Photography — Amateur Tips for a DIY Newborn Photo Shoot

There is nothing more intimidating to me than a newborn photo shoot. I think this is because newborns are a little unpredictable, and they seem so fragile. However, once I get passed that, it's nothing but excitement. The newborn phase goes away before it really sinks in for parents, so it's best to take pictures sooner than later! Here are some quick tips for newborn photo shoots.

1. Accessories. In real life, I'm not one to put headbands or anything uncomfortable on babies. However, I'm not opposed to doing so in the name of a great photograph. Sometimes simple accessories with an otherwise naked baby is the most adorable styling you can do. 

2. Positioning. Make sure you use a nursing pillow and other soft padding to position and prop the baby in cute, comfortable positions. This is something I still am working on perfecting, but once you find the perfect spot and the baby is relaxing, you can really take some sweet sleepy pictures . . . which are also essential in a newborn photo shoot!

3. Meaningful Props. It's a great idea to take a picture of the baby with something meaningful to the family. For my daughter's newborn photo shoot, we took a picture with her and the softball glove my dad brought her in the hospital (it's his tradition for his granddaughters). This inspired me to take the picture above of this beautiful baby girl in an antique box, which has been handed down in her family from generation to generation.

4. The More the Merrier. Take tons of pictures, because babies movie so much it can be hard to get a perfect shot. I took these last two pictures with my iPhone, and they were some of my favorites from the day. You never know when something cute is going to happen, so caution on the side of snapping too many photos! It's better to have too many to choose from than not enough.

I hope these quick, simple tips help you on your endeavor to amateur photography. Please share your advice in the comments below!