DIY Newborn + Baby Photos at Home

DIY Newborn Photos at Home: Tips, Ideas, Recommended Products, Props and More

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclaimer for more information. Disclaimer: I do not own any of these photos. please note that all images and copyrights belong to their original owners. no copyright infringement intended.

Are you looking for DIY Newborn Photos at home tips and ideas? This post has everything, from information, ideas, products, and props to even camera setting and photo editing that you will need for a DIY Newborn Photoshoot!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DIY Newborn Photoshoot Tips

Indoor Photography Camera Setting Tips

Recommended Products and Props

Newborn Photoshoot Ideas

Taking photos is already frustrating at times. But, taking professional-like DIY newborn photos can be very frustrating also, especially if you don't know how to.

This post has everything you need to know about DIY newborn photos at home. I did our daughters and did my hand of research before I did and learned a lot about DIY Newborn Photography. (My sister-in-law is also a professional photographer who lived out of state and helped me.)

After reading this post, you will learn how to take your own professional-like newborn photos at home. Including tips, photo ideas/ inspirations, camera settings, editing software, presets, props, and more.

This post is all about how to take DIY newborn photos at home.

DIY Newborn Photoshoot Tips

Tip 1. Take Photos within the first two weeks.

Tip 2. The Golden Hours: Shortly after sunrise and before sunset, but Midday is also best for indoors.

Tip 3. Lighting is everything. Natural light next to a window is best.

Tip 4. Best Editing Software and Preset: Lightroom and purchase the Light and Airy Preset from Wildepresets.com

Tip 5. Baby Timing - Wait until your baby is sleepy—a full tummy and a warm room help tremendously.

Tip 6. Have all your props ready and only remove the diaper right before - otherwise things can get messy!

Tip 7. Use a nursing pillow covered in a light-colored textured blanket for an easy prop. (Always make sure baby is safe and can breathe.) You can also use these to help support your baby in a crate or basket.

Tip 8. Headbands and hats makes for adorable photos.

Tip 9. Relax, enjoy this and take as many photos as you can. The more you take, the more the chance of photos you'll love.

Other Tips:

Light, neutral-colored backgrounds are best. Primarily white and cream.
Try not to use your flash.
Amazon has fantastic props for newborn photography. First Landing Newborn Photography Props have the prettiest stuff!
Use a Tripod for stable shots and group photos.
Don't expect them to be perfect. In the end it doesn't matter, just the memories. 🙂
Use your bed for more wide angled photos. (entire family photo)
Take sibling photos first, and again don't expect them to be perfect.
Make sure to get close-ups- hands, feet, mouth, baby hair, and those chunky legs. Those features at this stage you are going to want to remember.
If you are someone who hates planning things and wants to go ahead and get it out of the way, most hospitals offer family-newborn photos there on the spot in your room.

Indoor Photography Camera Setting Tips

What is the best ISO setting for indoor photography?

ISO 100 or 200 if you are using a tripod.
If by hand, you need to raise your ISO to 800 or 1000.
Shutter speed 1/20

The settings above are what I use with my Canon.

Then I upload the photos to my laptop, add them to my Lightroom and play around with the Light and Airy presets.

What are the best starter camera's for indoor photography?

If using your phone: Use portrait mode.

You can also use Lightroom and Presets on both iPhones and Androids.

Here is a photo I took of my daughter in her room with natural light next to the window with my Samsung S10 (portrait mode), Lightroom, and the Light and Airy Preset.

Newborn Photoshoot Ideas and Inspiration

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these photos. please note that all images and copyrights belong to their original owners. no copyright infringement intended. I am only using these to help others for inspiration.

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