How to Take Precious Baby Photos at Home

If there was ever a time to hire a professional photographer, it's for newborn pictures. Those tiny features don't stay little for long, and you'll want them beautifully preserved and committed to memory for years to come. Phone cameras have come a long way, but there's so much more to artful photography than a good camera and natural eye. As a Houston newborn photographer, I've poured hours into professional education, practice, and styling to provide the safest and best newborn photography experience for all my lovely couples. 

Reasons to Hire a Professional for Newborn Pictures

This special chapter in your family's story deserves to be captured poignantly. And as a trained professional, I understand how to handle and pose your little one safely and comfortably. I also work closely with parents to incorporate their personal style and preferences into the session, making the photos authentically unique and reflective of your family.
 
I know that the first few weeks with a newborn can be exhausting and overwhelming, which is why I strive to make the photoshoot experience as stress-free as possible. I provide a comfortable and relaxing studio environment with all the props and accessories for the perfect shot. And, as a fellow mama, I love soothing and comforting babies to make sure they are content and peaceful throughout the session. Nothing beats those newborn snuggles!
 
My job doesn't end after the photoshoot. I'll spend countless hours carefully selecting and editing the best images to create a stunning final product you and your family will cherish forever. From the perfect lighting and composition to the tiniest details of your baby's features, it's my passion to deliver timeless photographs that you can proudly display in your home and turn into family heirlooms.
 
From the carefully curated studio backdrops and professional lighting to the sweet sibling compositions and safe styling, I strive to highlight the love, joy, and pure perfection of your little one through artistry. 

Capturing Baby's First Moments: A Guide to Home Photography

However, the irresistible charm of your little one will tempt you into snapping photos at every turn. Whether it's weekly milestones, monthly transformations, and all the magic in between, there's always a reason to capture memories. (Hiring a personal photographer to follow you around might get a little pricey.) So, I've created a guide to share tips and tricks on how to safely and effectively capture heartwarming baby photos at home. Forget 56 shots of the same pose in terrible lighting. You'll have a camera roll other parents envy!

Setting the Stage for Baby Photoshoots

Choose a Soft Surface

Begin your photoshoot by finding the perfect setting. Your ideal location would be a soft surface like a bed or an ottoman. Although a couch or comfy chair might seem sufficient, remember that you need ample natural light falling on your baby. Armrests may obstruct the light, creating unwanted shadows.

Let in the Light

When it comes to lighting, outside of professional photography strobes, nothing beats the natural glow from a window. Make sure that the light source originates from a different direction than your camera angle. The most flattering light for babies is soft, diffused sunlight from a window. To take advantage of the natural light, don’t just open the blinds; lift them completely to let in as much light as possible. If that puts harsh rays on your baby, try another room or another time of day when the light isn't so direct.

Mastering the Art of Lighting and Angles

Direction of Light

Pay attention to your light placement. Ideal lighting is achieved when the light starts from the top of the baby's head and cascades down their face, creating a "butterfly lighting" effect. This lighting technique highlights their small and delicate features. Avoid "ghoul lighting," which originates from the chin upwards, since it's not flattering. (Think back to when you were a kid telling a scary story at a campout and would put a flashlight under your chin for a creepy effect.)
 
Another common lighting technique is to have the light directly in front of the face, like standing in front of a window. Direct lighting is ideal for adults as it minimizes wrinkles. However, babies don't have wrinkles, so butterfly lighting works best to highlight their delicate features.

Capture the Angles

Photograph from an angle where the top of the baby's head is closer to you, making their body appear farther away. Avoid shooting with the baby's feet or body in the foreground, as this can make their bodies look disproportionately larger.

Setting the Scene with Props and Timing

Simplicity is Key

Use simple, soft blankets as a backdrop for your baby. Overly vibrant colors or complex designs can be visually distracting or reflect distorted tones onto their skin.

Timing is Everything

Although awake baby photos can be so sweet, bear in mind that newborns often cross their eyes during their early weeks. Photographing them while asleep adds a sense of calm and peacefulness and facilitates posing. When awake, they'll wiggle out of any position you try.

Baby Burrito  

If your baby is not inclined to sleep, try wrapping them up to keep their arms (moro reflex) from waking them up and stop them from potentially hiding their face or sucking their fingers.

Positioning Matters

Place the baby's hands under their chin or cheek to lift their face towards the camera. This technique ensures their adorable little face becomes the focus of the photo. Letting the baby's face angle down towards the blanket is a common mistake, causing one eye to hide and creating deep shadows. Lifting the face towards the light will highlight their most important features.

Keep it Safe

Many posed, whimsical, or sibling shots you see on Pinterest are carefully created with composites. That means several pictures are taken in safer poses and put together through editing to create a new image. 

Please do not try to pose your baby like this--these poses aren't safe and could lead to falls, airway restrictions, and other accidents. 

Some poses that use composites include:

• the froggy pose

• upright potato sack pose

• shots with props

• toddler & newborn shots

• suspended or balancing images

  
  These require layered images. Please do not place your baby in any position or surface you wouldn’t normally put them on. 

Houston Newborn Photographer

With these tips, you're equipped to capture gorgeous photos of your precious little one at home. And when it’s time for professional photos, I’d love to help you out!