Must Haves for Newborn Photography

Newborn photography can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. As a beginner photographer, there's a lot of consideration and preparation that needs to go into setting up your space for the baby. In this blog post, we will explore some essential tips, lighting techniques, props, backgrounds, and poses that will help you capture those special newborn moments.

✸ When to take newborn photos?

Timing is essential for photographing newborns, both in their age and what time of day to organise your session. Here are some timings to consider:

Newborn age: These tiny humans change rapidly in their first few weeks of life; they grow, develop, and their appearance evolves. The "newborn" look, characterised by their tiny size, curled-up poses, and delicate features, is typically most prominent in the first two weeks after birth. After this period, babies start to become more alert, less curled up, and may develop baby acne or other skin changes. Therefore, if parents desire those classic newborn photos, you need to schedule the photoshoot during this early window.

Sleep schedule: Newborns spend a significant portion of their early days sleeping. This sleepiness makes it easier to pose them in various positions and capture those adorable, peaceful shots. However, their sleep patterns can be unpredictable, so timing the photoshoot when the baby is naturally sleepy is important.

Feeding schedule: Newborns often need to be fed and comforted frequently. Timing the photoshoot around the baby's feeding schedule can help ensure they are content and cooperative during the session. A well-fed and comfortable baby is more likely to cooperate and be relaxed during the shoot.

Breaks: Newborns can be fussy, and they may need breaks for diaper changes, feeding, or just to settle down. Timing the photoshoot with these breaks in mind allows for a smoother, less stressful experience for both the baby, the parents and you, the photographer!

Tip: The safety and well-being of the newborn should always be the top priority. Handling fragile, tiny babies requires a deep understanding of their physical limitations and how to pose them safely. You'll also want to make sure your space is nice and warm for baby with something like a space heater to keep them nice and comfortable.

✸ Lighting Techniques

The right lighting is crucial for newborn photography, as it sets the mood and enhances the overall quality of the photo. Here are two different lighting techniques to consider:

Natural Light: Natural light provides a soft and warm glow, perfect for capturing the delicate features of a newborn. Place your props near a large window and use sheer curtains to diffuse the light, creating a soft and flattering effect. Learn more about different lighting techniques here.

Studio Lighting: If you prefer a controlled environment, investing in studio lighting is an excellent option. A two or three-light setup, with softboxes or octaboxes for diffusion, can provide a beautiful and even illumination across the subject. Make sure to position the lights at a flattering angle to avoid harsh shadows. When choosing your studio lighting, make sure you go for lights that say speedlite, flash or strobe, rather than continuous, as these are much brighter and actually flash, whereas a continuous light is similar to just turning the regular lights on at home. The GOWE kit has 3 speedlites, 2 softboxes and an umbrella plus some other bits and pieces, which will be plenty to get you started.

Tip: If you want to use natural light for a soft and flattering look, schedule the shoot during the day when there is ample natural light available. The time of day and the direction of light can significantly affect the quality of your photos.

✸ Newborn Poses

Posing a newborn requires both skill and safety considerations. Here are some classic poses to get you started:

The Taco Pose: Gently curl the newborn into a fetal position, replicating the comfortable position they were in the womb. This pose is not only cute but also highlights the newborn's features.

The Cocoon: This is a great pose for beginners. In this pose, the baby is swaddled snugly, with only their face visible. The swaddling can be done using a special wrap or soft, stretchy fabrics, creating a cocoon-like effect; baby's parents might be able to help you with this. The Cocoon a lovely way to capture the baby's tiny features.

The Side-Lying Pose: The baby is gently placed on their side, with their head resting on their arm. This pose showcases the baby's profile and is often used to capture their delicate facial features.

The Tushie-Up Pose: In this pose, the baby is typically placed on their tummy with their legs tucked up under them. Their head is supported by their arms, which are bent at the elbows, with a special wedged-cushion for extra support. This pose highlights the baby's adorable little bottom and often results in a heartwarming image.

Parent/s with baby: As well as lots and lots of photos of just baby, the parent/s might also like some photos of the whole family. A nice close composition with mum holding baby and dad with arms around them both is a lovely one.

Just the Parent's Hands: Capturing the baby's tiny hands or feet in the parent's hands symbolises the love and connection between a parent and child. It creates a heartwarming and intimate portrait.

Sibling/s with baby: Another special one is an older sibling with the baby. If the sibling isn't old enough to hold the baby, you can pose baby in one of the above poses on the beanbag, and have the older child laying or sitting nearby. Having their faces together or even a little kiss is a beautiful way to showcase their love.

The Details: Don't forget to do some closeups of all those cute little newborn baby details – hands, feet, face. Try a wide aperture to create a blurry background and draw focus into these areas.

Tip: Do some research on different newborn posing techniques and how to do them safely. Then create a newborn photography shot list with all the poses that you'd like to try so you're ready for your session. You can even include the instructions here to remind you how to pose.

✸ Newborn Photography Props & Backgrounds

Using props and backgrounds can add depth and interest to your newborn photographs. Here are some examples of props and backgrounds that work well:

Bean bags: A posing bean bag provides a soft and supportive surface for posing the newborn. You can use it to gently mould and position the baby into various poses, and the softness of the bean bag ensures the baby's comfort while being posed. They also provide a stable and secure surface for the baby, reducing the risk of them rolling or falling during the photoshoot.

Wraps & Blankets: Soft and stretchable wraps or blankets can be used to swaddle the baby, creating a sense of comfort and security. Experiment with different textures and colours to add variety to your photos. Neutral colors are often chosen to keep the focus on the baby.

Baskets & Crates: Placing the newborn in a basket or crate can create a cozy and adorable scene. Line the container with a cushion and soft blanket, ensuring the baby's safety and comfort.

Headbands & Hats: Accessories like headbands, hats, or bonnets can add a cute and personalised touch to the photograph. Be careful to choose items made of nice, soft fabric and not to use overly large or heavy accessories that might cause discomfort to the baby.

Flowers & Nature Elements: Incorporating natural elements, such as flowers, leaves, or branches, can add a whimsical and organic touch to the composition. Choose non-toxic flowers and ensure they are used safely, away from the baby's reach.

Tip: baby's parents might have some ideas of what kind of photos they would like, so always talk to them about their preferences. If they are open to your suggestions, do some research on what types of props other photographers use for their newborn sessions.

Mastering newborn photography takes time and practice, but with the right techniques, lighting, props, backgrounds, and poses, you can capture beautiful memories for families to cherish. Safety should always be a top priority in newborn photography; never attempt poses beyond your skill level, and always have an assistant or parent present to ensure the baby's well-being. Remember to be patient, gentle, and prioritise the safety and comfort of the newborn and you'll be on your way to becoming a newborn photographer!

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