HOW TO TAKE YOUR OWN NEWBORN PICTURES | Portland, Oregon Newborn Photographer

You will need:

• Your baby
• A phone or a camera
• A window for natural light 
• A simple white vest or onesie for your baby
• Simple, neutral, light-colored clothing for yourself
• A large stretchy blanket or a duvet — to use as a backdrop
• A small swaddle blanket

First things first, take a deep breath and relax. You’re not a professional photographer, so don’t stress about making everything perfect. The most important thing is to capture these memories to look back on later.

Babies can sense stress! If you’re stressed, your baby will be too. So let’s take another deep breath, my friend.

Instructions for Taking Your own Newborn Pictures

Lighting is key. Soft natural light is the best for newborn photography. Shoot during the day to make the most of it. Choose a room with light or neutral-colored walls.

• Position yourself close to a window, but avoid direct sunlight. If the sun is shining straight in, move slightly away until you find a nice, softly lit spot.

• Use your bed, sofa, or ottoman for pictures. Cover it with a white duvet or a stretchy, light-colored blanket. You can also use the floor; just spread a blanket or duvet.

• Dress your baby in a white onesie or swaddle them in a little blanket. Feel free to try both!

• Place your baby so the light comes from the side (left or right) and gently falls across their face. Avoid positioning them with light shining up their nose.

• When taking top-down shots, position yourself above the baby and avoid shooting ‘up their nose. Do not light up the nose and do not take pictures up the nose!

Tips for Taking Beautiful Newborn Pictures

Move around to find different angles. Be careful not to block the light. Make sure you’re in some pictures too! Take turns photographing each other and use a timer for family shots. If your camera allows, get in close. Don’t forget to capture their fingers, toes, lips, and eyelashes.

Most importantly, print your images! Don’t let them just sit on your phone or computer.

Final Tips:

• Keep your baby safe. Skip complicated and awkward poses or props. Simple images usually speak the loudest.
• Babies love full bellies and warm rooms. Make sure your baby isn’t hungry or cold.
• Clean your lens, especially if you’re using a phone.
• Tap to focus on the baby’s face and adjust the light if you’re using a phone.
• Check the lighting in your house the day before.

You might need to edit your photos a bit to brighten them up or adjust the temperature. If the baby looks too blue, warm it up; if too yellow, cool it down.