborn photography. Whenever you’re ready, just keep on scrolling through to discover more:
1. Know The Perfect Time To Carry Out Newborn Photography
First things first, if you want to make sure that you are capturing newborn photography successfully and professionally, you are going to need to make sure that you are getting your timing right.
Even though we think that it’s pretty safe to say that newborns don’t stay newborns for too long, you aren’t going to be able to take pictures too soon after the birth, as the baby will need time to adjust and rest.
Here’s a quick breakdown of optimum times for newborn photography:
1-2 weeks after birth: This is the optimal time to take newborn photos. At the 1 to 2 week stage, newborns will have had time to adjust from the birth (as this can often be a pretty exhausting time for both mom and baby) while also still being super snuggly and sleepy. Thanks to this, it means that you’ll have a much higher chance of being able to capture the classic, cute newborn poses that everyone finds adorable.
2 weeks: After the 1 to 2 week mark, you are still going to be able to capture adorable newborn shots. However, keep in mind that you might have a little harder time doing so as little ones will typically be a lot more alert and awake to the world that is all around. This means that if you are going to be taking newborn photos after the first few weeks, you’re going to need to make sure that you are timing the session when they are napping/sleeping.
2. Make Sure You Have The Necessary Photography Equipment
Along with making sure that you are carrying out the newborn photography at the right time, you are also going to want to make sure that you have all of the necessary equipment to be able to take the pictures successfully.
Of course, besides making sure that you have an adorable newborn baby to capture pictures of, you are also going to need to make sure that you have everything that you might additionally need.
For example, if the parents have requested certain props or backgrounds, then you are going to need to make sure that you have everything needed prior to the day of the session. Here are some of the basic things that you are going to need to have:
Blankets, heat and wraps: When photographing newborns, you’re going to need to make sure that you have wraps, blankets and a warm environment so that the newborn baby is comfortable throughout the duration of the photoshoot. Along with this, we also recommend that you consider opting for a sound machine to help create a comforting environment for the newborn.
Lighting and backdrop set-up: In order to create a professional photography result, you’re going to need to make sure that you have all of the proper lighting fixtures and backdrop set-up ready for the photoshoot.
Additional newborn items: We also recommend that you consider making sure that you have additional newborn accessories that might come in handy throughout the duration of the photoshoot. Additional accessories such as soft toys, throws, blankets and more can all come in handy at some point or another.
3. Discuss Photography Requirements With The Parents
We can’t stress enough how important this particular tip is. When it comes to newborn photography, regardless of whether you are a highly experienced photographer or you’re a newbie to the business.
You’re going to need to make sure that you are taking the time to speak with the clients prior to going ahead with the photoshoot.
In the case of newborn photography, your main goal for the photoshoot is to ensure that you are adhering to the requirements of the parents.
The last thing that you want is to take photos of the newborn, only to discover that the parents are not happy with the outcome.
So, to ensure that you are in line with the wishes of the parents, make sure that you speak with them prior to the photoshoot to make sure that all goals are met.
However, besides making sure that you are clearly communicating with the clients to ensure that you are going to be taking photos that are in line with the wishes of the parents, you’re also going to need to make sure that you are both signing a contract.
Prior to going ahead with the photoshoot, you’re going to need to make sure that both you and the parents sign a contract to ensure that a written agreement is in place.
4. Learn To Wrap Newborns For Photography Purposes
This is another great tip that we have to share with you: learning how to wrap a newborn!
Regardless of whether you are new to the world of photography or not, if you want to be able to make sure that you are getting classic, natural and totally adorable newborn pictures, you are going to want to make sure that you are learning how to wrap.
Of course, while it’s certainly safe to assume that the majority of parents will be able to wrap their newborn baby without any issues, you should make sure that you are able to do it yourself just in case you need to step in once the photography session has begun.
Unlike swaddling for nighttime, you likely aren’t going to need to worry about wrapping the newborn super tight.
Instead, you are going to want to make sure that you are able to wrap a newborn in a blanket so that they are comfortable and snuggly while also allowing you to be able to capture those classic newborn pictures that we all know and love.
We recommend that you keep a stash of clothes on hand that are a different color and texture so that you have plenty of variety to choose from during your photography session.
5. Use Cloth Diapers To Help Maneuver The Newborn Into Appropriate Poses
Last but certainly not least, the final piece of advice that we have to share with you is the use of cloth diapers!
Even though newborn babies are typically sleepy and snuggly, getting them into the right poses can still be a little tricky. However, this is where the magic of rolled up diapers comes into play.
All you will need to do is roll up cloth diapers into little rolls, which you can then go ahead and use to help position the baby into various positions throughout the duration of the photography session.
Many newborn photographers will opt to stuff cloth diapers under the blanket to help properly pose the baby without running the risk of them feeling uncomfortable while they are sleeping.
Plus, to help ensure optimal comfortability, you can always opt to use a thicker blanket.
The Bottom Line
There we have it, we’ve made it to the end of the guide. After taking the time to read through everything that we have spoken about in the guide above, we hope that we have been able to give you a better understanding of what it takes to take successful newborn photography photos.
By following all of the tips and tricks that we have shared with you above, you should find that you are able to take professional quality photos all while ensuring that the newborn and parents have a comfortable and enjoyable photography experience.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this guide, and good luck with your photography endeavor.
Hey everyone, and welcome to LemonadeAndLenses.com. My name is Laura and I am the founder of this site!
For as long as I can remember, I have loved taking photographs. There is nothing I love more than looking back through old pictures, and having all of the memories come flooding back.
If you want to learn about how to take professional images, and to run your own photography business, then I can help you out, here at Lemonade And Lenses.
