8 tips on how to take newborn family photos at home.. using your cell phone!

My first newborn photoshoot was in 2005, right after the birth of my little nephew.  I’ve been a professional newborn family photographer in Boston since 2012. With over a decade of experience with newborn and baby photography,  I’ve learned a lot of tricks along the way to help you take beautiful baby photos at home.  These are the tips that I use on a daily basis as a professional in-home newborn photographer.  You don’t need to be a professional.. these tips will help you capture your little baby at home, even if you’re using your cell phone.

1. Timing is key!

It’s best to photograph a newborn baby within the first few days of life.  The “magic” timing for photos is specifically within the first two weeks of life for several reasons.  First, babies are at their sleepiest state, often sleeping 16-17 hours a day.  After the first couple of weeks, newborns start becoming more alert and awake with each day that passes.  Secondly, the two-week mark is right before the onset of baby acne, which is more likely to occur in the 3rd or 4th week.  Even with the best editing programs, it’s tough to edit a baby with acne, so you have a better set of photos if you catch them before any acne or skin bumps start forming.  Lastly, a newborn doesn’t usually develop colic during their first few days.   If your baby is older than 2 weeks, don’t worry!  It’s never too late to photograph your baby.  With an older baby, you can look forward to capturing different aspects such as their wide-awake eyes and their big gooey smiles.

2. Use natural light

The daytime is a perfect time to photograph newborns because they often sleep during the day (they’re up all night!)  Also, the best perk is using beautiful natural light!  Photographing too late in the evening may force you to rely on flash or indoor lighting.  The flash can be disruptive and wake the baby up.  In addition, flash can cause unflattering harsh shadows and indoor lighting can give your images an offsetting orange or blue tint. As a pro tip, try to photograph your baby near a window, while avoiding harsh light.  As an in-home newborn photographer, I always try to photograph families and babies right next to a window.. the bigger the opening, the better.  If it’s nice out, don’t be afraid to go outside!  Just find a nice shady area.  😉

3. Ensure the baby is comfy and sleepy

Make sure the baby is sleepy and comfortable.  When I photograph newborn families at home, I set a nice and calm mood.  My main goal is to ensure the newborn is comfy by “recreating” what it felt like in their mom’s tummy.  You can do this by keeping the room warm (especially during our cold Boston winters!), using a white noise app (I use a free one), and, most importantly, keeping them in a tight swaddle.   I usually start my photo sessions with a wrapped baby and once I have lots of beautiful photos, I test the waters and I start slllowwwwlllyyyy unwrapping them. Using a pacifier can be a game-changer as well… even if you use it just for your photo session.

4.  Mom’s watch what you eat!

Did you know that what a breastfeeding mother eats affects the baby?  And yes, this is the most unexpected tip but it truly matters.  I never fully understood this until I learned the hard way with my own babies.  So, moms should plan what they eat around the photoshoot.  Start the evening prior and stay away from foods that produce colic.  They include garlic, onions, broccoli, spicy foods, and.. brace yourself.. caffeine.  Mom’s morning cup of Joe can keep the baby up.  So, for extra calm & sleepy photos, moms should drink their coffee after photographing the little model.  😉  For a more detailed list of the foods that cause colic, check out this link.

5. Get photos with parents and siblings!

After you capture the photos of the newborn, don’t forget to take photos of the baby with parents and siblings.  Even if you’re the mom taking photos, prop your phone on a shelf or tripod, put it on “selfie mode,” and use the 3-10 second delay before pressing the “shoot” button.  Here is a link to an inexpensive phone tripod that I purchased on Amazon.. definitely worth it!  Even though you may not feel like being in the photos, your little one will love seeing mommy & baby photos when they’re older.  Get your partner to join as well.  As far as sibling photos, safety is the top priority.  You want to take into account how mature the siblings are and if they can safely hold the newborn.  There are poses you can use that are very safe, even if the sibling is an energetic toddler.

6.  What to wear for newborn family photos

This is my most frequently asked question.. what to wear for baby family photos.  Above all, moms must feel comfortable and beautiful.  I recommend wearing light and coordinating colors.. though if parents love strong colors, show it off!   My best recommendations and tips are listed in this blog post:  what to wear for your newborn portraits.

7. Keep it simple and don’t forget the details.

The beauty in newborn photography is the simplicity and the little details.  These photos are timeless and special  The main focus is on capturing the newborn baby at their tiniest.  As a mom, that’s what I miss the most, the little hands, toes, and faces.

8. Hire a photographer

These tips help you take your own photos, which are sure to render you unforgettable images.   But if you can afford a photographer, I highly recommend it!  It’s worth pampering yourself especially because babies are only this small one.  Bonuses for hiring a photographer who has had newborn safety training.  As a professional newborn photographer, I have years of editing experience.  Also, I have attended many training classes that emphasize newborn safety.  I am highly skilled at safely posing little newborns into those curly, adorable poses.

Follow me on Instagram!

If you LOVE newborns and want your baby fix, follow me on Instagram!  I look forward to seeing you there.

In-home Boston Ma newborn family photographer, Isabel Sweet

I am a baby and newborn photographer in the Boston area. I am happy to provide boutique photography services to the South End, Back Bay, Fenway, Brookline, Cambridge, South Boston, Belmont, Arlington, Lexington, Needham, Beacon Hill, Newton, and beyond! All sessions take place in the comfort of your own home or favorite location. This in-home photo session took place in Boston, Massachusetts. Interested in a newborn baby session? Contact me now!