How to Photograph Your Newborn During Social-Distancing
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You’ve had your newborn session booked for months.
You planned outfits and studied your prep guide for your session.
Your due date is nearing and you’re worried about your photographer coming into your home, especially during this uncertain time.
You should still keep your session with your photographer. Postpone the session until you feel comfortable going in public or having someone in your home. Your photographer hates the thought of not being able to snuggle & photograph your newborn babe as much as you. Your first session together after this all passes will still be your first family session and it’ll be worth it to have someone else capture the photos you couldn’t quite get on your own.
My tips are intended to help you prepare for a session, where you are the photographer for your newborn session, so you can capture those first days, weeks or months yourself when you may not be able to have a professional shoot. By following the tips below, I hope that you’ll be able to capture this special time and have something you’re proud of & excited to print in a book, frame for your wall or share in an announcement but most importantly it’ll be something for you to look back on & cherish forever.
Set a date and time: This can be done after you’re home and settled from the hospital, but it’s probably the most important tip! Pick a time that works best for you and your family. Mornings usually work best and plan for the session to be 2-3 hours.
Stick with the session time: It’s easy to say I’m too tired today or let’s do it tomorrow. Have the mindset that this is your actual session and the photographer is coming to your home on this day & time for 2-3 hours.
Plan ahead: Before your due date plan outfits for the entire family. Have them clean, ironed (if needed) and hang them all in a closet together so no one accidentally grabs a piece before your session. Choose neutral outfits that coordinate and comfortable for everyone. For the baby: Choose a simple onesie that fits perfectly, not too big or a blanket/wrap that you can swaddle them without looking too bulky. You want to remember how itty bitty they were. Don’t forget to coordinate hats & headbands, if you choose to use them.
Supplies: Put these items together in a basket, in the nursery & separate from all the other baby items, so that it’s ready to go on the day you have chosen for your session. Diapers, wipes, pacifier, swaddling wraps, blankets, and a noise machine or download an app: Slumber & Sleep are popular ones, I use aSleep.
Location: Choose one or two areas inside or outside of your home that can be used as a “backdrop”. This way you don’t feel the need to clean your entire home before taking photos. Living rooms and the nursery usually work perfectly. Turn off all the lights and open all the blinds. Natural light is best, especially on newborn babies. Take a few test shots in those rooms prior to photo day. Be sure to use your spouse or another child to see if the lighting is good.
Choose the right camera: Using a digital camera is a great idea, but if you don’t have one….a phone will do the trick. Remember that capturing these moments is most important here, not the equipment you’re using. Just be sure to take some test shots (before your session) with the same camera or phone you plan to use.
Equipment: You don’t need fancy equipment but if you have a tripod and a self timer, use it! You can also prop your phone or camera up on a bookshelf or piece of furniture, use the self timer and viola! You have a family photo!!
The most important thing I can tell you (that I also tell every.single.client.) about this day is to keep your newborn baby awake for 2 full hours before your session. It will make a world of difference.
Take turns with the baby so that everyone has time to get ready that day. If you want to go au naturel, great! If you want full glam, go for it! Give yourself plenty of time to get as ready as you wish. You just had a baby. You deserve this time to get yourself ready for even a few photos.
Change, feed and rock your sweet little babe to sleep just before your session begins and go for it!
At this point, I’m unable to share every detail of photographing your baby as this is a skill that took years of education, workshops, practice, practice and more practice. However, the best advice I can give you is to take your time, take breaks for feedings, diaper changes and breaks that older siblings may need. Take turns with the phone/camera and take as many photos with each family member and the baby as you can. Mix it up and take portraits and candid shots. Look at Pinterest boards prior to your session to figure out what style you like. It’s important to remember this time together & document what you can; because for a lot of new moms & dads, this type of newborn session may be your only option.
Feel free to reach out to me or leave your questions in the comments. I’m happy to help you during this time!
