DIY Infant Photoshoot and Ideas
Welcoming a newborn into the family is a momentous occasion filled with joy, love, and a meaningful transition for your family. You are in the right place if you are here to get DIY newborn photos & ideas, and inspiration.
As a lifestyle Portland newborn photographer, I understand the importance of freezing these early moments. Maybe you have dabbled in photography and want to do your newborn photoshoot, or you got a new DSLR to capture all those moments you want to remember as your newest family member is about to arrive.
In addition, iPhones now have even more creative settings, making it even better to consider your phone for DIY newborn photos.
That’s where the beauty of DIY newborn photos comes into play – you can get a heartfelt and personal approach to capturing those adorable early days with a few simple steps and inspiration.
DIY Infant Photoshoot & Ideas
A newborn swaddled in his crib is a must-have photo of your new family member.
Setting the Stage
One of the first things to consider in your DIY newborn photoshoot is the setting. Keep it simple and authentic.
Natural light is your best friend.
Choose a spot in your home where the sunlight gently spills in, creating a soft and warm atmosphere. It could be your living room, nursery, or even by a large window. This creates a serene backdrop that complements everyone in your newborn photos.
When I arrive at a home for a newborn session, I take a quick tour of the house with the lights OFF. This allows me to see what I have to work with. The primary bedroom and nursery are typically my favorite spots. However, wherever the most flattering light is, that is where I would start. It can be as simple as one large window in any room.
The Power of Natural Light
If you’re using a DSLR, do not use a flash. I recommend learning manual mode or aperture priority mode, but if you want to start in the auto, that is fine, too.
If you are using an iPhone, you can just turn off the flash, try portrait mode for some photos, and see how you like it.
I only use natural light because I love how it photographs; it creates creamy skin and allows you to be creative. I find that about mid-morning, around 10 am, homes are lit well, and babies are typically more naturally calm, perhaps after a feed or a nap.
Be patient – babies have their schedules, and trying to force a photoshoot during an unsettled moment might lead to frustration for you and your little one. Don’t worry too much about time; you can always move into another area with better light.
DIY Infant Photoshoot Ideas: Simple Baby Poses & Details
Start with close-up shots of those tiny fingers and toes. Utilize the Portrait mode on your iPhone or experiment with a wide aperture on your entry-level DSLR for a soft focus. I like 2.0 -2.5 for my aperture.
Transition smoothly between poses, capturing your baby peacefully asleep or being alert. Opt for different angles, mixing close-ups with wider shots to add depth to your photo collection.
Here are a few of my must-haves when photographing a newborn: tiny feet, hands, belly button, profile, and facing towards me. In these photos, there was a large window to the left of the baby, and I like to have his face towards the window when I get pictures of his beautiful little face.
My settings on my Canon R6 MII were f 2.5, ISO 1250, and 1/200 sec. During my newborn photoshoots, the lens I always use an EF 35 mm f/1.4L.
Less Is More: Limit The Props
Ditch the bean bag and basket; less is more regarding props. Choose meaningful items that reflect your family’s personality.
A soft blanket knitted by grandma, a tiny pair of booties gifted by a close friend – these personal touches add a layer of sentimentality to your photos without distracting from the main focus.
I never use props for newborns; a simple blanket is more than enough. It is more about your wardrobe that matters in the photos; take time to create a simple but cohesive look for your family.
RELATED: WHAT TO WEAR FOR NEWBORN PHOTOS
Candid and Connected
As a lifestyle newborn photographer, I aim to capture the essence of family life- the real nitty gritty of it. Incorporate family members in natural and candid poses, showcasing your family’s genuine connection and love.
Use the self-timer feature on your iPhone or set up your entry-level DSLR on a tripod for a group shot. After you’ve set it up, pile your family on your bed for a group snuggle, have everyone look at one another for a few, and then at the camera.
If you want to get real laughter and smiles with older siblings, ask them a funny question like, “Do I have a big booger up my nose?” or “Does baby brother’s feet smell like ice cream or pickles?” You get the idea; it gets them looking at you and laughing!
Next, parents can place older siblings lying on their tummies on the bed while the baby is gently placed under them. Ask them to tell the new baby a secret that no one can hear. This gets them interacting and laughing and creates sweet photos of the new siblings together.
My settings on my Canon R6 MII were f 2.5, ISO 1250, and 1/500 sec.
Next, have dad hold his newborn and snuggle older siblings facing the large window. Settings: ISO 1250, f 2.5, 1/500 sec
Now, mom and baby can lie on the bed together. Get a few details photographed, such as her hand with the baby’s hand. She also faces the window at about a 45-degree angle and the window is behind me. Settings: ISO 1250, f 2.5, 1/500 sec
Editing and Enhancing
DIY newborn photography means getting creative, having fun, and elevating your photography.
Invest in a good camera, even if it’s just your smartphone with a decent camera—experiment with different angles, capturing both close-ups and wider shots.
A mix of perspectives adds depth to your photo collection, showcasing the intimacy of the moment while highlighting the beauty of your surroundings.
Enhance your photos with subtle editing using user-friendly apps, adjusting brightness and contrast, and applying a gentle filter for a professional touch. Try making some of your images black and white for a simple but striking edit.
Here is a pro tip for editing: do not overdo it. Look at your subject’s skin; if the edit seems unnatural, taper it back. I use Lightroom, but you can find simple editing features on your iPhone or an app. I recommend using the Lightroom app that is available through Adobe.
Remember, you want to reflect on your family, not your editing.
DIY Infant Photoshoot Ideas: Embrace Imperfections
Remember to wholeheartedly embrace imperfections, as they have the power to add a unique character to your photos.
Whether it’s a slightly messy background or a spontaneous smile, these elements contribute to the authenticity of your captured moments. Remember to be patient with your newborn and especially older siblings.
They are likely experiencing many emotions with adding a new member to the family. Letting them have fun and feel like the center of attention makes them want to be in photos. In addition, it makes it fun and does not feel like a chore.
Candid photography, in particular, becomes a powerful storyteller. It weaves together the genuine narrative of your family’s life. Thus far surpassing the posed shots in conveying the true essence of the moment.
Ready to Elevate Your Newborn Photos? Consider a Professional: While DIY newborn photography offers a personal touch, hiring a professional newborn photographer can take the experience to a new level.
Consider the benefits of having a skilled photographer enter your home, making the process seamless and easy.
A professional can effortlessly capture the essence of your family life, providing timeless and high-quality images that will be cherished for years. Explore the possibilities of professional newborn photography and ensure you have a stunning collection of memories you’ll look back on and be so glad you have them.
Ready To Elevate Your Photos More? Grab a Free Guide Below!
