Hello, my friends! I know how special it is to capture those first few weeks with your newborn. These early days fly by, and having sweet, natural photos to look back on is priceless. While professional photography is always a wonderful option, you can also create beautiful newborn photos at home with just a few simple tools.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you take adorable newborn pictures using your phone or camera—no professional experience needed. Let’s create some beautiful memories together!

Mother gently holding his newborn baby in a light-filled room.

What You’ll Need

Your baby (of course!)
A phone or a camera
A window for natural light
A simple white onesie or neutral clothing for your baby
Neutral, light-colored clothing for yourself
A large stretchy blanket or duvet (for a soft backdrop)
A small swaddle blanket

First Things First: Relax!

Take a deep breath, mama! You’re not a professional photographer, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s to capture the love, sweetness, and tiny details of this fleeting stage.

Babies can sense stress, so if you’re feeling tense, they’ll pick up on it too. Instead, keep things light and fun. Let’s take another deep breath together—you’ve got this!

How to Take Beautiful Newborn Photos at Home

1. Use Soft, Natural Light

Lighting is everything in newborn photography. The best option is soft natural light from a window—no flash needed. Choose a bright room with light or neutral-colored walls. Avoid direct sunlight, which can create harsh shadows. If sunlight is streaming in too strongly, move slightly away from the window until you find soft, even lighting. Position your baby so the light comes from the side, not from directly above or below their face.

2. Choose a Simple, Clean Setup

Use a white duvet, a soft blanket, or a large piece of fabric to create a simple, neutral background. Your bed, sofa, or ottoman works great as a cozy space for baby photos. You can also use the floor—just spread out a blanket or duvet for a soft surface. Dress your baby in a simple onesie or swaddle them for a timeless, natural look.

3. Find the Right Angles

Avoid shooting ‘up the nose’! Instead, position yourself slightly above your baby for a more flattering angle. Get in close—capture tiny details like fingers, toes, eyelashes, and lips. Move around to try different angles while keeping your baby safe and comfortable.

4. Include Yourself in the Photos

Hand the camera to your partner or a friend, or use a timer to take some pictures with your baby. Capture simple, natural moments—a kiss on the forehead, holding their tiny hands, or snuggling them close.

Newborn baby sleeping peacefully on a white blanket in natural light.JPG

What’s Included in My Studio Sessions?

If you love the idea of newborn photography but don’t want the hassle of setting it up yourself, I offer professional studio newborn sessions where everything is taken care of for you!

Curated Client Wardrobe – Need something to wear? I offer a carefully selected client wardrobe for moms and babies. No need to stress about what to wear—just show up and enjoy your session.

Perfect Lighting & Setup – No need to worry about finding the right light. My studio is designed for soft, natural, and flattering newborn portraits.

Mom and father gently holding his newborn baby.JPG

Tiny newborn feet in soft natural lighting, taken during an at-studio photoshoot..JPG

Pro Tips for Taking Newborn Photos at Home

Keep Baby Cozy – Babies love warm, full bellies! Make sure they’re well-fed and comfortable before the session.
Clean Your Lens – Whether using a phone or a camera, a quick wipe of the lens can make a huge difference in clarity.
Check Your House Lighting – Walk around your home the day before and see which rooms get the best soft light.
Edit Lightly – If your photos need a little boost, adjust the brightness and warmth. If baby looks too blue, warm up the photo; if too yellow, cool it down.
Print Your Photos! – Don’t let your baby’s pictures sit on your phone forever. Print them, create an album, or frame a few for your home.

Final Thoughts

Capturing your newborn at home is a beautiful experience, and I hope this guide helps you create sweet, timeless images. If you’d love professional newborn photos without the stress, my studio sessions are designed to provide a relaxed, effortless experience with everything included.

Want to book a session? Send me a message—I’d love to help you capture this special time!