How to photograph your newborn...

In the world of Covid-19, you more than likely will not be allowed to have a photographer take Fresh 48 photos of your new little addition and you probably won't be able to have a newborn session for a few weeks at the very least. I want to pass on some tips for taking the best photos of baby. It doesn't matter if you are using a DSLR or a smartphone. Just snap away!

1. First and foremost is safety!

Being safe is always my number one and should be for anyone taking photos of newborns. I highly recommend to take baby-lead photos during this time - meaning you don't pose baby as a typical newborn photographer would. We are highly trained at keeping baby safe in these poses and a lot of them are photoshopped to look like baby is doing the pose on their own when they are not.

Instead, lay baby in a safe area where baby can't roll and is securely in place (like a crib or boppy on the floor). Make sure baby's head is supported a by putting a little folded receiving blanket at the base of the head under the neck. This ensures baby's airway isn't obstructed when lying there. Also if you are going to be more than an arm's reach away from baby, have a spotter.

2. Light is your best friend (when used properly).

The number one trick with light when it comes to newborn photography is to light from head down. You can light from the side of the head, the top of the head, or from behind (all pictured below in order) but the face is the emphasis of the photos usually so you want the light to hit their first. The shadows give the face a flattering dimension. Try to never light a baby from bottom up - think about how you look when you put a flashlight under your chin - not pretty.

Another pro tip is that natural light is going to be better than any natural light you may have. Photographers have special flash lights that are colored for portraits and flash at a safe brightness for newborns.

3. Switch up your angles.

In baby-lead posing, angles are everything. Take some straight on, some from up above, detail shots. To get a new angle, move yourself or the light if possible first. If you can't, move what baby is posed on then if you still can't get then you can try to move baby. But take if from a veteran, a settled baby won't stay settled if you touch them too much.

4. Use cute headbands and accessories for different looks.

Changing up the accessories like headbands and hats, adding little stuffies, or a blanket across a booty or baby's chest can really change the look of a photo.

5. Have fun and just enjoy the moments.

Love on your baby and take pictures. Take all the angles and details so you can remember these beginning days for years to come. Get in the photos and make someone else take some pictures of you and baby. These first days/weeks are all about bonding - have someone document these for you.