Newborn Baby Pictures

From LoveToKnow Baby

If you’re expecting a new addition to your family, LoveToKnow Baby is here to offer tips on learning how to take great newborn baby pictures.

Black and white newborn photography is timeless and elegant.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

Unless you’re already an accomplished photographer, it’s smart to spend some time planning your newborn photography needs before your baby arrives. Check to make sure your camera has fresh batteries. Spend some time reviewing your camera’s instruction manual to make sure you understand what settings are recommended for portrait photography.

If you don't already have a digital camera already, now is the time to invest in one. Digital photography can turn anyone into a successful photographer. The beauty of going digital means that you can pick and choose your best newborn baby photos and delete the ones that just don't make the grade. Digital cameras can also save you a great deal of money because you won’t need to be purchasing film on a regular basis.

Setting the Mood

When dressing your baby for her portrait session, remember that soft muted colors work best for newborn portraits. Avoid busy patterns or outfits with cute slogans. To make sure your baby is comfortable, think twice before choosing an outfit with itchy fabric that may irritate her sensitive skin. In fact, you may want to try taking a few shots of your baby in just her diaper!

Choosing a background for your newborn baby photos doesn’t have to be difficult. Simply pick a well-lit area of your home and drape a piece of fabric over the wall to create your own instant photography studio. Black velvet or plain ivory muslin canvas are both good choices.

Tips for Great Newborn Baby Pictures

Is there really anything sweeter than a newborn baby? They are tiny, helpless, innocent, and adorable. They also grow quickly, so you’ll want to take lots of pictures!

To increase your odds of getting memorable newborn baby pictures, keep in mind the following simple tips:

Bright flashes in a newborn baby's face can be very disturbing, so use natural lighting or back away from her when possible. Even if natural lighting is not available, take a few shots without the flash for comparison purposes. You may find that the images with no flash better capture mood of the occasion.
Pick your photography session time wisely. If she is tired or hungry, you and your baby will just become frustrated.
A sleeping baby makes for a wonderful photograph. However, if you want to have your baby looking at you, gently rub her cheek and pull your hand away. Bring your hand back to her cheek and she will "root."
Don’t forget to take detail shots. Part of the reason a newborn is so precious is her tiny hands and feet. Use your camera’s close up settings to capture these special images.
If your baby has siblings, remember to include them in some of the photos. This can be a great way for older children to bond with their new brother or sister.
Take twice as many photos as you think you will need. Remember that a professional photographer will often shoot 50-100 pictures just to capture one amazing image.
Have lots of patience. If you take enough pictures, you will definitely have some wonderful keepers!

For more newborn photography tips, pick up a copy of one of the following helpful reference books:

How to Photograph Your Baby by Nick Kelsh
Baby Photography NOW!: Shooting Stylish Portraits with Your Digital Camera by David Nightingale
How to Photograph Your Baby's First Year by Laurie White Hayball and David Hayball
Studio Portrait Photography of Children and Babies by Marilyn Sholin

The Appeal of Black and White Photos

While it may seem natural shoot to pictures of your precious baby in color, it’s smart to take a few black and white shots as well. Black and white photography has a timeless yet elegant look that can make even the most humble of snapshots look like a work of art. Many point and shoot digital cameras even have an option that lets you take black and white photos if you don’t want to go through the trouble of converting your pictures using digital image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop Elements.

Making a Scrapbook of Baby’s First Year

Once you’ve taken an assortment of newborn baby pictures, you’ll want to make sure these precious memories are preserved for years to come. A handmade scrapbook featuring your baby is a wonderful keepsake. For ideas and sample layouts, visit LoveToKnow Scrapbooking.