Tips and tricks for taking your own baby photos

I know lots of Mama’s out there love capturing photos of their babes, especially since they grow so fast! With today’s technology its so easy to take great day to day photos. As I get ready to welcome my 2nd babe I am starting to think of her first days at home and what sweet newborn outfits and props I need to have ready for portraits. These tips are super easy and can used for those first few weeks of your new little ones life and are also great photography tips that can used for any photo with subjects of any age!

1. Find the natural light

I can’t say how important natural light is! It creates that perfect airy, light and natural photo. When indoors find a room or hallway with lots of light pouring in. Open and pull up the blinds and pull back the curtains to maximize the amount of light to pour into the room. One of my favorite tricks is to open the front or back door and place my subject next to it. This is great for newborn babes.

2. Placement of kiddos

Once you’ve found the natural light next step is finding a great place to put your subject. Have your subject turn and face the light source. But remember that when you take the photo to not block the light. Try to avoid standing directly between the light and your subject. Your little ones faces should glow!

3. Background

I love a nice simple and clean back ground. Once you’ve found a space with lots of natural light now you need to find a good spot to put your subject. Babies are easy peasy since they aren’t mobile yet :). I love using a neutral cozy blanket as a backdrop and using a boppy or nursing pillow as a support for underneath a newborn. For those toddler that like to run around I love to find a section of a wall or a glider/chair that isn’t cluttered. (be sure to give them a job or have them play a game when sitting 🙂 One of favorites is “i bet you can’t sit still as i count to 10.” Reverse psychology at its finest. ) Another go to background is a big comfy bed! Kids love to snuggle on a bed. I’ve linked some of my favorite pillows and blankets below.

4. All the extras

Babies look adorable in pretty much anything! Here are some of favorite accessories and props that can make your photos really pop. My all time favorite thing to do with a newborn baby is to wrap them in a swaddle. It usually calms and eventually puts the baby to sleep. I love to use a simple solid muslin swaddle. Another staple I like to use is a faux sheep skin rug. You can easily make any space look like a professional studio. This easily covers up any dingy carpet or unpleasant looking hardwood floor. I love nylon headbands for little girls. They are so comfy on their little soft heads. Floral crowns and flowers from the local florist is a super easy way to take your images to the next level. For boys I love a knit hat and a toy or animal.