Tips for Taking DIY Newborn Pictures with A Smartphone

Anna Heenan
Apr 22, 2020
4 min read

It’s no news that due to the coronavirus pandemic, social distancing has become vital to our survival. This means that a lot of the regular activities that accompanied the birth of your new baby, like all those gorgeous newborn pictures that you see coming from a professional studio, are no longer possible. It’s okay though, we’ll get through this.

Here’s the thing, however, you’re going to need to take all those cute newborn baby photos now. You see babies grow very quickly and we don’t quite know when this will blow over. Which is why you may have to improvise with your smartphone. In light of that, here are 5 tips on taking DIY newborn pictures with your smartphone at home.

Do Your Research

Do Your Research

Don’t worry, I don’t mean like the college research with all the stress lol. You’ll like doing this one. Get on sites like Pinterest and put together a list of baby poses that you love. Start with some simple ones and don’t forget to print your list out when done.

Put Together Your Props

A cute teddy, a nice beanie, a colorful rattle, etc. Make a small collection of cute personal items that you’d want to include in your newborn photos. Keep them together and aside so you can find them when you’re ready.

Sort Out Your Clothes

What clothes will you and your baby wear for the photos? Make sure that they are clean, ironed and kept ready. You probably shouldn’t wear them until the day of the shoot too so that they don’t get dirty.

Take Stock of The Lighting

Think about where you’ll get the best light for your pictures and at what time of the day. Walkthrough as many rooms of your house as you can before you make the decision. You want adequate natural light and you want enough space to be able to position yourself and your baby properly in that light.

A Happy Baby is A Photogenic Baby

When is the best time to photograph your newborn baby? I suggest attempting to photograph them after they’ve been fed, burped, and changed (in this order!). A fed, clean, and comfortable baby is a happy baby — and also likely a sleepy baby!

Don’t force it !

If your baby is uncomfortable, crying, or just seeming to not cooperate, take a break. The best time to take newborn photos is within the first 14 days of life. This means you have 14 days (or 336 hours!) to plan, prepare, and capture your newborn photos. If your baby isn’t in the mood, don’t worry. Just set everything aside and try again later, or tomorrow.

I really want to emphasize the ‘don’t force it’ rule here. Not just for the sake of the photos, but for the sake of your own sanity. Being a new mama is HARD. It’s a life changing, learning experience that takes a while to get used to— even if you are on your third newborn baby. Your mental health is important, as is the precious bond between you and your newborn baby. If you try to force newborn photography at a time where it just isn’t working out, you risk the baby’s happiness AND your happiness. It’s okay. You’re doing a great job. Just try again after you’re both a little more comfortable.

The Equipment That You’ll Need

Here are 10 tips for getting the equipment ready for your newborn session:

Your smartphone or your holiday camera. If you have a DSLR, it’ll be even better!
A tripod or phone floor stand
A phone holder
A remote control for your phone
Towels, large throws and/or large pieces of fabric, or even scarfs you have stashed in your closet (think lightweight solid colors scarves.
Baskets (yep, even the one that is holding the towels in the laundry room will do!)
Newborn accessories (newborn headbands, hats, bowties, etc.)
Pillows
A cute outfit or two (I will write about some newborn outfits ideas in my next blog post)
Clips for stretching your fabric or blanket canvass.

With all of the above, you’ll be well set on your way for some amazing DIY pictures of your newborn. Best of luck!

If you are still in doubts about and left with a multitude of questions like…

Which angle will be the best in capturing amazing newborn photos?
If you’re using a DSLR, which lens should you use?
Which camera settings will be necessary to capture a decent photo?
What setting you will need to use on your DSLR;
How do you swaddle wrap your baby?
Can you use flash for newborn photography?
Does your DIY newborn photography setup look okay?
Is it okay to do outdoor newborn photography?
How to accomplish the best photos at just the right angle;

These questions are exactly why I created my online Photography Workshops for Mums. While I can give you as many DIY tips here as possible, there will always be a gap between researching, preparing, and actual hands on doing. So in this course you will find all the answers on the above questions and more!

You will find out everything you want to know about how to take beautiful professionally looking photographs of your family indoor or outdoors.

If you don't have time to do the online course or just simply not in to it, I have good news for you!

I have just launched my Virtual Newborn Photo Sessions! You will have the option to join me live on Zoom Video Call and I will guide you through setting up your props, posing & handling your baby. You’ll learn which settings to use on your DSLR, and I will also show you how to accomplish the best photos that you will be proud of !

Once your newborn photography session is complete, you can send your favorite captures to me for professional editing. This package comes with a one-hour virtual newborn photography session along with 5 professionally edited photos. Great, right? Contact me today to book your Virtual Newborn Session.

And if you have a friend who just had a newborn or expecting soon, go ahead and share this post with them via social media platforms or forward this post directly to your friend's inbox! I am sure they will be grateful for it :)

Stay safe,

Your Newborn Photographer,

Anna Heenan