How to Take Your Own Newborn Pictures

whether you’re taking your own newborn pictures, or just wanting to elevate the pictures you take at home, this is for you! Setting up a space to take pictures in your home does not have to be difficult. The pictures I am sharing below. We’re all taken on the bottom corner of my bed, that my baby had just peed all over, and my room is a mess. I work with what you got all you really need is a clear spot for Baby to lay.

What You’ll Need

– something to cushion Baby (I used a knitted throw that I made)
– something with texture (I used a crocheted blanket that I thrifted. A swaddle works great too!)
– any special items that Baby has (I didn’t use any other than his onesie that I made)
– and of course, your beautiful baby

The Setup

When working in your home, I found that the best light source is going to be placing Baby parallel to a window; whichever window has the most like coming in. If you don’t have a window accessible, that is totally OK! Under a lamp works, right outside a bedroom that has a light on, pretty much anywhere where you can keep baby parallel to the light source, not directly under it.

But Sarah, why not put Baby directly under a light? That’s a good question! Putting Baby directly under the light it’s going to create some harsh lighting akin to using direct flash (what I mean, that’s what you’re going for, you do you!) Even keeping baby just slightly out of direct light source, helps tremendously.

Execution

Alright, here’s the important part. Don’t overthink. Odds are, your baby is already adorable focus on capturing those in the moment wiggles and smiles. Don’t worry about if they’re asleep or not. Take close-up shots. Get shots of the whole room with Baby in the middle. Have older siblings join in. Enjoy every wrinkle, every squishy cheek.

I did not include my older children in the pictures that you’ll see below, because no one was awake at the same time. But you can find some examples of posing here, here, and here.

Editing

This step I personally think is optional if you’re using your phone. The phone pictures I’m sharing are shot on an iPhone 14. Not pro, not max, just the basic model. They’re pretty much good to go! But if you want to edit your phone pictures, I highly recommend using the Lightroom mobile app. You can get so much done with the free account. (Scroll to the bottom for a mobile preset that works with the free Lightroom account!) Using your camera? Edit it to your heart’s desire how you usually do!