I am the owner of a premium photo printing studio in New Zealand. Over the last 10 years, I've seen tons of newborn photos come through.
I've compiled the tips that consistently produce the most beautiful results. Sharing them here hoping they help you capture those precious first moments!
It's a long list but if you are in a rush and there is only one thing I can bring your attention to. It is to GET CLOSE. Lying down beside him/her and feel what's amazing about this new life. Then take photos of every details you can see.
My daughter is 10 now and it never ceases to amaze me how tiny she was!
I hope you enjoy these tips and that they help you capture the beauty of your newborn.
Must-Have Detail Shots
Physical Features
- Those tiny fingers curled around yours
- All ten little toes lined up
- Close-ups of delicate eyelashes while sleeping
- Profile of their tiny nose
- Adorable wrinkly newborn feet
- Perfect little ears
- First wisps of baby hair
- Unique birthmarks or features
Family Moments
- Nap after feeding
- Baby's hand next to parent's hand
- Wedding rings on tiny toes
- Fingers wrapped around mom's ring finger
- Parent and baby feet side by side
Special Items
- Hospital scale weight card with baby on scale
- Hospital bracelet
- Birth stats (date, time, weight, length) with a hand-written note
- Going-home outfit
- Their special swaddle or blanket
- Family heirlooms
- Nursery name sign
Phone Photography Tips
Lighting (Makes the BIGGEST difference)
- • Natural window light is your best friend
- • Keep baby near but not in direct sunlight
- • Avoid overhead lighting - it creates harsh shadows
- • Shoot in morning or late afternoon
- • flash (harsh + might wake baby)
Camera Settings
- • Focus on the eyes (Tap to focus on iPhone)
- • Use Portrait Mode for that pro background blur
- • Select the right "Light" settings for best skin tone
- • 2-8 feet distance works best
- • Tap to focus on the important details (On iPhone, hold tap to lock focus)
Practical Advice
- • Take multiple shots (babies move!)
- • Shoot when they're calm/sleeping
- • Feed first if possible
- • Use simple backgrounds
- • Edit subtly (don't over-filter that perfect newborn skin!)
- • Clean your phone lens before shooting - it makes a huge difference!
- • Hold phone with both hands
- • Tuck those elbows in
- • Hold breath while shooting
- • Rest arms on something stable if possible
- • Clean your phone lens before shooting - it makes a huge difference!
Organization Tips
- • Pay for iCloud or Google Photo for extra storage. You'll never want to lose these photos!
- • On average, parents take 20,000+ photos of the first year.
- • Spend 3-minutes everyday so you stay on top of your photos.
- • Use apps like Keepers to sort through the chaos
- • If you can afford it, create photo books - kids love them!
