8 MUST HAVE Newborn Pictures
Bringing home a baby is one of the most special events for any family. It’s also one of the most exhausting times for a family.
Time seems to go slowly when you have a newborn, but it really does fly by. Setting up newborn pictures with a professional photographer is always a wonderful idea. Not only will the session result in beautiful images of your new little miracle, it takes the pressure off of you to capture those images. Once the session is over, and most likely in the short time before that, there are some shots you will want to get while you’re at home with your baby. You may not be able to bottle up the ridiculously, delicious smell of his newborn breath, but you can document this time. Even if it is totally messy, and perfectly imperfect. I will always look back at the times when we brought each of our babies home with so much fondness. I love newborns, and I love looking back on those fleeting times.
Whatever your camera, grab your baby, and take these pictures. I promise you will blink and your baby will be headed off to kindergarten. You will be so happy you have these to look back on.
Here are some must have photographs of your newborn.
Hospital pictures
Your hospital time may be short, and busy or long, and relaxing. It only takes a few minutes to take out your camera, or better yet, hand your camera to someone else (you just had a baby!) even if you’re just using your camera phone, you can get some great shots!!
Baby pieces
Newborn pieces change so quickly. Hair changes color, and texture. Squished noses change. In a couple of weeks, your baby’s looks will change so much. when they are older, you can focus on capturing the details of childhood.
With siblings
Pretty obvious, but how amazing is it to see their first reactions to their new baby brother of sister?? Or funny. Regardless, it’s totally worth looking back on.
Sleeping
Newborn babies sleep so often, this is pretty much a given. There’s nothing more peaceful than a sleeping baby. Also, since babies’ eyes are often cloudy, and their focus isn’t great, getting a nice clear open eye shot, can be tricky. If you’re looking for some awesome swaddling blankets that look great in pictures and work even better for real life, I love muslin swaddles. They’re lightweight and so incredibly soft.
Open eyes
When your baby does start to stay awake for longer periods of time, be sure to grab at least one shot of their eyes before they change!!
From above
Shooting from above helps put size into perspective. Plus, there’s no worrying about posing your baby in an awkward
position.
In their nursery
Only one of my babies ever had a nursery, and he never slept in it, but I spent a lot of time and energy making it perfect, so you’d better believe I am happy I documented it. That said, I am equally happy I captured all of my babies snuggled into my bed at night. if you need help with getting those indoor pictures … I’ve got you covered! here are just a few tips on getting better indoor pictures.
Sleepy smiles
Yea. This is a given. If you catch a sneaky, “involuntary” smile, it will feel like you won the lottery. Make sure you plaster that sucker all over your social media!!
Having a newborn in the house can be chaotic especially when there are other children involved. I really recommend having someone set up a dinner rotation for you for the first couple of weeks. Believe me, it practically saved my children from starving… I guess I would have made them something…but still…. if you’re not able to have a dinner rotation started, here are some super easy crock pot recipes that may be helpful!
Lorrin Sell is a working mother of 4, and knows all about the rushed lives most of us live. She has photographed families all over the east coast, and teaches parents all over the world to capture their everyday on her blog and through online courses. She believes photography makes it possible to find the beauty in the messy, imperfect madness that is life with kids. You can follow Lorrin on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter
