20 Newborn Photo Ideas and Useful Tips for Baby Photoshoots

While we cannot help you with the newborn night shift, we can most definitely help simplify capturing beautiful memories of your growing family.


Congrats on the little one! Between the feeding, changing, crying (from you or the baby), we know you adore your new arrival. Being a parent can be physically and emotionally exhausting, but it can also be joyful and rewarding. While we cannot help you with the newborn night shift, we can most definitely help simplify capturing beautiful memories of your growing family.

Bradley

When should I schedule a newborn photoshoot?

We recommend that you schedule your newborn session five to 14 days after the baby is born. It’s important to take photos in this stage because the newborn is, in fact, newly born. After this period, they are less likely to sleep through the session (which is often ideal), and it is often harder to place the newborn in those endearing womb-like poses.

That being said, our tips below are applicable to babies of any age, even after they are a few months old.


Newborn Photo Ideas to Inspire You

1. Matching Swaddles and Blankets

Using matching swaddles and blankets in newborn photoshoots can create a cohesive and visually appealing look. Opt for swaddles and blankets made from soft, breathable, and comfortable fabrics like cotton, muslin, or other stretchy knit materials. Consider incorporating different textures to add depth and visual interest to the images.


2. Get Creative with Wreaths

Place the wreath on a soft surface, such as a blanket or bed, and position the baby inside or next to the wreath. This can create a beautiful frame and add a natural and organic element to the composition. Ensure that the wreath is safe and made from materials that are gentle on the baby's skin. Putting the baby in a shallow basket as shown in the picture can add an extra layer of protection to limit the baby’s interaction with the wreath arrangement.

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3. Bonding Moments with Siblings

Taking newborn photos with siblings can be a wonderful way to capture the special bond between the baby and their older brothers or sisters. Be mindful of the attention span and mood of the siblings, especially if they are young. Plan to be patient and flexible, allowing breaks if needed (which can be a great opportunity for capturing candid moments).


4. Cutely Snugged in a Beanie

Beanies can add a cute and cozy element to newborn photos. They give the photos a warm and snuggly touch, especially in sessions with a winter or autumn theme. Consider if the beanie aligns with the overall style and aesthetic you envision for the photos.


5. An Extra Fur Baby for Extra Cuteness

If you’re a paw parent, you know that your family shots are not complete without your fur babies. Keep in mind that having a pet in a shot can be challenging. Ensure you familiarize the pet with the baby's scent and presence before the photoshoot. Capture candid and authentic moments of the pet and the newborn together, and encourage gentle and supervised interactions—such as sniffing, nuzzling, or lying beside the baby—beforehand.


6. The Froggy Pose

In this pose, the baby is positioned with their chin resting on their hands, resembling a frog. It requires careful handling and support to ensure the baby's safety and comfort. Make sure your photographer is experienced in posing newborns this way.

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7. Relaxing Belly Down

While the frog pose above might require professional newborn photographers, this one does not. Simply rest the baby’s head in their hands as shown in this example.


8. The So-Called Taco Pose

This pose involves gently curling the baby into a fetal position, resembling a taco shape. The baby's legs are tucked under their body, and their hands can be placed near their face or chest.


9. Aerial Shot

Aerial shots can add a unique and creative perspective to a newborn photoshoot, capturing the baby and their surroundings from an overhead view. It's crucial to prioritize the baby's comfort and calmness while trying to take a shot like this.


10. Outdoor Sessions

An outdoor photoshoot is uncommon for newborns due to the amount of planning required. Think about the baby’s sleep schedule, travel time, weather, and sun exposure, plus the amount of props or outfits that you’ll need to bring. Extra considerations aside, this setting can be a fun experience for the whole family. If you can, get creative with your surroundings nearby (such as a backyard).

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11. First Family Shots

Capture a beautiful moment with your newest family member, and include one of the photos in a birth announcement card to introduce the baby to your loved ones. You can also print and frame the shot as a family keepsake.


12. Our Bundle of Joy

Consider an aerial shot of you and your partner’s hands holding the little one as an artistic option to try.


13. Accessorize with A Flower Hair Crown

Hair accessories are common in baby girl photoshoots. While cotton hair bands and tiny bow headbands are beautiful, you can also opt for flower crowns for a more whimsical touch.

Hair Crown

14. Flowery Backdrop

Infiltrating the baby’s space with too many props can make them feel uncomfortable, which can ruin the their mood and affect the whole photoshoot you have planned. Accessorizing the backdrops with flowers is a safe option to try. This will make the photos beautiful without risking the baby’s comfort.

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15. The Window Shot

When doing a photoshoot at home, natural lighting is important. Standing facing the window is a good option to capture the natural light. Sheer curtains can help soften the light and add an elegant background to your pictures.