Bringing a newborn into your family is a joyous occasion, and capturing those fleeting early moments is something you’ll treasure forever. As a content creator for hudsonfamily.net and a seasoned newborn photographer with years of experience, I understand the desire to document these memories beautifully. While professional photoshoots are wonderful, you can also achieve stunning family pics with your newborn right at home, even using just your cell phone!
Let’s dive into my top tips, honed from years of photographing newborns in Boston homes, to help you capture those perfect family moments.
A mother holding her newborn baby, both looking peaceful and content, bathed in soft window light.
1. Timing is Everything for Newborn Photos
When it comes to newborn photography, timing truly is crucial. The ideal window for capturing those sleepy, curled-up poses is within the first two weeks of your baby’s life. There are several reasons why this timeframe is considered “magic.”
Firstly, newborns are naturally sleepier during those initial weeks, often dozing for 16-17 hours a day. This makes it easier to position them and capture those peaceful, serene shots. As days pass, babies become more alert and spend more time awake, which can make posing for photos more challenging.
Secondly, the two-week mark often precedes the onset of baby acne. While completely normal, baby acne can be tricky to edit out, even with the best photo editing software. Capturing your family pics with your newborn before any skin blemishes appear will result in naturally clearer and smoother images.
Lastly, colic symptoms typically haven’t fully developed within the first couple of weeks. A more comfortable and less fussy baby makes for a smoother and more enjoyable photoshoot experience for everyone.
If your baby is older than two weeks, don’t be discouraged! It’s absolutely still possible to capture beautiful family pics with your newborn. With older newborns, you’ll be able to capture different, equally precious moments, like their wide-awake eyes, adorable gummy smiles, and more interactive expressions.
A newborn baby swaddled and sleeping peacefully in natural light, next to a window.
A close-up shot of a newborn baby's face, softly lit by natural light, showcasing delicate features.
2. Harness the Power of Natural Light
Daytime is your best friend when it comes to newborn family photoshoots. Babies often naturally sleep more during the day (and are more active at night!), and daytime provides the most beautiful and flattering light source: natural light.
Shooting too late in the evening might force you to rely on artificial lighting, like flash or indoor lamps. Flash can be startling and wake your baby, and it often creates harsh, unflattering shadows. Indoor lighting can also cast unwanted orange or blue tints on your photos, affecting the skin tones.
My professional tip? Position your baby near a window, making sure to avoid direct, harsh sunlight. As an in-home newborn photographer, I always prioritize setting up near the largest window in the house. The bigger the window, the softer and more diffused the light will be, creating a beautiful, gentle glow. If the weather is pleasant, consider stepping outside to a shaded area for even more gorgeous natural light.
A newborn baby lying on a soft blanket, with natural light casting gentle shadows, highlighting the baby's face.
A family portrait featuring parents and their newborn baby, all bathed in soft, natural light coming from a window.
3. Comfort and Sleepiness are Key
Creating a comfortable and sleepy environment is essential for a successful newborn photoshoot. When I photograph families with their newborns in their homes, my primary focus is to create a calm and soothing atmosphere. My goal is to “recreate” the cozy feeling of being in the womb.
You can achieve this by:
- Keeping the room warm: Especially important during colder months! A slightly warmer room will help your baby stay sleepy and comfortable.
- Using a white noise app: White noise mimics the sounds baby heard in the womb and can be incredibly soothing. There are many free white noise apps available for your phone.
- Swaddling snugly: A secure swaddle provides a sense of security and warmth, helping your baby relax and sleep. I typically begin my newborn sessions with the baby swaddled and gradually unwrap them as we progress, once I have captured a variety of swaddled images.
- Pacifier Power: A pacifier can be a game-changer, even if you only use it for the photoshoot. It can help soothe the baby and keep them content during posing.
A newborn baby peacefully sleeping in a swaddle, with gentle light illuminating the scene.
A close-up shot of a swaddled newborn baby's face, highlighting peaceful sleep and comfort.
4. Mom’s Diet Matters for Baby’s Comfort
This might sound surprising, but what a breastfeeding mother consumes can indeed affect her baby! This is a tip I learned firsthand with my own children, and it can significantly impact your newborn’s comfort during the photoshoot.
Moms, consider planning your meals leading up to your Family Pics With Newborn session. Starting the evening before, try to avoid foods that are known to potentially cause colic or gas in babies. These include common culprits like garlic, onions, broccoli, spicy foods, and even caffeine. Yes, that morning cup of coffee might make your baby more alert and less sleepy!
For extra calm and sleepy newborn photos, consider enjoying your coffee after the photoshoot is complete. For a more comprehensive list of foods that can potentially contribute to colic in breastfed babies, you can refer to resources like this article by Dr. Sears.
A mother gently holding her newborn baby, with soft, window light creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.
5. Include Parents and Siblings in the Frame
Once you’ve captured those precious solo shots of your newborn, don’t forget to include photos with parents and siblings! These family shots are incredibly meaningful and will become cherished memories.
Even if you are the mom taking the photos, you can easily include yourself! Utilize your phone’s timer function. Prop your phone on a shelf, a stable surface, or ideally, a tripod. Switch to “selfie mode,” set the timer for 3 or 10 seconds, and get ready to smile!
A small, inexpensive phone tripod, like this one from Amazon, is a worthwhile investment for capturing these family moments. Trust me, even if you don’t feel like being in photos right after giving birth, you will deeply appreciate having these pictures with your baby as they grow older. Encourage your partner to join in as well!
When it comes to sibling photos, safety is paramount. Always consider the maturity level of older siblings and their ability to safely interact with the newborn. There are many safe and heartwarming poses you can use, even if you have a very energetic toddler. Focus on poses where siblings are gently interacting while seated or lying down to ensure the newborn’s safety and comfort.
A heartwarming family photo of a mother, father, and older sister gently holding and looking at the newborn baby.
A tender moment captured in a family photo with parents and newborn baby, showcasing connection and love.
Siblings interacting gently with their newborn baby brother, creating a sweet family moment in a photo.
6. Choosing Outfits for Newborn Family Photos
“What should we wear?” This is the most frequent question I get asked about newborn family photos, and it’s a valid one! My top priority is that moms feel comfortable and, most importantly, beautiful.
I generally recommend choosing light and coordinating colors for your family outfits. Soft pastels, creams, whites, and light grays work beautifully for newborn photos, creating a timeless and airy feel. However, if you and your family love bold colors, don’t hesitate to incorporate them! The key is to choose outfits that reflect your personal style while creating a cohesive and visually pleasing look.
For more detailed guidance and inspiration on choosing outfits for your newborn photoshoot, you can check out my dedicated blog post: What to Wear for Your Newborn Portraits.
A family dressed in light, coordinating colors, posing naturally with their newborn baby in a brightly lit room.
Another example of a family wearing soft, neutral tones, holding their newborn baby, creating a harmonious visual in the photo.
7. Simplicity and Detail Shots are Timeless
The true beauty of newborn photography lies in its simplicity and the focus on those tiny, fleeting details. These photos are meant to be timeless and capture the essence of your baby’s newborn stage. The primary focus should always be on your precious little one in their tiniest form.
As a mom myself, I know that what I cherish most are the memories of those tiny hands, little toes, and sweet newborn faces. Don’t forget to capture close-up shots of these details!
A close-up photo showcasing the tiny details of a newborn baby's feet, emphasizing their small size and delicate features.
A detailed shot of a newborn baby's hands gently held by a parent, highlighting the connection and the baby's miniature size.
A newborn baby's face in soft focus, capturing the delicate features and peaceful expression of a newborn.
8. Consider Hiring a Professional Photographer
These tips are designed to empower you to take beautiful family pics with your newborn yourself, and I’m confident you can capture unforgettable images. However, if your budget allows, I wholeheartedly recommend considering hiring a professional newborn photographer.
Pampering yourself with a professional photoshoot is truly worthwhile, especially because the newborn stage is so incredibly brief. A professional photographer brings expertise, specialized equipment, and an artistic eye to capture those precious moments in a way that is often difficult to achieve on your own.
Furthermore, experienced newborn photographers, like myself, have undergone extensive newborn safety training. We are highly skilled in safely posing newborns into those adorable, curled-up positions you see in professional photos. Years of editing experience also allow us to perfect the images and deliver beautifully polished final products.
A professional newborn photoshoot setup with a baby posed safely and comfortably in a prop, showcasing expertise in newborn photography.
Another example of professionally posed newborn photography, highlighting the artistic and safe handling of the baby.
A vertical shot of a newborn baby in a prop, emphasizing professional posing and artistic composition in newborn photography.
Connect with me on Instagram!
If you adore newborns as much as I do and need your daily dose of baby cuteness, please follow me on Instagram! I’d love to connect with you there.
Isabel Sweet – Your In-Home Boston MA Newborn Family Photographer
I am passionate about capturing the magic of the newborn stage and serve families throughout the Boston area, including South End, Back Bay, Fenway, Brookline, Cambridge, South Boston, Belmont, Arlington, Lexington, Needham, Beacon Hill, Newton, and beyond! All my newborn sessions are conducted in the comfort and convenience of your home or a location you love. This featured in-home newborn session took place in beautiful Boston, Massachusetts. Are you interested in booking a newborn baby session? Contact me today!
