When you have a new baby, there are only a few short weeks of prime, newborn photo time. Make the most of it by planning your photo shoot in advance.
Share your favorite examples with a professional photographer, or try to recreate the look yourself. If you have a baby, a vision and an iPhone, you’re good to go. But which newborn photo idea is your favorite?
This Baby Is Giving Us Jason Mraz Vibes
The best time for a shoot is between one to two weeks after birth.
Newborns sleep so soundly at that age that posing them with creative props is a breeze.
Bring Older Siblings in for a Super-Sweet Snapshot
There’s something extra heartwarming about an older sibling welcoming their new baby brother or sister into the world.
The composition of this photo is so simple, yet so touching.
Nothing Says Spring Baby Like a Floral-Themed Newborn Photo
Even if your baby is a summer, fall or winter baby, flowers represent new life.
Position them at various distances from the camera to add depth to the photo.
If You’re Hiring a Photographer, Don’t Forget to Take a Few Photos With Mom and Dad
The other reason that it’s best to wait a week or two to take newborn photos is that mom will have had a little time to rest and recuperate from delivery.
Choose a comfortable dress that ties in with your baby’s outfit or accessories.
Sweet Dreams, Angel!
A photo like this is surprisingly easy to recreate. A solid-colored blanket, felt shapes, a knit hat and onesie set, and a thin layer of gauze is all that’s needed.
Just dress up baby, wait for naptime to hit, and snap away.
This Baby Bookworm Photo Is Easier to Recreate Than You’d Think
Gryffindor! The Sorting Hat has spoken.
This newborn photoshoot idea will work with any book or movie theme, and it’s particularly fitting for Halloween babies.
We Pictured the Man in the Moon to Be a Lot Older
We like the baby version much better.
Recreating this little one’s sweet smile might be tough, but even a peaceful sleeping face makes for a beautiful photo.
Don’t Be Afraid to Use Your Imagination With Your Newborn Photo Shoot
A little creativity goes a long way.
The supplies for this newborn photo idea can be picked up for a few bucks at your local crafts store, and the effect is incredible.
The More Unique the Idea, the Better
Props can be fun, but keep them simple.
The use of a single color for this baby’s accessories and the backdrop keep the focus on his sweet face.
Nothing Says ‘I Love Coffee’ More Than Handing Your Newborn a Latte
Like mama, like baby.
We’re not advocating for starting them on screen time this early, but the tiny props do add a funny touch to an otherwise endearing photo.
Use Cotton and Gauze for a Dreamy Look
Sweet dreams!
We’d sleep here, but we wouldn’t look nearly as cute.
For Some Reason, This Simple Photo Shoot Reminds Us of the Princess and the Pea
Perspective can make any newborn photo more interesting.
The depth of field used in this photo, for example, brings baby’s face into sharp focus while blurring the background.
A Doll Bed Makes an Amazing Prop
How sweet is this?
If you already have an older child who loves dolls, pick up a cute backdrop and borrow their doll bed for the afternoon.
A Rustic Woodland Look Is a Nice Departure From Floral Themes
This one is probably best left to a professional because of how much greenery is required to get the natural, just-popped-out-of-an-acorn look.
But the rusty orange tones are beautiful for autumn babies.
Try Simple Outfits and Soft Hats to Add That Special Touch
Love this look? You can get one just like it on Etsy.
Add a woven basket and a crocheted blanket, and wait until they’ve drifted off to dreamland to capture who they were when you first welcomed them into the world.
And Who Wouldn’t Love a Miniature Fairy Princess?
The key to making any newborn photo idea look dreamy is the lighting. Soft, diffused lighting reduces harsh shadows and gives the photo a warm, airy feel.
Get more baby and parenting tips on FamilyMinded: