Last week, I shared some
tips on how to capture beautiful photos of your newborn.
Let’s go one step further and talk about my favorite newborn poses! The goal is to capture photos that are beautiful, simple, and worthy of an announcement.
Shoot straight down at baby
I typically achieve this set up at a client's home by laying baby on a beanbag with a pretty blanket over it, or on a soft, padded blanket on the floor. You'll want to be near a window with baby's feet towards the window. Stand directly over baby and shoot straight down. This is a very simple set up … but it produces some of my all-time favorite images!
A word of caution: PLEASE use the neck strap of your DSLR so that you can't possibly drop the camera on baby.
Photograph baby at eye level
Lie sleeping baby safely on a bed or sofa near a window. Next, gently coax her to roll her head so she's facing the window. You will be crouched down, directly in front of her and shooting straight into her face. It's also possible to lay baby on a blanket on the floor and then lay on your stomach. Additionally, this type of shot works nicely with baby lying in Dad's hands. Keep the background free of any clutter.
Go outside with baby
This won't work if it's cold. But if it's hot, baby will thank you. I've often found that hot and humid days work wonders to conk out a little one! All you need for outdoor photos is a very sleepy baby and a basket or bed to lay him in. Then look for an area with tall grass, or flowers and place baby there. Depending on the position of the baby, you may have to crouch down low in order to capture an image that really shows off his face.
Lay baby on you or your husband
Face a window, and lay baby up against your chest or on your husband's chest. Relax. Snap. These will probably end up being your photo images ever : ) I've found that the simple clothes work best as there's nothing competing with baby.
Take sibling photos
If siblings are older, have them lay down on a bed or the floor your newborn. Have them lay so their forehead rests against the baby's forehead and snap the photo from above. For little ones who don't take direction too well, bring out a book and ask them to lie down and read the book to the baby (or pretend to read if they're really little!). This can buy you a few super precious moments of shooting : )
These aren't the fanciest newborn photos … but they're timeless. And they’re simple to take.
If you try and aren't happy with the results ... try again! Lighting changes every day … as do moods. So a new day just may result in a successful photo shoot.
Happy (and safe) shooting!
Kate
………….
Kate Callahan is an on-location photographer who LOVES to capture authentic memories for families. She’s available for weddings, senior photos, child photo sessions, and family photography. Kate works with clients throughout the Hudson Valley, NYC, Delaware (and the tri-state area), and beyond. Visit her photography blog.
Other posts by this this blogger
Aug 6, 2020
Help get your budding little photographer's creative juices flowing with these 8 fun photography activities for kids.
Aug 6, 2020
Your kids love you just the way you are right now. So, please, please, please ... push past any insecurities you may have and get in the photos with your little ones!
Mar 20, 2019
Need tips for better spring photos? Try out these 10 suggestions.
Jun 15, 2018
kids in the hudson valley share wise words with adults
May 3, 2018
An esthetician at Savor Beauty Salon in Saugerties shares some tips on how to help your teen/tween take better care of their skin.
Apr 17, 2018
With just a few adjustments, you can take better photos of your children. Here are two easy changes that will dramatically improve the quality of the photos you take of your kids.
Mar 1, 2018
kids in the hudson valley share wise words with adults
Feb 7, 2018
With just a few adjustments, you can take better photos of your children. Here are 3 things NOT to do to improve the quality of your photos.
Jan 5, 2018
Staying in this weekend? Here's a variety of pancake recipes to try with the kids, including gluten-free, paleo, and vegan.
Dec 18, 2017
A family photo scavenger hunt is a creative and fun way to take better candid photos.
Nov 23, 2017
three labs that offer a wonderful selection of high-quality holiday cards
Oct 30, 2017
The perfect gluten-free cookies to bake with your kids
Sep 20, 2017
Fall is everyone's favorite time of year for family photos. Here are 10 tips to help you make the most of your professional photo session.
Aug 18, 2017
kids in the hudson valley share wise words with adults
Aug 16, 2017
A list of 9 tips to customize your instagram stories
Aug 2, 2017
A list of easy and fun pictures you can take of your child on his or her first day of school.
Jul 31, 2017
A professional photographer shares some tips on how teen/tween modeling
Jul 28, 2017
A professional photographer shares a tip for how to look more relaxed in photos
Jul 24, 2017
A professional photographer considers the most popular stages for photos during a baby's first year of life.
Jul 5, 2017
A professional photographer shares some tips on submitting photos to child modeling agencies
Jun 22, 2017
kids in the hudson valley share wise words with adults
Jun 15, 2017
How to choose a DSLR for the first time? Consider these 13 tips from a professional photographer
Jun 11, 2017
how to use natural reflectors to brighten photos of your kids
Jun 6, 2017
A professional photographer shares some tips for a DIY backyard photo shoot with your kids this summer.
May 29, 2017
It can be a challenge to take beautiful photos of your kids at the beach. Here are a few tips to make it easier.
May 22, 2017
With just a few adjustments, you can take better photos of your children. Here are 9 tips that will greatly improve your skills as a photographer.
Apr 11, 2017
A professional newborn photo shoot is a wonderful experience for families. But if it's not in the budget, or if you just want to attempt the photos yourself for other reasons, here are a few general tips.