Newborn Photoshoot Ideas and Tips | KeepsakeMom (2024)

From the second you find out you’re pregnant until the day your baby reaches the age of 18, there are so many incredible moments to capture. And as they say, your baby seems to grow in the blink of an eye. Finding different ways to hold on to these memories can remind you of the ups and downs that come with motherhood, and that no matter how bumpy the ride was, it was always worth it.

Newborn photoshoots, for example, allow you to have fun with your little one and create memories that can last for generations. A photo session can serve as a time capsule for your baby’s earliest stages of life and serve as a keepsake for you, family, and friends to cherish for a lifetime.

Searching for newborn baby boy photoshoot ideas at home? Looking for in-studio options for your baby girl? Read on to learn more gender-neutral newborn session ideas.

4 Cute Newborn Photoshoot Ideas

Whether you plan to work with a professional photographer or take pictures on your own, there are so many cute newborn photography ideas to consider. Here are some of our favorites.

1. Neutral, Natural and Subtle

If you want your photoshoot to focus on baby’s expressions and features, opt for something that’s simple, subtle and neutral. You won’t need many newborn photography props — something as simple as a basket with soft blankets can serve as the perfect pedestal to photograph your newborn.

You can also choose to dress up your little one in a neutral onesie or let them lie down bundled up in a soft swaddle. This is a great option for mothers who want to remember the newborn days without additional distractions.

2. Inspired by Nature

Want to incorporate a theme? Create a backdrop and use props inspired by nature. A fake cloud prop can cast a dreamy atmosphere. A bed of faux or fresh flowers can add color and character to the photoshoot.

Other elements like leaves, branches, and soft grass can play a big part in your newborn photoshoot, as long as your baby invites these textures and elements into their comfort zone. Talk with your newborn photographer in advance about setting the scene, whether you venture out into nature to snap the pictures or create the backdrop in a studio setting.

3. Holiday Fun

If you’re looking for an opportunity to get all of your children together for a nice picture, consider a holiday-themed photoshoot. You can follow the theme and dress them based on the holiday, opt for a relaxed look, or get them fancy and dapper with dresses, bowties, and trousers.

With so many different holidays celebrated throughout the year, there’s ample opportunity to schedule a photoshoot for your kids! Whether it’s creating the family Christmas card, meeting the Easter Bunny for the first time or dressing up for Halloween, this newborn home photoshoot idea can make it easier to manage in your schedule. Cherish the bond between your children with this newborn and sibling photoshoot idea.

4. Simple and Personalized

You don’t have to follow a theme to get amazing pictures of your baby! Add small personal elements and props instead. This can be as simple as placing the baby in the crib with a stuffed animal and a chalkboard or letterboard with their name and birth details. You can also incorporate family heirlooms or handmade items that add another touch of personalization to your photo session.

Don’t let the pressure of curating an unbelievable photoshoot for your newborn get to you; your photos can be simple and still mean the world to you, your family, and your friends.

Tips for a Successful Newborn Photoshoot

You may have an idea of how you want your newborn photoshoot to go in your head, but your little one may have other plans! Don’t stress. Here are a few tips to encourage a successful photoshoot.

  • Hire a newborn photographer. Get in touch with someone who specializes in infant photography, since this type of photoshoot involves unique safety and comfort requirements. A newborn photographer has the time and patience to navigate a baby’s unpredictable schedule.
  • Create a calming environment. Make sure your newborn photoshoot location is comfortable for the baby. A calm atmosphere free of distractions and background noise is essential. Temperature is also important — keeping the baby warm and snug can help you avoid excess fussiness.
  • Be prepared for the fussy moments. Making moves to keep fussiness at bay is helpful, but there’s no denying that fussy moments are bound to happen. Plan for this in advance with the photographer to take breaks for feeding, changing diapers, and soothing the baby.
  • Be willing to mix it up. If your newborn photoshoot isn’t going as planned, be willing to switch it up! Talk with your photographer in advance about different scenarios and options if your original plan doesn’t work.

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Newborn Photoshoot Ideas and Tips | KeepsakeMom (2024)

FAQs

What to do for newborn photoshoot? ›

The first is a simple crib pose. I recommend just a white onesie to start with these. You'll want to lay the baby in the crib so they are facing into the room. Sometimes babies prefer a certain side so if you can't gently coax their head to look into the room try turning them around in the crib.

What month should you do a newborn photoshoot? ›

The next stage when I would say you have a good chance of posed newborn photos would be around 12 weeks when babies roll on their tummies. If you are after more lifestyle natural baby photography then stage between 6-12 is perfect for that. You can see here home session I did with 7 weeks baby.

What colors should I wear for newborn photos? ›

Color Palette

We want the focus to be on baby and not the brightest color in the photos. I recommend light pinks, blues, aqua, white, cream and gray.

How should I position my baby for newborn photos? ›

To start, place the baby on its stomach with its arms and legs tucked underneath them. Make sure to support the baby's head and neck with your hand. Cover the new born baby with a wrap so that he feels safer and you can more easily do your job. Again take newborn pictures from different angles.

How many outfits do you need for a newborn photoshoot? ›

It's also important to remember that they generally do not like being disturbed for outfit changes, so 1-2 outfits is generally all I'd recommend. Many families will choose one outfit for baby to wear, and then we will also do photos of baby swaddled/wrapped to keep them happy and snug.

How long after birth should you do newborn photos? ›

When to take newborn photos? There's no exact age but the general rule of thumb if looking to achieve those curly, snuggly, sleepy newborn poses, is to hold your newborn session within those first two weeks of life. I always suggest aiming to hold our newborn session around days 8-10.

Is 3 weeks too late for newborn pictures? ›

2 – 6 weeks old: You can absolutely do a newborn session. The earlier the better!

Is 2 months too late for newborn photos? ›

Absolutely not. You will never regret capturing your newborn whether it's 1 month old, or 6 months old. There is a caveat though and let me explain. There has been a trend, or a misconception rather, that newborn photos have to be done by 2 weeks old.

Is 6 weeks too late for newborn photos? ›

If you want a lot of those sleepy newborn photos, I would highly recommend we plan your newborn session in the first 2 weeks of life. If you want a baby who is a little more interactive and can usually grab eye contact, one month old is perfect. Newborn photos are great up to 6 weeks old.

What does mom wear for newborn photos? ›

A a cozy knit sweater or a long, flowy dress are beautiful, comfortable options that help moms look and feel their best for newborn photos with their new baby. I especially love light colors for mom because I find it makes the photos feel light and bright.

Which types of images do newborns prefer looking at? ›

Newborns' color perception is limited to white, black and shades of grey, because their eyes and capacity for sight are not fully developed at birth. As a result, babies love to look at high-contrast black-and-white patterns, which stand out in their blurry worlds, attracting their attention and helping them focus.

How to stage newborn photos at home? ›

Steps on how to take newborn photos at home
  1. Find a window. ...
  2. Supplies needed: A couch cushion or something similar. ...
  3. Set up your background. ...
  4. Cover your “staging area.” You may need to first cover your pillow or boppy with a white towel if your sheet is thin like mine. ...
  5. Create a clean background. ...
  6. Position your baby.

How do photographers take newborn photos? ›

We will alway swaddle baby nice and snug in a wrap first.

Then, we place baby gently in a prop and little posing pillows are used to support their head. Next, photograph baby from a variety of different angles. Aerial, side view, straight on, close up, etc.

How do I keep my newborn calm during a photoshoot? ›

Let's break those down a little bit more

Swaddling helps keeps their arms and legs secure and relaxed. Side or Stomach Position: Newborns feel more content on their side or tummy. Positioning baby on their side or tummy while in your arms or lap, or on their tummy over your shoulder will help them relax.

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