How to Take Newborn Photos

There is plenty you can do to give yourself the best chance of success. Having a good plan, the right props and equipment, and staying flexible are the key. Understanding the basics of photography will help, and then learning how to apply them to this specific type of photography will help you to unlock the magic of newborn photography.

How to Get Started as a Newborn Photographer

It doesn’t take much, but the right preparation will let you get the best out of your subjects. A few props, some clear idea, and a good grasp of technique will help you on you way.

Getting Started

Becoming a newborn photographer takes some preparation. First, decide if you’ll work in a studio or visit clients’ homes. Studios offer more control over lighting and props, while in-home sessions capture the family’s lifestyle.

You’ll need a few essentials like posing pillows, blankets, and a white noise machine. Get comfortable handling newborns and learn safe posing techniques. Always support the baby’s head and keep them warm.

Showcase your best work with print and album samples to encourage sales. And don’t forget a referral program to grow your business through word-of-mouth. With these tips for newborn photography, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding career capturing precious memories for families.

Maternity Photos

Of course, you can make a start even before the baby arrives. Maternity photos are popular ways of getting some beautiful shots of the mum-to-be. Here are some tips for beautiful maternity photos:

Include family members like the spouse and siblings in the photos. This shows the whole family is excited about the newborn. Get detail shots of them kissing or holding the baby bump.

Use props that represent the parents’ personalities, like items related to their hobbies or interests. This makes the session more meaningful and personal. Also consider using gender-specific colors in the wardrobe, like blue for a boy or pink for a girl.

Photograph the baby’s nursery if the session is at the client’s home. Capture the parents-to-be in the nursery without posing for natural emotions and expressions. These detail shots can be very emotional and personal for them.

Our guide has many more ideas for maternity photography, so check it out.

Cute Ideas

Newborn photography captures precious early moments of a baby’s life. It’s about creating adorable images that parents can cherish forever.

If you’re looking for newborn photo ideas, try poses you can do at home without special equipment. Use natural light and include parents, siblings, and even pets. Wrap the baby in a blanket or capture tender moments like the mother’s embrace, the father’s arms, or the baby’s tiny hands and feet.

For studio newborn photos, play with props, colors, and themes. Wrap the baby in colorful blankets or put a matching hat on their head. Place them in a deep basket, make a cozy nest, or use a miniature bed. Create magical sets with seasonal backdrops, crowns, and animal costumes for prince and princess or woodland themes.

Newborn photo ideas are endless, so let your creativity shine. With the right poses, props, and themes, you’ll create newborn photos to treasure for a lifetime.

Newborn Poses

Capturing the innocence and beauty of a newborn baby is one of the most rewarding things a photographer can do. With a little practice, you can create stunning images using these ten best newborn poses.

Always prioritize safety when posing a newborn. Stick with simple poses like on the back, on the side, or on the tummy. Use props like blankets, pillows, and beanbags to support the baby and keep them comfortable.

Get creative with your camera angles and try shooting from above or the side. Capture close-up details of tiny hands and feet. Involve parents and siblings in the photos to showcase the family’s connection and joy. Newborn poses can be varied and adjusted to create a diverse portfolio of images that parents will love.

Twins

Photographing newborn twins can be challenging, but with the right preparation and techniques, you can capture precious moments. Start by communicating with the parents about their preferences for props, colors, and accessories. Ensure the photography area is clean, safe, and free of clutter.

Use a camera and lens suitable for portraits, such as a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a prime lens around 85mm. Natural light from a window is ideal for a soft, even look that won’t distress the babies. If using studio lights, opt for softboxes and a less intense flash.

When posing newborn twins, keep safety a top priority. Use soft blankets, non-abrasive materials, and avoid any props with sharp edges. Try different poses, such as having the twins lie together, in matching or differing outfits, or include family members for extra special photos. With patience and creativity, you can capture incredible newborn twin photos to treasure. You’ll find many more twin photoshoot ideas, in our in-depth guide.

Christmas Ideas

Christmas is a wonderful time to capture adorable photos of a newborn baby. There are many creative ways to incorporate the holiday spirit into your photo shoot. Using minimal props like a Santa hat or bow can add a festive touch while keeping the focus on your little one.

You can also involve siblings or parents in the photos to capture the love and bond of your family. Dressing the baby as a little angel or placing them in a sleigh are cute ideas. And don’t forget about the family pet – including them can add an extra level of cuteness!

If you’d like to learn more about newborn christmas photos, we have plenty of great resources available with even more adorable ideas and inspiration.

Milk Bath

Milk bath photography is a dreamy, minimalist portrait style. It is more often used for women, but can work well with babies too. It involves photographing a subject in a bathtub filled with a mixture of milk and water. The milky white liquid allows you to utilize negative space and draw focus to your model’s face and body.

To set up a milk bath photoshoot, you’ll need a bathtub, warm water, and whole milk or milk powder. Gradually add the milk to the water until you achieve the desired opacity. Use props like flowers, lace fabric, or simple accessories to enhance the ethereal look.

Of course, with a baby, you will need to take extra care, and pay particular attention to water temperature.

When shooting, place the bathtub near a large window for soft, natural light. Avoid standing directly above the model to prevent unflattering reflections. Focus on the details like hairstyles, poses, and props to create unique compositions. A milk bath photoshoot offers plenty of room for creativity and experimentation.

Cake Smash!

Cake smash photography is a fun way to celebrate your baby’s first birthday. To get the best photos, ditch the high chair and let your little one make a mess on a flat surface. Keep props simple, like a plain background with one or two items besides the cake.

Choose a color scheme that coordinates with an item like a headband or the cake frosting color. Avoid white frosting as it can easily overexpose in photos. Schedule the session when your baby is happy and you have good natural light, like near a large window.

Perfect your camera settings before bringing in the cake. Encourage shy babies by letting them taste the frosting first. Adjust your angles to get a variety of shots, from close-ups of frosting-covered toes to wider shots of the whole scene. With a little planning, you can capture adorable diy cake smash photos to treasure.

Smartphone Tips

Newborn photography doesn’t have to break the bank. You can capture precious memories of your little one using just your smartphone. The key is to keep the photos simple and the poses safe.

Use window light and white noise to create a calm environment for your baby. Gently adjust their arms and legs into a snuggly position, but never force them into a pose. Get creative with your composition by shooting from different angles and distances.

Editing apps like Lightroom or VSCO can help you perfect your images. Remove temporary flaws, reduce redness, and apply filters for a polished look. With these DIY newborn photography tips, you’ll be capturing sweet memories in no time.

Camera Settings

Knowing the best camera settings will help you capture better newborn photography photos. They should be sharp, with a soft, blurred background. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/160 s for babies who are quiet, and 1/250 s or faster for active babies to freeze motion. A wide aperture like f/2.8 creates a creamy background, but a narrower f/4 is easier to keep the baby sharp.

Balance the exposure with the lowest ISO that allows for a fast shutter speed. Around ISO 3200 or lower is best for image quality. If the photo is too light or dark, adjust the ISO or use exposure compensation.

Mastering newborn photography camera settings is key to capturing the rapid changes of a baby’s first months. Learning manual mode offers the most control. But, aperture priority with auto ISO and a minimum shutter speed is simpler for beginners to learn.

Choosing the Best Gear for Newborn Photography

The gear you have isn’t the most important thing. But it does make a difference. A mirrorless camera is really handy, or a DSLR with live view. It is often easier to get the right angle while looking at a screen rather than through a viewfinder. With a mirrorless camera, the silent electronic shutter will also be a bonus. 

Camera

The best camera for newborn photography should have a mid-range resolution sensor, perform well in natural light, and have a quiet shutter. Look for cameras with at least 20 MP resolution. Higher megapixels can show too much detail in a newborn’s skin.

Autofocus should be reliable but a high burst rate isn’t necessary for newborns. However, if you plan to photograph toddlers too, look for cameras with faster burst speeds.

Cameras that have good high ISO performance are important for natural light photography. Lenses with wide apertures like f/1.8 or f/2.8 also help in low light. If you want to learn more about the best camera for newborn photography, we have a detailed guide.

Props

Newborn photography props add variety and interest to photos while drawing attention to the star of the show: the baby. Some of the best props are wraps, hats, headbands, and baskets. Wraps keep babies warm and comfortable, and can be used in many different poses. Hats and headbands are easy to switch out without waking the baby.

Baskets and wooden crates make great props for beginners. Simply place a blanket inside to keep the baby cozy, then shoot from above. Mom or dad’s hands can also be used to create a sweet, personal photo.

No matter which props you choose, always prioritize the baby’s safety and comfort. Make sure props are sturdy, and use a soft blanket between the prop and the baby’s skin. Newborn photography props are a great way to get creative while capturing precious memories.

Lenses

The best lenses for newborn photography offer sharpness, versatility, and low-light performance. Look for lenses with focal lengths between 24mm and 105mm. These allow you to capture close-up details and wider shots with the parents.

Lenses with wide apertures like f/2.8 or f/4 are ideal for low light. They also create a soft background that makes the baby the focus of the image. Image stabilization is another useful feature that will help you shoot sharp images without a tripod.

Our top pick is the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM. This versatile lens delivers exceptional sharpness and performance. To learn more about the best lenses for newborn photography, we have a detailed guide covering the top options from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and more.

Canon Lenses

When capturing the precious moments of a newborn, having the right lens is key. The best Canon lenses for newborn photography offer a mix of soft backgrounds, sharp details, and natural perspectives.

Our top pick, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM, has a wide f/1.4 aperture that creates dreamy, soft backgrounds. This helps to highlight the baby’s delicate features. It also offers great sharpness, especially when stopped down to f/2.8, ensuring every tiny detail is captured beautifully.

The 50mm focal length provides a natural perspective, avoiding distortion and allowing for intimate portraits without getting too close to the baby. This versatile prime lens is a great choice for newborn photography, offering professional-quality results at a reasonable price. To learn more about the best Canon lenses for newborn photography, check out our in-depth guide.

Nikon Lenses

If you’re a Nikon user, then we have some recommendations for the best lenses for newborn photography.

The Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S and Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED are our top picks. The Z MC 105mm has a comfortable shooting distance and sharp images. The AF-S 105mm has stunning bokeh and is great in low light.

Other good options are the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S for a natural perspective and the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S for flattering portraits. The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S and Nikon DX Z 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR are versatile zooms.

For Nikon DSLRs, the AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR is sharp with a constant f/2.8 aperture. The AF-S 35mm f/1.4G has a wide aperture for soft backgrounds. You’ll find more details about the best Nikon lenses for newborn photography, in our detailed guide.

Sony Lenses

When choosing Sony lenses for newborn photography, look for wide apertures to create soft backgrounds that highlight the baby. Focal lengths around 50mm provide a natural perspective without distortion. Image stabilization helps capture sharp details in low light.

Our top pick is the Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS for its f/1.8 aperture and sharp image quality. The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN is a versatile zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture. For intimate details, the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS performs well.

Our selection of Sony lenses for newborn photography come in a variety of focal lengths and apertures to suit your style. With the right lens, you can capture the precious early moments of a newborn’s life with beautiful clarity and softness.

Flash

Choosing the right flashgun can be tricky. There are many advantages to using one, and some types of photography are almost impossible without a flashgun. Our top pick is the Godox V860III-S, a great all-rounder that packs TTL, HSS, and a rechargeable battery into a great-value package.

The Godox V860III-S is powerful enough for most situations with a guide number of 60. It has a quick-release mount, built-in modeling light, and a Li-ion battery pack good for 480 full-power flashes. The flash will zoom to accommodate lenses from 20mm to 200mm.

It has both a receiver and transmitter, so you can use it as the trigger in a multi-flash setup or as a slave. This gives great flexibility in how you deploy the flash. If you’d like to learn more about flashguns, we have an in-depth article that covers everything you need to know.

Studio Flash

There are three basic types of photography lighting equipment: continuous lights, strobes, and modifiers. Continuous lights are always on and produce a soft light. Strobes are flashes that can be manual or TTL.

Modifiers change the direction, intensity, or quality of light. Each type has benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to understand how each one works before buying.

If you want to learn more about types of photography lighting equipment, we have a detailed guide that covers everything you need to know. This will help you make an informed decision and start taking amazing photos!

Some Inspiration for Your Newborn Photography

Worrying about lack of ideas can be a real problem for any kind of photography. And newborn photography is no different. So we’ve looked into some inspirational photographers to get you on the right path.

Famous Photographers

Newborn photography is a challenging but rewarding field. The best baby photographers capture the unique personalities of their tiny subjects with creative setups and props. They work quickly and flexibly to get the perfect shot before the baby gets hungry or tired.

From Anne Geddes’ iconic photos of babies in whimsical costumes to Shannon Leigh’s fairy tale-inspired setups, these 10 famous newborn photographers are sure to inspire you. Each has their own distinct style, but all share a passion for preserving those fleeting moments of early childhood.

Whether you’re a professional photographer or simply looking for ideas for your own baby’s photoshoot, these talented artists are worth checking out. For more in-depth information on famous newborn photographers, be sure to explore their individual portfolios and websites.

Maybe you’re looking to take professional baby photographs. Or perhaps you are looking for the best camera as a new parent… We have selected the Nikon D5600 as the best camera for newborn photography. This is thanks to an effective sensor, fantastic autofocus, and a solid ISO range.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Camera For Newborn Photography

Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D

Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D

Fujifilm X-T30 II

Fujifilm X-T30 II

Nikon Z6 II

Nikon Z6 II

The Best Camera for Newborn Photography

Here are our top choices of the best cameras for newborn photography. Below the table, you will find an in-depth look at each camera option. Then you can read our helpful guide on points to consider when photographing babies.

Our Top Choice

Nikon D5600

Nikon D5600

• Very high 24.2 MP resolution for a crop sensor
• Fast and reliable autofocus system with 39 focus points
• Great ISO sensitivity for low light
• Small in size and ergonomic

Best Canon DSLR

Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D

Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D

• Ver high 24 MP resolution for a crop sensor
• Autofocus automatically detects your subjects eyes
• Excellent ISO range and great in low-light situations
• 4K video and 120 fps Full HD

Best for Pros

Sony a7 IV

Sony a7 IV

• Incredible image resolution
• Fast and reliable autofocus system
• 5.5 stops of image stabilization
• Powerful video abilities, 4K at 60 fps

Most Stylish

Fujifilm X-T30 II

Fujifilm X-T30 II

• Affordable camera for its abilities
• Achieves up to 30 fps continuous shooting
• Compact and light
• Great selection of lenses
• Stylish design

Best Nikon Mirrorless

Nikon Z6 II

Nikon Z6 II

• Autofocus works amazingly in low-light conditions
• Lightweight and portable
• Excellent dynamic range in low-light environments
• Dual memory card slots

Best Canon Mirrorless

Canon EOS R

Canon EOS R

• Incredible autofocus system that you can trust
• ISO range performs well at both ends of the scale
• Light and ergonomic body
• Responsive and articulating touchscreen

Best Compact Choice

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II

• Compact camera that can capture RAW images
• Fast and accurate autofocus system
• Optical image stabilization
• Includes a wide aperture and long zoom
• Wi-Fi connectivity

1. Nikon D5600

Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Nikon F DX
Megapixels	Megapixels 24.2 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 39
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 25,600
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 5 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Video	Video
Best For	Best For Parents or amateurs looking to get into photography

×

Nikon D5600

B&H

$799.95

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Amazon

$799.95

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KEH

(second hand)

$525.26

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You don’t have to deplete diaper funds for a camera that captures good newborn pictures. It’s not a top-of-the-range performer like the Sony a7 IV. But the Nikon D5600 is the best camera for newborn photography. That’s due to its portable size, ease of use, and professional controls.

The Nikon D5600 sports a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor. This isn’t quite as good as a full frame, but it still packs plenty of capabilities.

The sensor captures solid photos for the price point. And unbiased, third-party DxOMark testers still consider the camera a top performer. The EXPEED 4 processor is still decent at capturing images in low light. That’s especially the case if you pair the camera with a bright lens.

Speed-wise, the D5600 snaps away at 5 fps. It is not enough to be hailed as a great sports camera. But it still does the trick for toddlers and older kids in motion. The 39-point autofocus is decent. It’s the type of autofocus that’s long been fine-tuned inside DSLRs.

The camera also uses a tilting touchscreen, unlike the slightly cheaper Nikon D3500. This can help you get fun photos at high and low angles. It often works well when you photograph babies and kids.

As a DSLR, it’s a bit louder than a mirrorless camera‘s silent mode. It doesn’t have image stabilization in the body. And it isn’t the best camera on this list and isn’t ideal for professionals. But it is one of the best cameras you can get on a limited budget.

For new parents, the Nikon D5600 should be on their shopping list. It helps capture those fleeting memories of the newborn stage and beyond. And it won’t break the bank!

2. Canon Rebel T8i

Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon EF/EF-S
Megapixels	Megapixels 24 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 45
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 25,600
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 7.5 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Video	Video
Best For	Best For Parents or amateurs looking to get into photography, who like Canon

×

Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D

B&H

$899.00

Buy Now!

KEH

(second hand)

$709.95

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The Rebel T8i (850D) is a fantastic, cheap DSLR option from Canon. Its 24 MP sensor produces high-quality images. It’s almost the same resolution as our number one option. Maybe you have a lower-end Canon camera or can get hold of some lenses for cheap. Then this could be the option for you.

You have 45 autofocus points to select from. That’s slightly more than the Nikon D5600. So this may be the better camera to choose if you prefer having the option of more focus points.

The Canon Rebel T8i also has a continuous shooting speed of 7.5 fps. Newborn photography won’t benefit too much from a fast frame rate. But it helps once the little ones are grown up!

One of the best points about this camera is that it is compact and lightweight. This means you can take endless pictures without having your arms tire.

It is also worth noting that a newborn may be afraid of a huge piece of equipment in their face. And a small camera like the Canon Rebel T8i reduces the scare factor by a large amount.

3. Sony a7 IV

Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Sony E
Megapixels	Megapixels 33 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 759
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 51,200
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 10 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Video	Video
Best For	Best For Professionals or parents with unlimited budgets

×

Sony a7 IV

B&H

$2,498.00

Buy Now!

Amazon

$2,498.00

Buy Now!

KEH

(second hand)

$79.00

Buy Now!

The Sony a7 IV is a highly-rated mirrorless camera. It packs all the features professional newborn photographers should look for. DxOMark testing shows it is an excellent low-light performer. And the camera scores high for less noise at high ISOs.

The full frame sensor means the camera isn’t a budget model. And as a mirrorless camera, it is lighter than many DSLRs. Plus, it has a silent shutter mode to not disturb sleeping babies.

And it’s also for photographers looking to photograph kids beyond the newborn stage. The a7 IV packs a solid 10 fps burst speed with a quick autofocus system. It’s a great investment for parents who want a camera that performs well when that newborn is a toddler.

The biggest downside? The battery life has improved from older models. But it doesn’t come close to a DSLR’s long battery life.

Still, the a7 IV will last through a newborn session and capture high-quality images. It is an excellent all-around performer for photographers who shoot in several genres.

Perhaps you like the features but can’t afford the price tag? Then you can also look at older versions of the camera, like the a7 III or the original a7.

4. Fujifilm X-T30 II

Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Fujifilm X
Megapixels	Megapixels 26 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 425
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 12,800
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 30 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Video	Video
Best For	Best For Photographers who want a simple camera with a stylish body

×

Fujifilm X-T30 II

Focus Camera

$899.00

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Adorama

$899.00

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Amazon

$939.00

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Photographers (and parents) don’t have to drop a huge amount on a camera to take good photos of a newborn. APS-C sensor cameras like the Fujifilm X-T30 II capture excellent newborn photos. And it’s at a lower price, just like our top options.

The Fujifilm X-T30 II sports a 26 MP APS-C sensor. That’s not as large as the full frame cameras on this list. But the Fujifilm brand is known for quality images from its X-Trans sensors.

An APS-C is still plenty big enough for newborn photography. And this camera will capture solid newborn portraits to last a lifetime.

The autofocus system has a whopping 425 points and is quick to focus. But there’s no image stabilization included in the body.

The burst mode is a respectable 8 fps, though. But you can push it up to 30 fps with the electronic shutter if you need more. The latter has a slight crop, but it’s quieter, too.

As a mirrorless camera, the X-30 is easy to carry around. It also has a tilting touchscreen to help capture the more hard-to-get angles. And many photographers also love Fujifilm for its retro look.

5. Nikon Z6 II

Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Nikon Z
Megapixels	Megapixels 24.5 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 273
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 51,200
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 14 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Video	Video
Best For	Best For Photographers who want up-to-date features and camera settings

×

Nikon Z6 II

Amazon

$1,596.95 $1,996.95

Buy Now!

B&H

$1,996.95

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Nikon is new to the full frame mirrorless category. While the Nikon Z6 II may not be as refined as Sony’s mirrorless generation, the new camera still packs a powerful punch.

The Z6 II uses a 24.5 MP full frame sensor that captures excellent images. The camera body also has stabilization built-in. If the baby isn’t moving around, this can help in those low-light shots.

As part of Nikon’s mirrorless series, the Z6 II can access many existing Nikon lenses using an FTZ adapter. This could be reason enough to choose the Z6 II for photographers who already own some Nikon glass.

Like most mirrorless cameras, there’s a silent electronic shutter for when the baby is sleeping. And the Z6 II has an even faster frame rate than the a7 IV with 12 fps. But that’s in an extended mode with a few limitations.

The Z6 II is lighter than Nikon DSLRs. But not by a lot if you use a heavier Z lens or when you add the mount adapter. And the tilting touchscreen can also help get the perfect angle without getting a step stool out.

Nikon also has a higher-resolution Z7 II. But the Z6 II autofocus is still rated well in low light. And the mid-range resolution is perfect for newborns. It also means the camera doesn’t cost quite so much.

6. Canon EOS R

Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon RF
Megapixels	Megapixels 30.3 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 5,655
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 40,000
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 8 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Video	Video
Best For	Best For Photographers who want a light and powerful camera

×

Canon EOS R

Amazon

$1,499.99 $1,799.00

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B&H

$1,799.00

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The Canon EOS R has the same 30 MP sensor as the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR. But it comes in a smaller package and at a lower price point.

The 30 MP sensor is a good mid-point for newborn photography. It’s not too high to introduce a lot of noise or make skin imperfections obvious. But it’s high enough for big prints and good detail.

There is a Canon EOS R lens adapter. So you can use it with Canon’s DSLR lenses. It’s a good option for photographers that may already have a stash of Canon lenses.

It has solid low-light performance. The Canon EOS R is one of the best Canon cameras for low light, according to DxOMark. They rank the image quality a bit below the first three cameras on this list.

The colors and dynamic range aren’t ranked quite as high as others in its class. But Canon’s Dual Pixel autofocus system is also highly praised. This should come in handy when shooting with window light only. And it helps capture those fast-moving toddlers later on.

The EOS R also offers a respectable 8 fps. So you can keep up with fast-moving toddlers and older children as well. And as a mirrorless camera, it is also equipped with a silent electronic shutter.

The Canon EOS R body sells for less than the Sony A7 III and Nikon Z 6. But The EOS R does not have image stabilization like those models. And it doesn’t score quite as high on sensor tests.

Other cameras may be better deals. But the compatibility with Canon lenses and Dual Pixel AF will sway some to buy the EOS R.

7. Canon PowerShot G7 X III

Sensor Format	Sensor Format 1"
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Fixed
Megapixels	Megapixels 20 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 31
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 12,800
Frame Rate	Frame Rate 30 fps
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Video	Video
Best For	Best For Parents or amateurs who don't have time to learn manual controls

×

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

B&H

$749.00

Buy Now!

Amazon

$1,374.95

Buy Now!

Maybe you don’t have the time to familiarize yourself with a DSLR or mirrorless camera. If so, a powerful point-and-shoot can take you far. It is also a great way to save money if you are looking for cheap options.

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a compact and lightweight camera. It fits in your pocket or baby bag with ease. And it has a much smaller sensor size than the rest of the cameras for newborn photography on this list. So it will give you a smaller dynamic range.

But even though it has a smaller sensor, you get a superb 20 MP from this small camera! There’s also a whopping 30 fps of continuous shooting to get the perfect shot. Plus, its in-body image stabilization and video make it the perfect all-in-one camera.

The PowerShot G7 X III makes it easy to grab your camera on the way out of the house daily.

Features of the Best Camera for Newborn Photography

If you’re on a budget, stick with a full frame camera or an APS-C camera. This lets you take advantage of the available light the most.

Camera Resolution

The best cameras for newborn photography have a decent resolution. A camera with a resolution that’s too low won’t allow parents to have large prints.

Your camera should have at least 12 MP (megapixels). But 20+ is even better. Many photographers have successfully used cameras with around 50 MP. But higher megapixel cameras may not handle high ISOs as well.

And the greater detail in higher megapixel cameras can emphasize the many imperfections very noticeable on newborn babies’ skin. And this leaves you with more post-processing work.

Frame Rate

Newborn photography is the closest the portrait genre gets to still life photography. That’s because newborns are often photographed sleeping. So you don’t need to spend a lot of cash for a crazy fast camera for newborns.

Sometimes fussy babies only offer a few seconds to get the shot. But most of the time, you have a few minutes after you get the baby in position. That means a fast camera, with a high burst speed like 10 fps, isn’t necessary.

But newborn photographers or parents also take photos of toddlers at some point. Or they may photograph a toddler with a brand-new sibling. That’s a different story.

Photographers specializing beyond just newborns may want a really good burst speed. Kids go from being slow-moving newborns to wild, won’t-sit-still toddlers in the blink of an eye!

High ISO for Low Light

Newborns are often photographed using natural window light. A flash can startle some newborns. So a good camera for newborn portraits should perform well at higher ISOs.

Look for a camera with excellent noise ratings for higher ISO levels. Indoor scenes often mean more than that base ISO 100.

Stabilization, Lenses, and Camera Noise

Image stabilizers in the lens or camera body will also boost low-light quality. It allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds instead of increasing the ISO. This is only if the baby is very still.

Along the same lines, when you look for a lens to pair with your camera body, look for one with a wide aperture, like f/2.8. Permit yourself to skip those f/5.6 kit lenses often bundled with camera bodies.

A 35mm or 50mm f/1.8 is a great lens for newborn photography. Many good versions are also cheap.

Another consideration is how loud the camera will be. In most cases, newborn photographers play white noise. That drowns out the click of a shutter. In some instances, a quiet mode is an excellent feature to have. Many mirrorless cameras and some DSLRs have it.

Conclusion

Photographing newborns comes with a long list of challenges. You must get the baby settled, sleeping, and in that perfect position. Then you have to do it all over again for a new pose.

For newborn photography, look for a camera that performs well in window light. It should also have a mid-range resolution and a quiet shutter. Photographers should also look for a camera with a faster burst speed when introducing toddlers into the shot. This may be photos with siblings or with older children. 

The best camera for newborn photography doesn’t have to be a crazy fast $5,000 camera. We suggest the Nikon D5600 if you’re new to photography. It is an affordable investment for photos you will hold onto for the rest of your life!

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Camera For Newborn Photography

Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D

Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D

Fujifilm X-T30 II

Fujifilm X-T30 II

Nikon Z6 II

Nikon Z6 II

43 Newborn Photo Ideas

Now it’s time to get started with the newborn photo ideas. Baby photography can be a tricky business. And babies aren’t always the most cooperative models.
You need plenty of newborn photoshoot ideas to get great results no matter the baby’s mood. We have two sets of baby photography ideas anyone can try.
The first set of newborn photo ideas are poses you can do at home. They don’t require any special equipment and everything can be done with natural light. There are photo ideas for both parents. And you can even get the pets involved too.
The second set of newborn photo ideas is for the studio. These newborn photoshoot ideas use more props and accessories. And they’re about creating themes, using different styles for some fabulous baby photography. We’ll start with several newborn photos ideas at home. In this section, ideas are simple and easy to produce. You don’t need much equipment. And any props you need will be part of the baby’s normal apparatus.

1. All Wrapped Up

When a newborn baby leaves the hospital, they spend most of their time wrapped up in blankets. It keeps them safe and warm from the elements. And with only the baby’s face peeking out of the blankets, it makes a fabulous newborn photo.

2. The Mother’s Embrace

The loving embrace of a mother is the best place a newborn baby can be. The mother’s instincts are to protect and nurture. And it’s where the baby feels the most secure during the most vulnerable time in their life.
Having the mother hold the newborn close makes an excellent newborn photo. They’ll forget the camera is there. And you’ll be able to snap some beautifully tender and natural photos of mother and child.

3. In The Father’s Arms

The father also plays a crucial role in the development of newborn babies. And capturing natural moments between father and child is an excellent newborn photo idea.
Let the father hold the child close. Don’t distract them with too much direction. Let them relax so you can get natural photos. You’re looking for candid intimacy between the subjects.

4. Face to Face

This newborn photo idea is another natural moment. The mother holds the newborn in front of her. She supports the baby’s back and head, so they’re face to face.
Let them feel the connection between one another. It’s ideal if the baby is awake, but you’ll still have a fab shot if it’s sleeping. The mother can whisper or sing to the child to add extra tenderness to the newborn picture.

5. Face to Face (Father)

Include the father into your newborn photos as much as possible. They often don’t spend as much time with their baby girl or boy as the mothers. They want photos they can cherish too.
This newborn pose gives the father a moment alone with the newborn. You and your camera will be there, of course. But give them some space, and allow them time to ease into the pose. You’re guaranteed a sweet newborn picture.

6. Mother and Child Sitting on the Bed

The bed is an excellent location for newborn photography. It’s comfortable for the mother and safe for the baby. It’s a safe space where people can move freely. And the comfort of the subjects will help you achieve relaxed and personal photos.
This full-body shot shows how naturally the mother handles and cares for her child. You’ll have smiles and blissful facial expressions. But there’s the rest of the body language too.

7. Focus on the Hands

You’ll find many newborn photo ideas just by looking at their tiny hands. People are fascinated by a baby’s hands and feet. They’re so small and delicate they always draw attention.
It’s an easy shot you can get in any location. And you can use a shallow depth of field to concentrate attention on the hands.

8. Hand Comparison

When looking at a photo of a baby’s hand, it’s sometimes hard to see how tiny it is. That’s why making a hand comparison is a superb idea for newborn photography.
You can lay the baby’s hand into the mother’s or father’s. The difference in size will emphasize the fragility of the tiny fingers. And it’s one of those newborn photo ideas that show us how far we have to go when we grow up. It’s a long journey.

9. All Three Hands

Many newborn photo ideas incorporate the child and the two parents. And this pose makes a sweet and touching newborn picture.
Having the three hands together symbolizes the parents working together to nurture their baby boy or girl. You have the contrast in size. But you also have a touching metaphor for care and affection.

10. Focus on The Feet

The feet are another feature that works well for newborn photography ideas. Like their tiny hands, they’re a source of much interest from admirers.

11. Baby Feet in Adult Hands

Using the hands of adults is a fantastic idea for heart-warming baby pictures. The contrast between the baby’s feet and the adult’s hands shows us just how tiny a newborn baby is.

12. Sleeping Close Up

It’s more likely that the newborn will be asleep than awake. But you can still try some excellent newborn photo ideas when they’re napping.
You can get close and take a photo of the baby’s face. Be careful not to disturb the baby, so perhaps use a lens that allows you to get the close-up from a distance.

13. Breastfeeding

The baby will probably need feeding at some point during the photo session. You can use this time as a break. Or you take the opportunity for some intimate newborn photos.
Breastfeeding is an intimate activity. Something that’s only shared between mother and child. You’ll capture some stunning baby photos if you’re respectful with your camera. Don’t intrude if uninvited, and don’t disrupt the mother and child.

14. Over The Shoulder

When the newborn baby is awake and alert, you need to be ready with your best newborn photo ideas. Even when they’re lively, babies can’t support themselves. But if the mother or father holds them to their chest, you’ll get a great shot of the baby looking over the shoulder. It’s a great pose because you can see their face in all their glory.

15. Both Parents Holding The Newborn

Including both parents makes for some interesting newborn photo ideas. And this one is simple in construction but powerful in message.
Both parents holding the newborn baby at the same time symbolizes their teamwork. It shows how they’re working together to care for and protect their new child.
The parents can look at the baby. Or they can look at each other with a loving look. Both options make powerful newborn pictures they’ll be proud of.

16. Baby Lying on the Father

Babies can sleep pretty much anywhere. And you can use that for some lovely newborn photo ideas. The father can get comfy on the bed, lying on their back. The newborn baby can then lie on their stomach and chest.

17. Triple Portrait

This type of shot is the perfect way to bring all the family into your newborn photography. The mother can hold the baby in her arms, pointing the tiny face towards the camera. And the father can sit behind the mother, looking over her shoulder.
It might seem like a standard portrait. But it’s a newborn photo idea that expresses unity and togetherness. It demonstrates the love shared between all three people in the photo. It’s a family united.

18. Take A Walk Outside

Newborns can’t travel far. But if you’re lucky enough to have a garden to work in, it’s a fabulous location for some newborn photo ideas. Of course, only try this in appropriate weather. If it’s too cold or hot, keep your photo session indoors.
The mother and father can carry the newborn around. They can have it in their arms or a papoose. You’ll get some fabulous shots of the child in the glorious natural light of a sunny day.

19. Include the Dog

Bringing the family pet into the photo session is great to liven up your newborn photo ideas. Dogs are beloved animals. And they’re just as much a part of the family as any human. As long as they’re well behaved, you can snap some baby pictures with the dog.
Don’t force anything. You don’t want the animal or the newborn to become uncomfortable. Let the scene flow naturally so you can capture some candid family pictures.

20. Newborn with Older Sibling

The newborn might not be their first child. So for more fun newborn photo ideas, you can include their older brother or sister. They can lie together on a bed or sofa. Or, if the older child is strong enough, they can hold the newborn.

21. The Whole Family

Bringing the whole family together makes for some excellent newborn photography ideas. It turns standard newborn photos into memorable family portraits. You can have the parents and all the siblings. And don’t forget the pets!

Newborn Photo Ideas In The Studio

Now we’ll move away from the home environment and look at newborn photo ideas for the studio. This section will have more of a focus on props and conceptual ideas for newborn photography. And there are some newborn photoshoot ideas for baby girls and baby boys.

22. Color Wraps

When you’re working in a studio, you can play with conceptual color schemes. You can wrap the newborn in a colorful blanket. And the surroundings can be a matching color.
Newborn photographers need a good collection of colorful materials in their studio. The parents might be fussy about colors. And they might want to color code the photos depending on whether it’s a baby girl or boy.

23. Matching Hat

If you want to make it in the business of baby photography, you’ll need some good baby hats. And you’ll want them to match the colors of the other accessories. You’ll need “boy colors,” “girl colors,” and everything in between.

24. Lying On A Fluffy Blanket

A thick fluffy blanket is an excellent prop for newborn photos. The soft blanket is comfy for the newborn. And it has the appearance of a fluffy cloud, giving the images a dream-like quality.

25. Colorful Bow On The Head

If you’re working with a baby girl, a pretty bow is a perfect accessory. It adds a splash of color and helps to identify the baby. Newborns look alike, so a bow on the head indicates you’ve got a baby girl. It highlights their femininity.

26. In A Deep Basket

A basket will give you some fantastic newborn photo ideas. And if you have a deep basket, you can try a Moses-style newborn photo. The deep sides keep the baby protected. And it’s easy to move around the studio if you need to make changes.

27. Ornate Wicker Basket

You can also fill the basket with soft blankets, so the newborn baby sits at the top. Using an ornate basket shows how small the newborn is. It’ll give you some adorable newborn photos.
This style of baby picture gives the newborn an ornamental quality. It highlights how small and fragile they are.

28. Make a Nest

Natural themes fit well with newborn photography. After all, having a baby is the most natural process in the world. And your new baby sleeping in a nest makes for a sweet newborn photo.
It gives the newborn a fresh, just-hatched appearance. The nest makes the baby feel brand new.

29. With A Cuddly Toy

A cuddly toy is a great way to add extra cuteness to your newborn photography ideas. Cuddly toys mean a lot to small children. They’re friends and companions through thick and thin. And they are always all adorable together.

30. Cuddly Toy and Matching Knitwear

Having a few sets of cuddly toys with matching knitwear for the baby will guarantee you never run low on newborn photo ideas. It strengthens their friendship and bond. And it’s a newborn photo sure to melt anyone’s heart.

31. Matching Hat and Bow Tie

If you want to turn your baby boy into a little man, a matching hat and bow tie combo does the trick. Costumes like this are a great way of bringing humor into your newborn photography. A pair of glasses is another excellent accessory for a funny newborn picture.

32. Floral Flat Lay

Floral flat lay photography is a separate genre of photography. But if you make the newborn baby the centerpiece of your layout, you’ll have some excellent newborn photos. Flat lays are full of color.
You can make them seasonal by using flowers that bloom in spring or summer. Or you can use colorful fallen leaves for an autumnal arrangement. Holly and evergreen boughs are perfect for a winter-themed newborn photo.

33. Floral Headdress

Using flowers adds splashes of color to your newborn photography ideas. A floral headdress or headband works perfectly with a baby girl. But you can use “boy color” flowers if it’s a photo session with a baby boy.

34. Miniature Bed

You need many newborn photo ideas for a sleeping baby. So using a miniature bed as a prop makes perfect sense. It’s adorable and makes the newborn baby look bigger than they are.

35. Create A Themed Set

You can get inventive with your newborn photo ideas by creating sets and setting scenes. You can create a woodland realm with trees and toadstools. You can even make woodland critters inhabit the scene.
Children love fairy tales and magical stories. They can inspire some creative newborn photoshoot ideas. You can get creative with set designs and costumes to make something truly magical.

36. Use Seasonally Themed Backdrops

Incorporating the season of the baby’s birth is another element you can add to your newborn photography ideas. You can have a backdrop for each season of the year and additional props. Purchasing the backdrops is one option. Or you can make them yourself.

37. Create a Prince or Princess

If you’re creating themed sets for your newborn photography, a tiny crown is a superb prop. It’s only a small item, but it’ll turn your baby boy into a prince and your baby girl into a princess.

38. Black And White Portrait

Newborn photos ideas can come from other areas of photography. Black and white portraits aren’t usually associated with newborn photography ideas. But they can make some powerful baby pictures.
You want the baby to stand out. If the baby boy or girl has light skin, use dark-colored blankets. And if the baby has dark skin, use light blankets. The contrast will give you a sophisticated newborn baby picture.

39. Make It Snow

It’s good practice to have some festive newborn photo ideas. Many parents want to use their newborn photos as Christmas cards to send to friends and family.
You can use fake snow in the studio, but always make sure it’s non-toxic. And rather than sprinkling the snow on the baby directly, sprinkle it between the camera and the newborn. This way, it will look like it’s snowing, but the baby is unaffected.
If you don’t want the mess of fake snow, you can add the snow in post-production. You won’t have the on-set excitement. But there will be less cleaning up involved.

40. Try an Aviation Theme

Young boys love planes, trains, and automobiles. And using these as themes can give you plenty of newborn photo ideas, especially if you’re working with a baby boy.
The aviation theme is particularly fun for baby boys. You can have a plane for them to sleep on, with an accompanying hat and goggles. A thick fur rug makes an excellent carpet of clouds. And it also creates a safe environment for the newborn baby.

41. Fisherman Theme

If aviation isn’t their thing, maybe you can turn to the open ocean for some fun newborn photoshoot ideas. A baby boy dressed as a fisherman in a tiny boat makes for a fabulous newborn photo. But you can try similar ideas with a baby girl too.
You need a small boat frame for the baby to lie in. You can fill it with a soft blanket to make it comfy for the baby. And the knitted costumes will make the photo even more adorable.
A blue shaggy rug works well for the sea below. Or you can use wood or thick card painted blue. Using real water is not advised for safety reasons.

42. Animal Costumes

The natural world is an excellent source for newborn photos ideas. Kids love animals. And combining newborns with cute critters will produce wonderfully cute newborn baby pictures.
Nature themes are fabulous fun for newborn photo sessions. That’s why newborn photographers should have a good collection of knitwear animal costumes. You’ll need animals to suit a baby boy and others to suit a baby girl.

43. Flamenco-Style Dress

Adult-style dresses can add the wow factor to your newborn photo ideas if you’re working with a baby girl. You can pick many styles and color themes. But the red and black of a flamenco dress is dynamic and strong. And with the added flower headband, your baby pictures will definitely draw attention.

Newborn Photography Tips

Before you start a newborn photo session, you should consider our newborn photography tips. They’ll help you get the most out of your sessions so that you can snap some special newborn pictures.

1. Be Prepared

Baby photography is a delicate business involving equipment and props. And the early weeks of a baby’s life are stressful for the parents. To make the newborn photoshoot go as smoothly as possible, you need to have everything ready in advance.

2. Be Flexible with Time

Newborn babies aren’t professional models, so you can’t expect them to stick to a strict shooting schedule. When they want food, they need to be fed. It doesn’t matter if you were just about to get a great shot. The needs of the baby come first.
A good practice for a newborn photo session is to give yourself more time than you think you need. Make the photo session longer than you might for a shoot with older children. You might not use all the extra time. But you’ll have a buffer for any breaks the baby needs.

3. Be Flexible With Location

For many professional photographers, their studio is their workspace. But when it comes to newborn baby photography, you should be open to doing photo sessions in the client’s house.
Taking a newborn baby anywhere can be stressful. It’s not easy for the parents or the baby. Doing newborn photoshoots at their home is an excellent idea. It makes life a lot easier for mother and child.

4. Work Safe

Newborn babies are fragile creatures. Whether working at home or in a studio, you need to have the baby’s safety at the forefront of your practice.
Never work alone when taking newborn pictures. Always have at least one other person present. All the props you use should be soft. And don’t work on any narrow surfaces high off the ground.

5. Don’t Use a Flash

Flash photography isn’t a good idea for a newborn photo session. Their eyes haven’t been open long, and they’re very sensitive. A bright flash could damage them.
Use natural light where ever you can. Reflectors are an excellent tool for giving you more control with natural light. And they don’t harm the baby. You can use ring lights and other soft lighting sources. But avoid anything too harsh.

Conclusion

There are so many fantastic newborn photo ideas you can try. If you’re looking for newborn photoshoot ideas in the home, there are plenty of poses. And you can include the parents, siblings, and pets too.
Newborn photoshoot ideas for the studio are just as important. And there are plenty of styles and themes you can experiment with for fun and fabulous newborn baby photos. Play with props and exciting set designs.
We hope this article has inspired you to create your own newborn photography ideas. You’ll be more than prepared for your next newborn photo session.
Check out our Dreamy Childhood Portraits eBook to create newborn photos you can cherish for a lifetime!

Twin Photoshoot Ideas: Newborn Twin Photography

Photographing newborn babies can be challenging. They are fragile and vulnerable little humans. You can’t treat a newborn shoot like a photoshoot for normal family photos. There are extra things you need to consider.
That’s especially the case when you’re working with newborn twins. When there are two babies, you really have to be on your toes. You can’t get distracted for a second.
You have to be patient when you’re working with newborn twins. They may be small, but if they’re unhappy, you’re going to know about it. And if one starts to cry, the other could kick off too. Your shot will have to wait.
But if you’ve never done photography with newborn twins before, we’ve got some tips and ideas to help you out. So put down the bottles and pick up your camera so we can get started.

Do The Pre-Shoot Preparation

If you’re a professional photographer, the best way to start your preparation is to speak to the parents. Find out the gender of the twins. Ask them if they would like gender-specific props and accessories.
Don’t jump to any conclusions by using blue for boys and pink for girls. The mum and dad might want to keep colors neutral. Or they may have different colors in mind.
Once you know, you can start gathering the appropriate materials, such as colored blankets or baby clothes. If you’re going to include toys or props, make sure they are soft.
Have all your props ready in advance. But for any newborn photography shoot, keep your studio space as clean as possible. You want to remove any clutter and have a clear space to work in.
This not only makes things easier when you’re taking pictures, but it also keeps the newborns safe. They’re fragile little beings, so you need to make sure the photography area is safe to work in.
This also applies if you’re doing a photoshoot at home. Create a space that is open and clear of clutter.

Think About The Babies’ Needs

If you’re a photographer, communicate with the parents about what the newborn twins need. Schedule extra time in case the babies need attention.
Mum and dad might need to feed the twins at some point during the shoot. It might interrupt the photography procedure, but you have to be patient. The babies’ needs must come first.
The twins will have to be changed at some point too. These things are to be expected when working with newborns. But when dealing with twins, these things can take time.
Twins aren’t always in sync. They might want to be fed at different times. One baby might be crying while the other twin is sound asleep. Don’t despair. This can be a good moment to get some photos of one baby at a time.

Use a Camera and Lens for Portraits

You can use a DSLR or a mirrorless camera. Both will give you excellent photos if you have a good quality camera.
One advantage of mirrorless cameras is that some newer models have a silent shutter. Newborn twins spend most of their time asleep, so having a quiet camera can be a plus.
As for lenses, a prime lens will serve you well. You’ll have the freedom to move the camera to get the shot you want, so a zoom lens isn’t necessary.
A 50mm focal length lens would work fine. But ideally, you should go for something close to 85mm. It’s an ideal focal length for portraits of all kinds, not just newborn photography. You don’t need to get too close to your subject and you can play with the depth of field.

Go Easy With the Lighting

Photographing newborn twins is a delicate procedure. You have to be gentle, especially when it comes to lighting. Avoid strong, harsh lighting. A bright flash could distress the newborn twins.
Natural light is perfect if you have enough of it. Light from a window is soft, even, and it won’t upset the babies.
The problem might be that the light is coming from one direction, leaving shadows on the photos. Reflectors and mirrors are the best way to even out the brightness without using electric lights.
If the weather is suitable, you can try an outdoor photoshoot. This can be difficult with newborn twins because the weather has to be just right. And the weather isn’t something you can plan for well in advance.
If natural light isn’t an option, you can use studio lights and flashes. But I recommend using softboxes and a less intense flash. Perhaps use an off-camera flash that isn’t pointed directly into their faces.

Use Soft Props

Safety is a priority for any photoshoot. But when it comes to newborn babies, you can’t be too careful. Even something small can do a lot of harm, so take any and every precaution you can.
When selecting blankets and material for wraps, make sure it’s soft and non-abrasive. And if you’re wrapping a baby in a blanket, it has to be clean.
A basket is a common prop in newborn twin photography. Wicker baskets look great and keep the newborn twins contained. But you need to make sure there are no sharp points anywhere on the basket.
When it comes to toys and other props, avoid hard plastics. Make sure all the toys are soft and cuddly. Even hard eyes can cause problems.
Use soft props to create a safe environment. You want to capture great shots, but safety is paramount. Keep everything low to the ground, and don’t place the twin babies on any raised surfaces.

Try Different Newborn Twin Poses

When it comes to poses with newborn twins, there isn’t much you can ask them to do. All they do is lie down asleep or, if you’re lucky, lie down with their eyes open. But that doesn’t mean your pose options have to be limited.
Have the newborn twins lie together on a soft surface. You can wrap them gently or let them sprawl out. Only unwrap them if the room is warm enough.
Twins always look cute in matching outfits. But you can also try differing costumes to emphasise their individuality. They may be similar, but they’re not the same.
You can have them pose together you can capture each twin individually. They can face each other or they can point in different directions.
If the twins have older siblings, you can include them in some of the shots. If they’re old enough, they can hold the twins. Or the twins can rest on them.
The same goes with parents too. You can include the mother and the father in the images. Each parent can hold one twin or one parent can hold a twin in each arm. Lying together is another option.
Including other family members can make for some extra special family photos. Families change quickly when the children are young. It’s important to capture those moments together.

Conclusion

Newborn twin photography can be a tough gig. Every newborn is a handful. And when you’re working with newborn twins, you have twice as much work cut out for you.
But it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you’re a professional photographer or a parent, newborn photos are something to treasure. Those first few weeks are fleeting but incredibly special.
Be patient, take your time, and always keep safety in mind. Get the environment right, and you’ll capture some incredible newborn twins photos.
Our Dreamy Childhood Portraits course is perfect for capturing your newborn twins most beautiful moments!  
The images in this article are provided by DepositPhotos.

Always Start With Safety Measures When Doing Newborn Poses

Always prioritise safety when posing a newborn.
If you are a beginner, stick with simple poses. Work with basic positions and ideas. Then you can add variety by adjusting the hands and legs, your camera angle, the crop and varying props.
Newborns often need props because they can’t hold themselves up.

You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on fancy studio-level gear. But a few simple, inexpensive items make a big difference in the poses you can create.
Your first go-to item for newborn photography should be a beanbag. Of course, you can buy specially designed newborn beanbags, but a regular beanbag chair will work too.
Beanbags are safe, soft places that you can easily mould to prop the baby up. First, place a blanket or backdrop over the beanbag. Then, you can either adjust the beans inside the actual bag or place rolled-up blankets or towels to prop up the baby.

U-shaped nursing pillows are perfect for safely propping up the baby’s head.
Always keep an adult within arm’s reach. When in doubt, have someone hold the prop in place and composite the arm out later.

Let’s have a look at some of the best newborn poses.

1. On the Back Pose

Placing the baby on their back is a safe, simple pose. With a back pose, you don’t need more than a blanket and a soft surface. But you can add plenty of variety by using different props.
Back poses work well for swaddled babies, as well as newborns in their birthday suit! If the baby is nude, make sure you cover them with a blanket to keep it appropriate.
Once the baby falls asleep, you can add variety by taking shots at different angles.
You can try shooting the back pose from straight above. Also, by propping the baby’s head and feet up, you can get a sweet shot from the side without having to move the baby.

2. On the Side Pose

To place a baby on their side, use blankets, towels or the beanbag to elevate the head or feet as needed.
To emphasise those cute fat rolls, make sure the baby’s hands or blanket don’t cover their face.
Side poses work well both swaddled and unswaddled. Again, this pose is easy to work with.
By changing the camera angle, you can make it look like the baby is sitting upright.

3. On the Tummy Pose

Placing the baby on their tummy is harder. Keep the baby in a natural position to make sure the pose is safe. Also, take care not to obstruct the baby’s face.
Prop the baby’s head up higher than their bum with a blanket or a u-shaped nursing pillow.
You can shoot the tummy pose from the side or above. Adjust the baby’s head gently so you can see the whole face if needed. Again, take care to keep the baby comfortable and in a natural pose.

4. Lying on the Belly With Chin on Hands

This pose gives a dreamy appearance to your shots. The newborn will be on their tummy, with their hands under their chin.
Place a pillow under their baby’s hands, or arrange the props to raise their upper body.
Usually, you can curl the arms under their chin easily. But don’t expect those tiny hands to hold the head up. Instead, rely on the pillow to keep their head in place.

5. Newborn Froggy Pose

This pose is a composite done in Photoshop. Babies can’t hold this position themselves, and it’s unsafe to try putting a baby in the final pose shown in the image without any support.
For the first image, ask a parent to support the baby’s head from above, with the baby’s arms placed on their chin. Then, ask a parent to support the baby’s hands while placed under the baby’s chin for the second image.
Merge these two images in Photoshop and remove the parent’s hands.
It takes a while to create these kinds of images, but the result is cute and this pose is quite popular. Parents often ask for it.
This pose can be dangerous if the baby is not supported carefully, as this is not a natural position. So if the baby gets upset when taking the two images, it’s best to avoid this pose.

6. Potato Sack Newborn Pose

For this pose, you will need some fabric to wrap and curl up the newborn. Being curled up is comforting for babies because this is how they were inside their mother’s belly.
This pose gives an intimate and wholesome image.
You can vary this pose as you wish with props. For example, try using little hats and headbands or any props that you think will work.
Make sure to support the baby from all sides. You can do this with a pillow or blanket. This will give a soft, warm and comfy feeling to your newborn photography.

7. Tucked in Bed

For this newborn pose, cover the baby with a blanket to show only their head and face. You can place the blanket under the chin, but covering a little can make the image cosier. Make sure not to cover the baby’s nose so that they can breathe safely.
Shooting from above is the best for this pose, as this way you can enhance the small size of the newborn.
Using a cute toy is a great prop for this scene. A toy is also great for scale. You can use the same toy for future photos to show how the child is growing. If you use the baby’s favourite toy, the baby will love recognising it in the image once they are older.

8. Getting Close and Capturing Details

These poses help enhance how small the baby is. It’s popular to take up-close shots of baby hands and feet.
You can use the parents’ hands to emphasise the size differences and capture a warm family moment.
Or, you could also focus on the face of a sleeping newborn to capture the calmness.
The possibilities are endless, but try not to rely only on this technique. Parents will want to make sure they also have images where you can see the entire baby.
Use this style as a part of your newborn portfolio to complement wider compositions.

9. Pose With One Parent

Your images should show the connection between the baby and their parents.
Parents love to have photos of them holding their baby. Taking shots of the baby with one parent at a time will help you capture their relationship with the baby and showcase their personality.
Ask them to hold the baby close to them. For example, you can ask the parent to give the baby a hug or a kiss. They can hold the baby up to their faces or make them laugh. Let the parent express their connection with the baby.

10. Pose With Both Parents and Siblings

Involving the whole family helps make the photo session a memorable moment. You should capture the joy this newborn is bringing to the family.
Pay attention to the poses of all the members. They should be relaxed and close to each other. A distant or uncomfortable pose will create tension instead of harmony.
Let siblings play with the baby and laugh together.
Pay attention to where the family members are facing. For example, by looking at the baby or having their eyes closed together, you can enhance their family unity.
If they are looking at the camera, it’s more like a documentary image. This can also work, but be careful to make sure you don’t lose the family’s energy by making the image too formal.

Conclusion

As a newborn photographer, you might meet babies who can easily get distracted. So, always prepare yourself for a long session because a lot depends on the baby’s mood.
Be careful not to move the baby too much, as you might then have to wait for them to settle. Instead, take as many shots as possible with only minor adjustments to your angle and the baby’s position.
Parents might have ideas in advance that you might not be able to do. Talk to the parents before and during the photography session and let them know if a certain pose is unsafe or if the newborn is not comfortable.
With these newborn photography tips, you’re ready to capture images that parents will love!

Let’s see how you can create beautiful milk bath photography.

Light Control

Neewer 43 5-in-11 Light Reflector

Create stunning, soft light for your milk bath photography with this versatile reflector. With five different reflector options, you’ll have everything you need to inspire your creativity and capture beautiful images.

What is Milk Bath Photography?

In a nutshell, milk bath photography is about shooting a model bathing in milk.

Many associate this technique with the famous picture of Whoopi Goldberg peering out from a bath of milk. Annie Leibovitz was the photographer, and her shoot is the origin of this widely beloved concept.

Milk bath photography is perfect for those who like dreamy, atmospheric portraits. With the right props, you can turn your milk bath photos into gorgeous conceptual pictures.

White is associated with softness and purity. This is why milk bath for baby or maternity photography is so popular. You can use a milk bath to emphasise the size of a baby bump. Or just to make your model feel beautiful in her skin.

If you feel particularly adventurous, step into the bathtub for milk bath self-portraits!

Setting Up Your Milk Bath Photoshoot

Milk. Who’d have guessed?

Experienced milk bath photographers use around 3-6 litres of milk per photoshoot. Preparing for this shoot is not too hard on the pocket. The basics are milk, warm water, and a bathtub.

First, fill the tub with warm water and start adding milk to it. For this purpose, whole milk works the best, but you can also use milk powder instead of milk.

If you add less milk, your mixture will be translucent. This means that most of your model’s body will be visible underwater.

If you add more milk, you’ll end up with an opaque mixture. This will cover anything that’s below the milk’s surface.

Undecided on the ratio of your milk-water concoction? Then, don’t use all the milk immediately. Pour it gradually and experiment with various levels of transparency.

Should you choose milk powder, make sure the water is warm enough to dissolve everything. If it’s not, you’ll have to deal with unflattering chunks of powder in your milk bath.

Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

The uniqueness of milk bath photography comes with equally unique challenges. While preparing for a milk bath photoshoot, you’ll see that these aren’t very complex. Here are a few guidelines that will make your milk bath photoshoot feel like a cakewalk.

Access to Warm Water

If you are shooting for over half an hour, this tip is essential to keep your subject warm. Comfort is paramount when it comes to a child or baby photography. If you have a high ratio of milk, make sure that’s warm as well. We recommend having a continuous supply of warm water if possible.

Dry Clothes and Floors

When you brief your model before the shoot, make sure she packs a set of dry clothes and towel for after the shoot. Sounds obvious? Trust me. It’s a detail that can easily slip anyone’s mind. For your part, bring along a floor mat. The floor must never be slippery, so keep a towel ready for wiping it dry. You should also have a clean hand towel to wipe unavoidable droplets of milk-water form your model and the surroundings.

Avoid Flowers With Dirt, Pollen, or Thorns

You need an extra ounce of patience when your milk bath photoshoot involves real flowers. If they are not clean or shed too much pollen, your milk bath can turn murky and ruin the shoot. Thorny flowers are a no-go for the obvious reasons. If you must use real flowers, make sure your model is not allergic to any of them. To avoid this problem altogether, you can use high-quality artificial flowers. They are indistinguishable from real flowers and hassle-free.

Best Props for Milk Bath Photography

A milk bath photo session is ethereal, even without props. But if you want a little extra to enhance your subject more, you can get very creative.

Add your props to the bathtub after your model has settled down in it. This will help everything stay afloat.

Clothing & Accessories

For that diaphanous look, a something see-through dress is perfect. For instance, lace or any sheer fabric adds an air of elegance and gentleness to your photos. If your model wants to wear something more opaque, a simple white dress will also work.

The milk bath will put the spotlight on your model’s body. It’s important that she wears the right accessories and poses as naturally as possible. Simple jewellery, trimmed nails, and instinctive hand placements will complement her baby bump.

If you’re an aspiring fashion photographer, you might consider emphasizing on the clothing. Why not keep ready on a set of outfits that you like?

Instead of using only one outfit during your shoot, you can change the model into different ones and create an inspiring lookbook!

Lighting

For the best lighting effect, place your bathtub next to a large window. Natural light will create soft shadows. These will allow you to experiment with different angles.

Of course, not every bathtub can be picked up and placed anywhere. That’s why some photographers shoot in hotel rooms or use inflatable pools instead.

Avoid standing above your model during your shoot. You can create unflattering reflections in the milk bathtub.

If your location is too dark, use a reflector to remove harsh shadows and add a spark to your model’s eyes.

Using artificial light will make it harder for you to take well-lit portraits. But if you use a softbox or modifiers, you can create as soft of a light as possible.

Also, with artificial lights, change your color temperature. Soften any over-saturation created by the lights.

How To Shoot Milk Bath Photographs

Choose The Right Camera Settings

The shallower the depth of field, the more the emphasis on your model. This works well when creating minimalistic portraits. But if you are using props too, you should aim for creating a depth of field that isn’t too shallow. After all, you will want the props to be somewhat sharp as well.

If you’re using natural light to create a soft look, you will need a wide aperture to allow as much light into the camera as possible. With soft artificial light, you might need to narrow the aperture to avoid accidental overexposure.

Unless you are using manual mode, the camera meters the light and sets the correct values by itself. The problem with this is that it is likely to underexpose the image thanks to the bright surface of the milk. To avoid this, you should use exposure compensation and overexpose with one or two stops.

You will also have to shoot in raw so that it’s easy to correct exposure and color temperature in post-processing.

Use the Negative Space as Composition

Milk baths are perfect for emphasising your model’s body similar to traditional boudoir photography. So why not get experimental by fusing elements from both?

A milk bath photoshoot highlights the negative space in your frame. So if you are thinking of a glamourous editorial photoshoot, your buck stops here. You have plenty of flexibility in the shoot and can collaborate with your model to achieve the best results. The focus can be on your model’s makeup, her natural tresses, sultry expressions, and so on.

When it comes to lighting as well, you can experiment with different techniques.

Use Complementary Elements

Flowers are a popular choice when it comes to choosing props for a milk bath shoot. It works every time. But it’s not a mandate so don’t confine yourself. For instance, if you’re thinking child-like fantasy, sprinkle some glitter or a use a crown.

You need to be aware of complementary colors when it comes to milk bath photos. Keep things neutral. Pastel colors like lavender and baby pink won’t clash with the whiteness of the milk.

If you’re out of ideas, find inspiration in your model’s features. For example, the model in the picture has blue eyes. Her t-shirt and the glitter make her eyes stand out without clashing with the milk bath. Simple details like this can give your shoot a strong identity.

Focus on the Details

It might be tempting to make the most of all that negative space in milk bath photography. But don’t forget to focus on the details.

Every model is unique and distinctly responds to the milk bath. Be tuned in to your model’s body language, any props that she might be holding, and her clothes.

There’s so much more you can do with a milk bath than photographing faces and expressions. Challenge yourself by photographing hairstyles, poses, and details. Avoid including your model’s face in your frame. Perhaps surround your milk bath with objects that are surreal and dream-like.

This milk bath photography challenge will inspire you to get out of your comfort zone. And it’ll teach you to find more opportunities in portrait photography.

Post-Processing Milk Bath Photography

Distractions are inevitable when you’re working in a small space. Your photos might end up including the unwanted edges of a bathtub, a stray hair, or other tiny details that were invisible through the lens. You can edit these things out using several methods:

Cropping

If your distractions are near the edge of your photograph, you can crop them out. Keep in mind that going overboard with this tool will diminish your image quality.

Cloning

The clone stamp tool is perfect for removing objects of all shapes and sizes.

Content-Aware Tool

Select the area you’d like to fix, right-click, and click on Fill. You’ll find Content-Aware next to Contents. I’ve found that this tool is perfect for fixing minimalist photos like the one above. If your selection is too large or is filled with too many colors, you won’t get the results you want.

Conclusion

Subtle and sultry, milk bath photography gives photographers plenty to work with. It’s an intimate process, so make sure both you and your model are on the same page during the shoot. You can go wild with the negative space and your model’s raw beauty to create something surreal.

Milk bath photography draws in all kinds of artists. Be it a maternity shoot, family portraits, editorial, conceptual or babies, you’ll love the process. The secret is to use light in conjuring a breathtaking ambience.

It’s no secret that the right lighting can simmer powerful emotions. Whether you want a dreamy pastel look or lean to the fantastical, your lighting emboldens your vision. To achieve this without wasting hours away, check out our Lightroom Presets. They’re practical, comprehensive and speed up your workflow in no time. Not just milk bath, you can apply them to anything you shoot.

Light Control

Neewer 43 5-in-11 Light Reflector

Create stunning, soft light for your milk bath photography with this versatile reflector. With five different reflector options, you’ll have everything you need to inspire your creativity and capture beautiful images.

What Is Pregnant Boudoir Photography? And Why Should You Do It?

Pregnancy boudoir photography is all about highlighting the beauty of a pregnant female body. Like in standard boudoir photography, the model is photographed in lingerie, naked, or with revealing clothing.
There are many reasons to have a boudoir maternity photoshoot. Sometimes, women start to feel more comfortable about their bodies when they go through pregnancy. They realize how beautiful and magical the female body is to grow another human life.
Often, pregnancy makes women feel more sensual and feminine. This is because their body grows more curves and produces more hormones. I have met many pregnant women who have never felt as sexy and comfortable in their bodies as during pregnancy.
It’s no surprise when they decide they want a professional boudoir photographer to turn this magical period into beautiful photos. They want to remember what becoming a mother felt like.

But some women start to feel uncomfortable in their bodies during pregnancy. Body parts get bigger, swollen, and stretched. There is often extra hair growth—not to mention the mood swings caused by hormones!
Taking part in a boudoir photoshoot with maternity poses is even more important for these ladies. They can learn to love their new body and transform how they see themselves.
For a boudoir photographer, it is always wonderful to see how people change how they feel in their bodies during a boudoir session. It feels even better when this happens to a pregnant lady who starts connecting with her natural feminine side.
Celebrating the wonder of a female body, the changes it goes through, and boosting the clients’ self-esteem are all reasons you should offer boudoir maternity photography. Plus, you will be creating lifetime memories for the soon-to-be family.
When’s the best time to take boudoir maternity pictures? It is between the 30th and the 36th week of the pregnancy. This is the period when every pregnant woman has a visible baby bump. But keep in mind that every female body is different and changes at a different pace.

1. Get to Know Your Client to Make Her Feel More Comfortable

The first essential thing to do is get to know your client before the boudoir session. This can be a friendly meeting a few days before or even right before the session. The aim is to get your clients comfortable and help them trust you.
Even those who are very confident about their body can feel awkward when they have to undress in front of a stranger. Imagine clients who are terrified or shy about showing their pregnant bodies.
Find ways to ease the mood. Let your client get to know you and show a few photos from your portfolio. Ask her about her favorite body part and what position she feels most comfortable in. Ask what she thinks about her pregnant body and the changes.
Knowing your client allows you to know what body parts to focus on. It also makes it easier to create a comfortable environment.

2. Ask for Simple Outfits to Keep the Attention on the Body

One of my clients’ most frequently asked questions is about the outfit. “What outfit and lingerie should I bring for the boudoir shoot?”
The answer is whatever the client feels comfortable wearing. Lingerie, a button-down shirt, a plain T-shirt, and pajamas always work well. It’s best to ask for simple outfits to not distract the viewer from the body.
Some pieces of lingerie are designed for a tight and skinny female body. Even if a pregnant body has wonderful curves, some lingerie items don’t fit the maternity look.
The more simple the outfit, the better. Use bedsheets, light textiles, and scarves. If your client feels comfortable about being naked, go for that option.

3. Direct Your Model’s Poses to Make the Belly Look Good

Let’s be honest. A baby bump can look wonderful or awkward, depending on the angle. A belly resembling a watermelon is perfect for a fun family shoot. But you don’t want the belly to look weird or ridiculous for a pregnancy boudoir session.
Instead, you want to highlight it’s beautiful round shape. You also want to convey that a miracle is growing inside it. All you have to do is direct your model’s poses.
As a photographer, you are not only taking images. You also ensure the model looks amazing in the final photos. Pregnant ladies often have no idea how to position themselves to be comfortable and look good at the same time.
Help them with posing ideas. You can ask them to lie on their back and place their hands on their belly. Or you can ask them to sit cross-legged and hold their belly from below.
It’s important to find poses that look great and suit pregnant women. You don’t want your clients to feel physical pain during a session.

4. Use Simple Props that Fit the Maternity Theme

If you decide to choose props for the boudoir maternity session, make sure to use objects that fit the theme. Baby shoes, baby clothing, or even flowers are excellent choices. Toys for the baby or congratulatory balloons are also fine.
But don’t go for props that are too erotic or out of context. They can confuse the viewer and kill the mood of the photos.

5. Focus on the Curves and Shapes to Highlight the Beauty of Maternity

Pregnant ladies have beautiful curves that you should highlight in your photographs. It’s best to focus on the belly, breasts, and thighs to emphasize femininity.
You can highlight the curves and shapes in many ways. You can focus on them and keep the rest of the body blurred.
You can also use studio or natural light to brighten up the curves. Or you can use a backlight and photograph silhouettes. The curves and shapes will pop out in a very sensual way.

6. Include the Other Parent to Show Emotional Connections

Pregnancy is not only about one parent. It is about both parents being on the journey of becoming a family. Include the other parent in the pregnant boudoir photos as well.
You can capture full-body images or focus only on the details. For example, the partner can touch the mother’s bare belly. It’s almost like taking a family portrait with the child inside the belly.
Including the other parent is a beautiful way to show the love and intimacy between the couple. Pregnancy is a big change for both of them. I always feel touched to see how the partner of a pregnant woman accepts and loves her body no matter the changes.

7. Capture Your Client at Home to Create More Intimacy

Photographing clients in a studio is comfortable for you. But the unfamiliar and sterile environment might make your client feel uncomfortable.
You can take much more intimate photographs in your client’s home. You can also tell the story of a mother preparing the nest for the child’s arrival.
Plus, you can use locations and props with personal and emotional importance. Therefore, the results will be even more meaningful.

8. Try Black-And-White Boudoir Maternity to Keep it Simple

You don’t need to limit yourself to colorful photographs. Black-and-white portraits can be more powerful and focused than colorful ones.
Thanks to the lack of colors, black-and-white photos let you focus more on the subject. Moreover, capturing models in black and white allows you to highlight textures and emotions.

9. Take Photos Outside to Highlight the Natural Beauty of the Mother

Pregnancy is so natural that maternity shoots are a great fit in nature. Head to the nearest park, beach, or forest and take a pregnant boudoir picture. If you want to ensure nobody is around, use your or your client’s garden.
A pregnant woman, naked in nature, paints a very idyllic scene. The photo highlights the raw beauty of the mother. It also gives the impression of being in a sort of Paradise.

10. Personalize the Photoshoot to Turn It Into a Lifetime Memory

As a photographer, you take pictures to freeze a moment in time and turn it into long-lasting memories. Moreover, you are providing an experience with your boudoir sessions.
Women learn to accept and love their changing bodies. They start to connect with their motherly instincts. They also connect deeper with their baby and share intimate moments with their partner if they are present.
Boudoir sessions are not only about the photos. They are about the transformation that happens during the photoshoot. Moreover, they are always about the client and their feelings during the event.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach in this photo genre. You need to tailor the experience to fit the personality of your client. Fluffy and cute props might fit the maternity theme. But if your client has a motorbike and wants to pose with it, let it happen. Ultimately, they are there for the experience and the memories.

Conclusion: Pregnant Boudoir Photography

A pregnant boudoir photoshoot captures one of a woman’s most important and beautiful life phases. Growing a tiny human is a miracle. And the female body deserves every appraisal.
If you do it right, you are not only providing photos to hang on the wall. You are offering a unique experience and long-lasting memories for your clients.
Use our ideas to make the most out of your pregnancy boudoir sessions… And you can learn how to build your portrait photography business with Profit from Portraits!)

10 Famous Newborn Photographers

Check out these ten famous baby photographers. You will get some inspiration and new ideas from their art.

10. Benedetta Vallone

Benedetta Vallone loves taking photos and has refined her style since she was a teenager. Her photographs focus on babies, childhood, and family. Benedetta’s photos are featured in magazines and she was one of the best baby photographers of the year in 2019. She takes mentorship from Ana Brandt (see number three on this list), and her photographs are full of perfectly captured moments.

9. Sonia Gourlie

Sonia Gourlie is an award-winning baby photographer. She specializes in child and family-oriented pictures. She thinks that photographs are perfect for capturing important moments of our lives. Sonia’s pictures look like they are from a children’s fairytale book. The kids look happy and glow with childhood innocence.

8. Tricia Schumacher

Tricia Schumacher is a newborn photographer with countless creative ideas. She resides in Illinois, USA, so you may want to contact her studio for your newborn photoshoot if you live nearby. Tricia’s studio is called Wigglebug Photography, named after her kids and how babies tend to move around. This name reflects how she captures the unique period when newborns act like this.

7. Lauren Grayson

Lauren Grayson is a maternity, newborn, and baby photographer in Cleveland, USA. She introduces herself as a “time preservation artist.” Her photographs capture genuinely natural moments. She finds it essential to create meaningful portraits, shooting details that the whole family wants to remember forever.

6. Natalia Brembor

Natalia Brembor is an award-winning photographer in Maryland, USA. She specializes in newborn, children, maternity, and family photography. And she thinks that photography is the best way to freeze moments and tell stories—”I find fulfillment in the ability of photos to capture moments, smiles, and other instantaneous emotions that we experience and feel. For me, photos tell a story. It never fails to give me a magical feeling every time I am able to tell a narrative behind each shot and each frame that I take.”

5. Jolia Stern

Jolia Stern is known as the best baby photographer in 2020. She has worked in Germany and used to work as a media designer. She now follows her passion and pursues baby studio photography full-time! She claims we can understand photography only with our hearts and not words. Looking at her baby and newborn photos, she obviously puts all her heart into the work.

4. Erin Elizabeth Hoskins

Erin Elizabeth is a newborn and maternity photographer from Perth, Australia. Erin finds it essential to use natural light for her family and newborn photos. She also holds workshops and offers to mentor in her studio.
Erin’s photos are dreamy and beautiful. She makes the best out of the available natural light.

3. Ana Brandt

Ana Brandt is a professional maternity and newborn photographer based in California. She works with celebrities and has nearly 250,000 followers on Instagram. She also has a popular YouTube channel and offers courses and workshops.
Ana also designs maternity gowns, and her work is found in various magazines.

2. Shannon Leigh

Shannon Leigh is an award-winning baby photographer based in Atlanta. Before becoming one of the most recognized newborn photographers, she worked as a preschool teacher for 13 years.
Shannon has a large studio and continuously provides fantastic props for her photo sessions. Her setups are often inspired by fairy tales, movies, and Disney characters.

1. Anne Geddes

Anne Geddes is often considered the most famous baby photographer in the world. She is known for her iconic baby photos in the 90s. She dresses up babies in the cutest outfits and always prepares her photoshoots well in advance.
Anne grew up on a cattle farm in Australia where photography courses were unavailable. When she turned 25, she taught herself photography and now specializes in baby photography. Today, she lives and works in New York City.
“I had seen the way children and babies were generally being photographed. It just didn’t seem realistic to me that people took their children along to photographic studios all dressed in their Sunday best. Photographs that didn’t really show the personality of the child.”
Anne Geddes believes that every baby is unique and beautiful. This is why she wants to show the baby’s personality in her photos. She uses custom-made props and plans the whole setting in detail.

Conclusion

Photographing babies and children is not easy, but it is gratifying. Your photo becomes an everlasting memory for the family.
Try to get inspired by the best newborn photographers whose style you like. You will find it easier to improve your art if you have idols to follow.
Check out our Dreamy Childhood Portraits e-book to take photos that will put a smile on your face for generations to come! 

Here are 10 maternity photography tips and ideas to use in your next photoshoot.

Lighting Control

Neewer 43 5-in-11 Light Reflector

Create stunning maternity photography with a versatile 5-in-1 reflector. Diffuse and reflect light for warm glowing skin tones and softer shadows. Get inspired with this must-have tool.

10. Tips for Nailing Maternity Photography: Go High Key or Low Key

Photographing subjects in high key lighting can give your photographs an ethereal feeling. There’s a flood of light in your photo. This type of lighting is perfect in a studio or on location.

In a studio, you can use a big soft light to flood your image and another light in front to light your client evenly. The idea is to have a lot of light to give that dreamy effect.

On location, photograph your client with the sun behind her either as the sun rises or as the sunsets.

This will give you the flood of light that you need to blow out the background. That is, to create a white background due to the amount of light that is entering your camera.

Use a type of fill, like a reflector or flash, to fill in your client from the front.

You can also slow your shutter so that you can use the existing backlight to fill in all around. You’ll still capture details of your client from the front side.

Giving the session a more dreamy effect can help to translate the anticipation of the baby. You can do this either in a studio or on location. Use light-colored robes for high key lighting to add to the flood of light all around.

Low key lighting is great to highlight the baby bump. Use a dark background and one light, which can be a strobe or external flash.

You can even use your on-camera flash to create low key images.

Position your client 45 degrees to the camera so that you really highlight the baby bump.

Use wardrobe that is lighter than the background. This can help to create a good contrast between the background and your client.

If your client opts to show her bare stomach, this can be a great contrast in itself.

9. Include Family Members

Maternity sessions seem like they can only be about the mother-to-be. That’s not true. It’s a great idea to include the spouse and siblings as well.

If you include older children in the maternity pictures, you can highlight that the whole family is excited about the newborn.

Spouses and siblings can work great in both a studio setting and on location. If you decide to do a studio setting, have the children bring toys or activities. This will entertain them while you photograph other poses during the session.

If you decide to photograph the session on-location, choose a location that is enclosed and safe. The children will run around and have fun.

While you are photographing only the mother, the siblings can play and stay clear of the photographing area.

Get detail photos of the spouse or siblings kissing or holding the baby bump. Try having the mother interact with them in a way that is natural.

For example, kissing or hugging the younger siblings. Holding hands with the spouse, or carrying a smaller sibling on top of the baby bump.

8. Try Different Styles for the Maternity Shoot

Maternity sessions have the ability to range in style all within the same session. Talk with your client before the maternity shoot.

Offer different styles like the following:

• Ethereal, in the field during golden hour
• In-studio with high and low key lighting
• Gowns and formal wear
• High fashion style with heels/fashion style clothing
• Wraps to show the belly
• Casual, everyday style during soft lighting
• Beach
• Boudoir maternity photography
• At home, relaxed, maybe in the nursery
• Milk bath maternity photography

Use two of these options for the maternity session to get more variety. Also, experiment with styles that you wanted to try for some time.  Make sure that it is a style that your client feels comfortable with.

7. Use Baby Props

Ask your clients to bring a few props to the session. Like baby shoes, onesies, or a stuffed toy. Anything that the couple bought to give it to the baby.

It is also very popular to compare the growing baby’s size to fruits and vegetables. You can find lots of charts online that tell you which fruit has the size of a baby in a specific month of the pregnancy. Then you can take photos with the fruit or vegetable and the mom’s stomach.

Photograph your client with the items that they bring and the items on their own.

They may want to use these detail photographs to decorate the nursery or make a memory album in the future.

6.  Make the Shoot About the Parents

The growing bump is the main focus of maternity sessions. But it’s also about the parents-to-be. Ask your clients to bring props or wardrobe. These should represent their personalities.

For example, a couple who love Disney, or a couple or mama who loves to ride motorcycles.

You’re giving the parents-to-be a chance to represent their personalities as well. This will make the maternity sessions even more meaningful and personal.

5. Photograph the Nursery

This applies if you have the opportunity to photograph your client in their home. Take a few moments to capture the baby’s nursery.

Adding these detail photos to your client’s gallery is a good idea. It can be very emotional and personal for the parents-to-be.

Photograph your client inside the nursery without posing. Ask about the items they’ve chosen to decorate with.

This will get them talking on a more personal level. You’ll be able to capture more natural emotions and expressions.

4. Use Wraps and Textiles

There are wraps that are specifically made for maternity sessions. But you don’t have to purchase any if you’re just starting out.

Using a few DIY options can make this maternity photoshoot both easy and cheap.

At any fabric store, purchase at least two meters of fabric. Let your client choose colors or patterns.

Use one meter for the top and the other for the bottom.

For the top, twist the fabric in the middle to give it a little more shape. Clip or tie the excess at the back.

For the bottom, wrap your client below the belly. Clip or tie at the back, allowing the extra material to cascade at the back.

It’s easy to do this in a studio setting and on-location.

3. Use Gender-Specific Colors for Wardrobe

The most exciting part of being pregnant is finding out the gender of the baby.

Have your clients wear an outfit that is gender-specific. Blue or yellow to represent a baby boy, or red and pink to represent a baby girl. This gives a more personal touch to the photos.

This can also serve as gender reveal for family and friends when they view your client’s photos!

2. Use Similar Wardrobes for Newborn Photos

Choose one outfit that is simple in both fit and color.

This will come in handy when photographing the newborn session for your client. You can recreate or match the style of maternity photography.

Something like a black top and black bottoms or jeans for both sessions.

Or having a bare belly and top, then using the same top and having the baby naked during the newborn session.

This can look really beautiful as an album. It can feature both maternity and newborn photographs.

Or a wall gallery set that includes photos from both sessions.

1. Offer a Baby Plan

During the maternity session, or at the gallery viewing, offer your clients a baby plan.

This includes sessions for newborn, three, six, and nine months. End the plan when the baby turns 1.

Newborn photography plans will keep your clients coming back. Try offering a big-ticket item. For example, an album that combines photos from all the sessions.

You could also include one framed print from each session. When the baby plan is complete, your clients will have a wall gallery of the entire baby plan.

You could offer a discount on the maternity session. Or add an item if your clients decide to purchase the baby plan.

The idea is to keep them coming back and purchasing more photos. But also giving them irreplaceable photography throughout the first year.

Conclusion

Maternity sessions are exciting and emotional for parents-to-be.

These tips for great maternity photography offer your clients more options to capture the exciting stage of their life.

They also help you to get different maternity photos to expand your own portrait portfolio.

To get your portrait business on the road to success, read our eBook: Profit from Portraits

Lighting Control

Neewer 43 5-in-11 Light Reflector

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Many of the images that you see on and Instagram are actually Photoshop composites. Hanging a baby from a hammock or balancing a newborn in a fireman’s hat isn’t actually safe. Not without someone holding the baby in place.

Thankfully, there are many different types of props. These are not only safe for babies but easy to use for photographers starting out in newborn photography.

Here are 12 different cute and safe newborn photography props.

Handmade Options

Etsy

Looking for inspiration for safe and versatile newborn photography props? Check out our Cheat Sheets for tips and tricks on using wraps, hats, baskets, and more.

Safety Tips for Newborn Photography Props

Always prioritise infant safety over a cute prop – a photo is not worth injuring an infant. Make sure props are sturdy and well-built. Even props that appear sturdy can be thrown off-balance if a newborn decides to wriggle out of that swaddle. If you have even the smallest doubt, find something else.

Ensure the prop is large enough that the baby can be placed inside without restricting circulation. Make sure to also look for newborn photography props that will not irritate delicate newborn skin. Use a blanket between the prop and the baby to keep the baby comfortable. Make sure the blanket is soft and washed in unscented detergent.

Warm babies are happy babies. If your shot idea has the baby unclothed, turn up the heat before the session.

Always keep a parent or assistant within arm’s reach of the infant. Make sure the baby’s not going to go anywhere if he or she decides to learn how to roll over.

If you are a beginner newborn photographer, stick with props that the baby can easily be positioned in. Save the tricky props and poses that require composite work, like a baby hammock. Wait until you have enough Photoshop skills to understand how those images are created.

12. ‘Baby Burrito’ Wraps

Wraps are not only cute but practical. Babies like to be warm, and most babies also like to be swaddled. Using a wrap will help keep baby warm and comfortable enough to keep snoozing through your shoot. A snug (but not too tight) swaddle will also help keep baby in the pose.

Besides keeping the baby happy, wraps are very versatile photo props. Infants can be comfortably wrapped in a number of different ways, from a traditional swaddle to an open eggshell.

Wraps can also be placed between the baby and the prop to keep the baby comfortable. They are also excellent for adding a pop of color to the photograph.
If that’s not enough, newborn wraps are often inexpensive. Photographers can find inexpensive handmade wraps on Etsy or from photo supply stores.

Wraps designed for newborn photography often work best because they are long and stretchy. A muslin blanket from a baby supply store can also work. But they tend to be more challenging to get into and less versatile.

Remember to make sure the fabric is soft enough for the baby. It’s important to wash the wraps after purchasing as well as before using with a different infant.

11. Hats and headbands

Even easier than newborn wraps? Hats and headbands. These newborn photo props keep baby snug and add interest to the shot.

Hats and headbands can often be switched without waking the baby up too much. This makes these types of props great for adding variety to the same pose.

Size plays an important role in choosing the right hats and headbands. The hat or headband should be sized for a newborn. If a headband is too big, you can sometimes tie a small rubber band around the excess and hide the tie in the back.

Look for headbands that are proportionate to the baby. You don’t want a flower that’s larger or as large as the baby’s head.

Like with blankets, just make sure the hats and headbands are a baby-friendly material. As far as finding great hats and headbands, the options are endless. Etsy, photo prop stores, baby supply stores and craft stores are great places to start looking.

10. Cosy Baskets

Baskets make great newborn photography props. Baskets are easy for photographers new to newborn posing.

Place the basket on a nice flooring. Put a blanket in the basket to make it comfortable for the baby. Shoot straight down for a sweet photo that doesn’t require elaborate posing.

Baskets can also be used for other poses and compositions, like shooting from the side of the basket. This makes them versatile newborn props. Make sure the basket is sturdy and roomy enough to keep the baby comfortable.

Use a basket that’s low to the ground. Placing the baby at the top of a tall basket could make the prop too top-heavy.

9. Wooden crates

Similar to baskets, boxes and crates can also make excellent newborn props if they are sturdy. Placing the baby on top of a blanket in a wooden crate is an easy but cute newborn pose.

Make sure the crate is well-built and low to the ground. Crates can also be placed on their side with the baby inside for variety. Be sure to never place the baby directly on the wood because of potential splinters. Use a blanket between the baby and the box.

Look for sturdy wood crates at craft stores and online retailers. Some photographers also find vintage wood crates from flea markets and thrift stores. Besides making sure these are clean and sturdy, you’ll also need to make sure there’s nothing that could harm baby, such as lead paint.

8. Mom or Dad’s hands

Who says props can’t be free? A close up of mom or dad’s arms is a sweet photo that’s safe and easy to do. A parent’s arms will help show scale and remind mom and dad just how little their child once was.

Ask mom or dad to hold their arms in a V out from their body with the baby inside. Zoom in on just the baby and the hands. Alternately, place a background on the floor and have a parent create a circle on the floor with their arms.

Place the baby inside those arms and shoot from above. The shot will look similar to that baby hammock, without requiring a Photoshop composite.

7. Bean Bag and blanket

Getting a newborn into that perfect position is an art form. A bean bag can help get the baby in that perfect position, covered with a blanket or fabric backdrop.

Bean bags offer a bit of flexibility. You can dig out a shape to have the baby’s head and butt curve up slightly. You can also place rolled-up towels underneath the blanket to help get the baby’s head (or tush) in the right position.

Bean bags are soft and comfy for newborns. The key to infant safety here is to ensure that the baby isn’t going to startle and roll off. Be sure to place the baby in the middle of the bean bag and keep a parent or assistant within arms reach.

Bean bags are easy to find at local stores. Newborn bean bags tend to be a bit better for the tasks because they are stiffer and use a waterproof fabric. Let’s face it; pee accidents often happen when shooting a naked newborn. Newborn bean bags can be pricier, but they can be found online for from photo supply shops.

6. Stuffed animals

Stuffed animals are a great photography prop for showing scale in photography. Ask the parents if they have a stuffed animal picked out for the baby. They can even use one left from their childhood.

As the child grows, continuing to use the same stuffed animal creates a fun series. The animal adds a sense of scale for how much that little one has grown.

If the parents want to continue using the stuffed animal, you’ll use one that the newborn owns. But stuffed animals can also be purchased and used for multiple newborn photo sessions.

Stuffed animals can be great for finishing a newborn photography prop theme and coordinating with other props.

5. Tutus and Ties

Clothing is not only baggy on newborns but can also date the photo. Most newborn photos are done without clothes, in wraps, or in clothing designed for photos.

Tutus and neckties can be exceptions as cute photo props. A necktie on a baby boy is a sweet but simple prop while tutus are great for adding feminine flair.

Both will also help keep the baby’s privates covered while still essentially photographing them in that birthday suit.

Like hats and headbands, the key is to find ties and tutus that are appropriately sized. Look online, in craft stores and in infant clothing stores for tutus and ties designed to fit babies.

4. Suitcase

Vintage suitcases are a creative variation on using boxes and crates for newborn props. Suitcases are versatile props. The baby can go inside an open suitcase or on top of a closed one.

Like baskets and crates, be sure the suitcase is sturdy and clean. Use a blanket as a buffer to make the suitcase cosier for the baby.

3. Teepees

Teepees are excellent newborn props that work with older babies and toddlers as well. That makes them an excellent option for photographers working with youngsters of different ages.

A traditional stick-and-fabric teepee works great. But photographers can also create their own by draping a piece of fabric over a branch or similar item.
Thanks to their popularity as children’s toys, teepees are now easy to find. Try a toy store or looking online.

2. Seasonal props

Tying the props into the season is a great way to add variety to your newborn photography. And you can illustrate when the baby was born. Seasonal props can be used with other props to create a colorful image. A basket with apples, for example, works great for a fall baby.

Look for inspiration in the time of the year the baby is born, as well as any holidays near the baby’s birthday.

Seasonal flowers, foliage and produce work well. Think tulips in the spring, greenery in the summer and pumpkins in the fall. Snowy seasons can be a bit tougher. Try evergreens or a vintage sledge.

1. Props inspired by the parents

Like other portrait photography, the more personalised your props, the better. Newborns don’t have hobbies and interests besides eating and sleeping. But you can look to their parents for inspiration.

A favourite hobby, like fishing, reading, or music, can serve as inspiration. Careers can also be just as inspiring, particularly for men and women in uniform. For example, those who serve in the military or work as firefighters, police officers or EMTs.

Even a favourite item, like a pair of boots or family heirloom, can serve as inspiration.

Props inspired by the parents are often items the parents already have on hand. This allows you to add to your newborn photography prop options without as much investment.
Other times, you can purchase miniaturised versions for photo props.

Conclusion

The possibilities for photo props are nearly endless. But newborn photographers need to put safety first.

Dozens of photographic props are safe even for new photographers not quite ready to master the newborn composite yet. The best newborn photo props are safe, versatile and affordable.

From wraps and baskets to seasonal props and items inspired by the parents, newborn photo props add variety and interest. They also draw more attention to the star of the show: the new baby.

For the best start to your photography journey, try our Photography for Beginners course!

Handmade Options

Etsy

Looking for inspiration for safe and versatile newborn photography props? Check out our Cheat Sheets for tips and tricks on using wraps, hats, baskets, and more.