While I’m glad that my friends and family are staying healthy, it is hard to be apart during this time. I am saddened that so many of the milestones that would normally be celebrated with loved ones had to be postponed or cancelled this spring.

While all the coronavirus safety measures were in place some of you have added a new member to you family. Of course, I am talking about human babies, although plenty of you have brought home adorable puppies the last few months! I know you are loving on that baby! The homecoming may have been different than you had planned with social distancing in order, but these are such amazing early days!

Lifestyle newborn sessions are some of my absolute favorites to shoot! I love seeing families at home, in their element, just bursting with joy and love! You may have had a newborn session scheduled and you were probably really looking forward to it. Whether it was with me or someone else, I know your photographer was looking forward to it it too!

One of the best things about the style of newborn photography that I do is that there is a lot more flexibility for how old your baby can be compared to those highly staged newborn shoots you may have seen. Ideally I photograph babies when they are 2-5 weeks old, but well after you will still get photographs with that ‘newborn’ look. Really, there is no bad time to have photographs taken of your beautiful baby!!

Since home sessions are not permitted right now, I thought I’d put together a few tips for photographing your own newborn while we are social distancing so you don’t miss out on those early days.

1. Safety first

Seriously, just keep it simple. Put a blanket on the floor and go from there.
If you want a more ‘posed’ look you can use a boppy or travel neck pillow but please be mindful of baby’s safety at all times!
Remember, a lot of those cutsey ultra-posed photographs you see are composites that use powerful software to combine multiple images and editing tricks for the final result. Baby is always supported and never left unattended for those shots. Protect that baby!

2. Little things make newborns happy

Happiest Baby On the Block, anyone? If you haven’t read it, get that audio book and listen during those middle of the night feedings. It’s magic! Read it.
Start with a sleepy, fed, and warm baby!
Wrap baby up tight.
Use a noise machine to keep baby drowsy and asleep.

3. Use natural light

Turn off your flash.
Turn off the lights.
Move by a window.

4. Keep it simple

Limit props. Less is more when your subject is already perfect, am I right?
Don’t forget close-ups of those tiny toes, pouty lips, and little eyelashes!

5. Involve the rest of the family

Include older siblings. Tell them you need their help showing off your new baby!
Get in the picture, Mama! I cannot tell you how I wish I had more pictures of me with my tiny babies. It’s not about that baby weight or if you don’t look your best, just hand off your camera or phone and get in there! You won’t regret it!

And, of course, print those photos!

Whether for your walls or for a photo book, get those photos off your phone and into print. You’ll enjoy them so much more when you see them every day. I promise!

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