As a new parent, you finally understand why they always tell you to cherish the first weeks – the rosy cheeks, wrinkly hands, and tiny bodies that fill your heart with much joy. So, you keep trying to memorize each detail before they get bigger.
You want to remember every minute of these fleeting days for the rest of your life because you know that your child will grow in no time. It won’t be long, and you’ll forget how soft their skin was and how their sleepy heads fit perfectly on your shoulders as you cuddle them to sleep. That’s why newborn photography is such a good option in preserving those days and memories.
Quick Tips Before You Start Newborn Photo Shoots
Newborn photo shoots are among the most exciting moments for a family. However, parents sometimes find it overwhelming to prepare themselves and their babies for the shoot. So, with a bit of planning, some tips, and Newborn Photography Ideas that I will share with you, your whole family can relax and enjoy your session.
Ensure that the Baby is Well Fed
Right before your shoot starts, feed your baby. Newborns are indeed one of the hungriest creatures on Earth. You don’t want their DIY newborn photo sessions to be disrupted by their agitated cries for milk. Feeding and burping your baby right before you begin means better sleep, less crying, and a relaxed parent and photographer.
Also, it may last around two hours, which leaves a bunch of time to refuel if your child wakes up expecting a snack. If they seem hungry, try giving them a small snack to get them through and proceed with the shoot.
Make Sure that the House is Ready for Photoshoot
Since there are various adjustments to consider during the shoot, taking time to think about where you left your props and wasting energy getting them from any other place should be the least of your concerns. Clear the clutter in the rooms that you will use and have all the things that you’ll need before taking your photos.
So, it’s better to prepare all props, like the blanket, crib, and stuffed toys, on one accessible side of the room. Also, clearing off the nightstands and making the bed look fresh with a light-coloured quilt and fluffy pillows is perfectly fine.
Prepare all the Props and Materials ahead of Time
It is ideal to create a checklist of the colors, poses, or props you prefer for your shoot. You can also include links or screenshots from different websites for the Newborn Photography Ideas that you like. On the morning of the photoshoot, pull together your final looks. Then, gather your fabrics, backgrounds, props, and wraps and set them all up. Then, you just have to add the baby. Having everything prepared ahead of time provides a high chance of having a smooth DIY newborn photo session.
Create a Backup Plan
Babies are prone to have unexpected moments. They just are. Babies tend to pee and poop and spit up on everything. So, all you can do is plan for that.
An extra set of blankets, burp cloths, outfits, or whatever you need would be best, especially if you want to do those newborn photo ideas of babies in a wrap without a diaper. I have had different experiences with children. Some are smooth and squeaky clean photoshoots, but other babies seem to be more prone to pee on everything. So, you’ll always be glad to have more than just enough options.
15 Newborn Photography Ideas
If you have a tricky baby or a day when you feel nothing is really working, take a pause and check out these newborn photo ideas. It will help you brainstorm and bring out that theme you’ve been thinking of.
If you don’t know how to set your ideas in motion, these ideas will help you make it happen.
1- Swaddled Baby
I know wrapping is a real struggle for beginner newborn photoshoots. But this wrapping technique is effortless, and babies love to be wrapped up. Once they feel that soft and snug swaddle around them, they drift right off to sleep. It is usually the secret to calming a fussy baby during a photoshoot.
Also, wraps are great accents to dress up those bare baby poses, like draping a light wrap over the baby or covering the baby’s bottom and trailing the fabric behind. There are various ways to have beautiful shots with an accessory wrap, so feel free to pick what suits your taste.
2- Sleeping pose
The sleeping poses are where I work with angles, maximize different hand placements, and use wrapping techniques. Contrary to the notion, this pose is far from boring. Often, it can bring a tear to the parent’s eyes as they gaze on the absolute serenity of their sleeping newborn.
3- Teddy Bear Prop
Some research proves that children become attached to their stuffed toys as they grow into healthy little humans. So, it would be a great idea to have it as part of your newborn shoot at home.
The baby can be awake or asleep, depending on how cuddly you want the memories to be. Plus, it’s very easy to do. Just set it up on the beanbag or dog bed, whatever you’re using. Then, make a pocket in the blanket or use two different similar-tone blankets on top of your baby and the stuffed toy.
4- Parent’s hand
Parents usually prefer not to be in photos, but I’d rather get one and not use it than regret not having it. Besides, if they’re really not sure, then I prefer just to use their hands. Believe me, this always works.
During a newborn photoshoot, the baby needs the support of either the father or mother. So, why not turn this seemingly helpful situation into some stunning and heartfelt memories for your shoot? This pose also represents parental bond, availability, and support.
5- Foot and hand Close-ups
This newborn pose is less about the baby and more of a detailed shot. There are two ways to do it. First, wrap black cloth around the baby’s legs to hide the diaper and the baby. With this, only the hands and feet are visible.
The second way is to leave the baby in the photo. Some parents said it could be anybody’s baby if only the feet were visible. So, you could include the baby in the picture as well, but make sure you hide the nappy with the palms of your hands. Ideally, the hands are in front of the baby’s nappy.
6- Sibling Interaction
These shots are more emotional and sensitive. It is a joy to see the older child interacting with the new baby brother or sister, but having that captured is the best. The beauty of newborn photos with the older siblings is in those unscripted interactions.
From the tiny kisses, tender looks, and protective gestures, it truly captures the journey and growth of relationships from the earliest stages. These newborn photos give so much joy as parents witness their children forming bonds that will shape the rest of their lives.
7- Baskets or Crates
Basket prop shots can be more challenging, but it sure is a parent favourite. In this newborn photoshoot idea, the baby’s half-swaddled body is placed down into the basket. Then, the baby’s arms are on the edge of the basket for an ideal shot of the face—nothing to worry about your baby.
There’s plenty of padding and support inside and around the basket to keep them comfortable. Basket props come in different kinds of materials, with wood and rope being the most popular in newborn photography.
8- Newborn with pets
Involving your family pets, often considered as the family’s first child, in the photo shoot results in the most adorable photos. The outcome is a collection of memories that indeed gives undeniable charm. But always remember to stay near and make safety a priority in these photos.
Also, don’t forget to have those trending close-up shots of the little paws of your pets resting up protectively against the new baby.
9- Seasonal Props
Using props in photography is the same as using salt in cooking. They transform your photos from tasteless to delicious. They don’t just add that texture and dimension to your newborn photoshoots, but they also give you the opportunity to highlight and capture beautiful close-up, macro shots of a baby’s details.
10- Monochrome Photography
Colors are great and can depict a lot of emotion, but nothing beats classic black-and-white newborn photography, which emphasizes simplicity and elegance with beautiful tones and shapes. Moreover, monochrome photos are perfect for newborns regardless of the skin tone.
Most parents also love to have a monochrome portrait of their babies, and I think it should be one of the top newborn photography ideas you can try out. You can also ask to use colour grading to create exquisite monochrome images. Trust me, this is one of the best ideas for newborn photography.
11- Headband or hat
Hats and headbands add a sense of polish and style to any photo shoot. They provide an accent to a portrait and improve a simple canvas. Every tiny design in the hats and headbands gives off the vibe of your desired look and theme.
But of course, similar to the hypoallergenic products used for newborns, ensure that you use headbands and hats made of safe fabric for infants for safety purposes.
12- Minimalist look
Elaborate backgrounds and props are fun, of course, but when you have an adorable newborn, you really won’t need much more for a sweet photo. You may have various outfits ready, but perhaps get a selection of four colours to begin with. Also, I suggest having one neutral-coloured outfit in your minimalist newborn photoshoot.
When I start the shoot, the newborn baby is always awake. Instead of trying hard to get the baby to sleep, I get the baby to play and do active things. There’s no point fighting it, so just follow the lead. Eventually, the newborn will get tired, feed, and fall asleep. Then, this is the perfect time for minimalist sleepyhead shots.
13- Parent Snuggles
I always take a few photos of the parents holding the baby, either looking at the baby or looking into the camera. As much as parents may say they don’t look the best, somehow, these photos often end up on the walls. Do simple holding crossed-arms poses. There is no need to get creative and do challenging poses, but simple snuggles are the key.
I would tell parents to think years from now. Which of your photos will be more personal and sentimental to the baby? Of course, these will be the ones with their parents.
14- Bum-up tummy pose
This pose is ideal during the sleepy newborn stage but is also possible with an awake newborn. The technique is to make sure the baby is still and comfortable. If the newborn starts to look agitated and is trying to move, proceed to the next pose. You can always come back to this later.
Also, there’s no need to deliberately push the bum up unless the newborn is sleepy and happy, so try to get a simple safety shot first. But if you want to perfect it, arch the back to see those baby fat rolls to show.
15- Chin on arms pose
Chin on the arms might be a challenging pose to achieve, but you’ll love it because you’ll see the newborn’s face very well. This pose can also be applied to other different poses, like bucket poses.
You just need to ensure that the baby’s face does not wrinkle up instead of sitting nicely above the hands. This pose also gives you those really lovely close-ups and pictures from the top.
Final Thoughts: Memorable Photoshoot Ideas for Newborn to Cherish Forever
Of course, you can never know how a newborn photo session will go. Trust me when I say that there are just way too many things that might come up when you have a newborn, and even more so when you have more children.
Get ready with an hour to spare so that if one has a desperate emergency crying, screaming, or tantrum-throwing need, you still have time to prepare yourself and adjust. Newborns are unpredictable models, but that’s what makes them so charming. So, I hope that these shared newborn photoshoot ideas will result in pictures and memories you’ll cherish forever.
Samantha, the visionary behind Little One Photo, is a passionate photographer with a special gift for capturing the essence of newborns and families. With over a decade of experience, she has honed her craft to create timeless, emotive portraits that families cherish for generations. Samantha’s warm personality and patient approach put even the tiniest clients at ease, allowing her to capture genuine moments of connection and love.
