{"id":2208385,"date":"2024-04-11T12:16:28","date_gmt":"2024-04-11T19:16:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tinybeans.com\/?p=2208385"},"modified":"2024-04-11T12:16:50","modified_gmt":"2024-04-11T19:16:50","slug":"newborn-photos-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tinybeans.com\/newborn-photos-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips for Getting the Best Newborn Photos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There\u2019s a reason posed newborn photography goes viral. Tiny babies dressed up as characters from Disney\u2019s Toy Story<\/em><\/a> are next-level adorable and also pretty hilarious\u2014but it\u2019s definitely not for everyone. If giving your new addition the Anne Geddes treatment by transforming them into your favorite flower, zoo animal, or item from the produce section feels like too much too soon, you\u2019re probably planning more of a lifestyle shoot for your newborn photos (translation: more organic, less props). It\u2019s a comforting way to ease you and your babe into life in front of the camera, because let\u2019s be honest: the idea of doing any<\/em> photoshoot probably feels super daunting right now<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help make the process as natural as possible (because those photos will be worth it!), we spoke with baby and family photographer Kayla Robins of The Robins Nest<\/a>. She shared her best tips for lifestyle and DIY shoots, whether you\u2019re taking monthly milestone photos<\/a> or just trying to get a snapshot of your newborn\u2019s life at home to share with loved ones on the Tinybeans app<\/a>. Here\u2019s what she had to say. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t feel like you have to rush into it<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While most newborn photography is shot in the first few weeks after birth<\/a>, don\u2019t worry if you want to wait a bit. Aiming for when they\u2019re about one month old gives your baby\u2019s personality time to develop and you\u2019ll be able to get a mix of portraits as they go from sleepy to alert.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let your baby call the shots <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to \u201cfollow the baby\u2019s lead,\u201d says Kayla. Don\u2019t sweat the small stuff, as lifestyle photography\u2019s aim is to capture the family as they are. It\u2019s all about genuine interactions between you and your baby, so shake off any pressure to get the \u201cperfect\u201d shot. (Spoiler: There\u2019s no such thing.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose your call time strategically<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Avoid any prolonged opportunity for fussiness by having your baby fed and dressed in their first outfit when you arrive at the shoot so you can jump right in. Scheduling a session in the morning works best as it allows for any and all breaks your baby needs to feed, change, cry, etc. without the risk of losing daylight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: <\/strong><\/em>7 Pro Tips for Taking Monthly Baby Photos You\u2019ll Want to Share<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t dress to impress <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re going to be doing a lot<\/em> of online shopping<\/a> in the coming year, but those intricate outfits perfectly suited to a special occasion? Now is not the time. A plain and simple onesie is the perfect place to start, and if you want to get fancy you can easily layer outfits on without disturbing the baby too much. Footed sleepers are a lifesaver at this age, but keep in mind that they\u2019ll hide what is undeniably one of your baby\u2019s most adorable, photo-worthy features\u2014their toesies.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aim for quiet on the set <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some babies might not be ready for their close-up, so making sure the shoot environment is calm and quiet will help them settle in. Kayla\u2019s hot tip for capturing the perfect sleeping shot is to \u201crub in between their eyebrows to get them into a deeper sleep.\u201d And the secret to more alert shots? Stripes. \u201cI wear them so the baby can focus on the contrast.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Know that little touches go a long way <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Okay, so lifestyle newborn photography isn\u2019t always<\/em> propless. Kayla suggests including a few sentimental pieces in the shoot. Maybe a special blanket or toy, a gift from a loved one<\/a>, or\u2014even better\u2014a beloved item from your own childhood that can weave even more love into this milestone moment.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Break out your own camera\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019d rather embrace a DIY approach to newborn photography\u2014or just don\u2019t feel like leaving your house or having anyone come in\u2014here are a few tips to help guide you behind the camera.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n