Newborn Photography by YOU

Covid-19 has changed all your plans. You had to give up your baby shower, some pampering before baby’s arrival, and you had to limit who could be with you during labour. And now you realize that capturing those magical moments of your brand new baby’s first days have to be postponed. Your photographer had to stop working for your family’s safety and theirs. So while you patiently wait until you can finally venture out to capture your baby’s first professional portraits, what can you do to preserve those memories in a beautiful way?

I’d love to share some tips with you on how you can take gorgeous photos of your baby by yourself with the help of your partner. All you need is your phone, light from your window, and some simple items you already have on hand.

First, find an appropriate space in your home to set up. A large window with no direct sunlight is best. For demonstration, I am using sliding glass doors in my home.

Next, find some solid coloured scarves, blankets and/or sheepskin. Avoid anything with pattern, or mix of colours. The simpler the better. If you can’t find anything without a pattern, then at least use something where the pattern is very subtle.

Once you’ve gathered the items you’d like to use, find a large chair, ottoman, or table (make sure to put several soft blankets if using a table).

Safety Note: NEVER leave baby unattended, and make sure your partner is right next to your baby watching him/her constantly while you’re taking photos.

With everything ready, and baby fed and asleep, spread your favourite blanket/sheepskin on the surface you’ll be laying baby on. Position baby with head towards the window, making sure there are no harsh shadows being cast on his/her face. (see figure 1)

Loosely wrap a scarf around baby, taking care to cover the diaper. Set your phone camera to “portrait” mode, position yourself slightly above baby’s head and start taking photos. Get nice and close! (figure 2)

In this set-up you can adjust baby’s hands and feet. Try covering baby with the scarf and perhaps use a bonnet, but make sure it’s not too big. Don’t forget to vary the orientation of your phone.

And walk around to take photos from different angles.

To add variety, change your baby’s position by lying him/her on his/her side and changing the scarf (figure 3)

Make sure your baby’s face is slightly lifted towards the light. Babies have a tendency to tuck their chins into their body. If your baby does that, put your finger under his/her chin and gently lift it up. This will avoid unflattering shadows on baby’s face. Once again, get nice and close and don’t forget to photograph different angles.

Happy shooting! And tune in next week, when I give you tips on how to photograph you with your baby.