Tiny toes, sleepy smiles, and fleeting newborn moments—capturing these precious details is an art. As a professional newborn photographer, I know how quickly these first days pass. That’s why I’ve put together my best Tips to Take Brilliant Newborn Photos—so you can preserve these memories beautifully.
Did you know newborns grow about 1.5 to 2 pounds per month in their first weeks? That means their tiny features change fast! The best time to photograph them is within the first 5–14 days, when they’re still curled up and sleep soundly.
In this guide, I’ll share pro lighting tricks, safe posing techniques, and must-know newborn photography tips to help you capture heartwarming, professional-quality shots—whether you’re using a smartphone or a DSLR. Let’s dive in and make magic with your little one!
Discover Pro Tips To Take Brilliant Newborn Photos
Capturing your baby’s moments requires the right techniques. From lighting to backgrounds, follow these Tips To Create Perfect Baby Photos for timeless memories. Whether DIY or professional, every shot counts in preserving these fleeting moments. Book your session today at Artin Photography to create cherished portraits that last forever!
1. Timing Is Everything—Plan Around Baby’s Schedule
Newborns may be tiny, but when it comes to photos, they call the shots! The right timing can make the difference between a smooth, dreamy session and a fussy, unpredictable one.
📸 Best Time for Newborn Photos
In my experience, the sweet spot for newborn photography is between 5–14 days after birth. Here’s why:
✅ They’re sleepier – Newborns snooze up to 16–18 hours a day in their first two weeks. This deep sleep helps us gently pose them without disruptions.
✅ They’re still naturally curled up – Their cozy, womb-like positioning makes for adorable, timeless shots.
✅ Minimal baby acne – After two weeks, some newborns develop hormonal breakouts, which can be tricky to edit out.
🕒 What’s the Best Time of Day?
From my experience, morning sessions are best. By then, babies are usually well-rested and more settled after their first feed. Plus, natural light is softer, making for gorgeous, glowing images.
👶 Prep Tips for Parents
Want those dreamy, peaceful newborn portraits? A little prep goes a long way! Here are my top tips to ensure a smooth session:
| Prep Step | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Feed Baby 30 Minutes Before | A full tummy = a happy, sleepy baby. Hungry babies are fussy! |
| Keep the Room Warm (75°F/24°C) | Newborns get cold quickly, and a cozy space keeps them relaxed. |
| Loosen Diaper 1 Hour Before | Prevents red marks on baby’s delicate skin for nude or swaddled shots. |
| Dress in Easy-to-Remove Clothing | Avoid tight socks or elastic waistbands that leave imprints. |
🍼 Pro Tip: If baby gets fussy, a quick top-up feed during the session can work wonders. Newborn sessions are always baby-led!
At Artin Photography, I create a calm, baby-friendly environment so parents can relax while I work my magic. Every little detail is considered—from the perfect temperature to soothing white noise—to capture your baby at their most peaceful.
💛 A happy, cozy baby makes all the difference in getting those dreamy, peaceful shots.
2. Natural Light Is Your Best Friend
Lighting can make or break a newborn photo. The right light creates that soft, angelic glow that makes babies look even more precious. And guess what? You don’t need fancy equipment—natural light is your best friend!
🌞 How to Use Light to Your Advantage
I always look for the best light source before setting up a shot. Here’s how you can do the same:
✅ Find a bright spot near a large window – The bigger, the better! Soft, diffused daylight creates a gentle, natural glow.
✅ Avoid direct sunlight – Harsh light causes strong shadows, making baby’s delicate skin look uneven. Instead, go for indirect light.
✅ Use a sheer white curtain – This helps diffuse sunlight, making the light even softer and more flattering.
🎯 Pro Tip: If the light is too strong, move a few feet away from the window or adjust the angle to soften shadows.
💡 What If You’re in a Studio?
As a professional newborn photographer, I know that natural light isn’t always available—especially on gloomy days. That’s why studio lighting can be a game-changer.
📷 Soft studio lights mimic daylight, ensuring consistent, beautiful results.
🎭 Reflectors and diffusers help control shadows, keeping the lighting flattering and even.
📍 Local SEO Tip: At Artin Photography in Port Moody, I use a naturally lit studio to create picture-perfect newborn portraits—whether it’s a bright sunny day or a cloudy afternoon.
✨ The secret to stunning newborn photos? Soft, natural light that highlights every tiny detail.
3. Capture the Tiny Details—Because They Grow Too Fast!
Babies change in the blink of an eye. One day, they fit perfectly in the palm of your hand, and before you know it, they’re crawling! That’s why I always make it a priority to capture the tiny, delicate details that parents will cherish forever.
🔍 What to Focus On
Some of the most heartwarming newborn photos aren’t full-body portraits—they’re the little things that make each baby unique:
💖 Tiny fingers & toes – Their first little grip and those curled-up toes won’t stay tiny forever!
👁 Eyelashes & button noses – Delicate features that parents love to see up close.
🤲 Holding hands – A newborn grasping a parent’s finger? Instant emotional impact.
🎯 Pro Tip: Capture the details from different angles—top-down for toes, side-view for lashes, and macro shots for a dreamy close-up effect.
📸 Pro Settings for Detail Shots
Getting those dreamy, soft-focus images takes the right camera settings:
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Aperture (f-stop) | f/2.8 or lower (for soft background blur) |
| Shutter Speed | 1/200s or faster (to avoid motion blur) |
| ISO | 100-400 (for clean, crisp images) |
✨ “Details tell the story—capture them beautifully, and you’ll freeze time in the most magical way.”
📍 Local SEO Tip: At Artin Photography, I specialize in capturing the smallest, most meaningful newborn details, ensuring parents have timeless keepsakes of their baby’s earliest days.
4. Keep It Simple with Outfits and Props
When it comes to newborn photography, less is always more. As a photographer, my goal isn’t to dress up babies like dolls—it’s to highlight their pure, natural beauty. The right clothing and minimal props can make all the difference in creating timeless, heartfelt images.
👗 What to Wear (or Not Wear)
When choosing outfits, I always recommend keeping it soft, neutral, and simple.
✔ Best Choices:
✅ Soft, neutral-colored onesies or wraps
✅ Cozy, breathable fabrics like cotton or muslin
✅ Just a diaper—paired with a warm, textured blanket
❌ What to Avoid:
❌ Bold patterns or logos (they take attention away from baby!)
❌ Stiff or bulky clothing that looks uncomfortable
❌ Anything too trendy—timeless always wins!
🎯 Pro Tip: White, cream, or pastel tones complement every baby’s skin tone and create a dreamy, airy aesthetic.
🎀 Simple Accessories That Work
Accessories can add warmth and meaning to a newborn session—but the key is keeping it subtle.
🧶 A knit hat – Perfect for covering any temporary head shape changes after birth.
🍼 Sentimental items – Handmade blankets, family heirlooms, or even a parent’s wedding ring on baby’s toes.
💫 Minimal props – A soft basket or fluffy rug can add texture without overwhelming the image.
🚫 Avoid too many props! Overloading the scene can distract from baby’s natural beauty.
✨ “The best newborn photos aren’t about fancy outfits or props—they’re about capturing the tiny, fleeting moments of pure love.”
📍 Local SEO Tip: At Artin Photography, I focus on simple, elegant newborn sessions that highlight your baby’s natural charm—no gimmicks, just pure, timeless memories.
5. Involve Parents and Siblings for Heartfelt Moments
Some of the most cherished newborn photos aren’t just of baby alone—they’re the ones that capture love, connection, and family bonds. Including parents and siblings in a session adds warmth and emotion, turning beautiful images into treasured memories.
🤱 Why Parent Poses Matter
Newborns thrive on closeness, and parent-baby shots create some of the most intimate and emotional moments.
💞 Best Parent Poses:
✔ Skin-to-skin contact – Holding baby against bare skin creates a timeless, heartfelt image.
✔ Nose-to-nose pose – A soft, loving moment between baby and parent.
✔ Cradling in arms – Showcasing how tiny baby is in mom or dad’s hands.
✨ “A newborn’s favorite place is in their parents’ arms—capturing that bond makes for the most powerful photos.”
👧 Sibling Shots (When There’s an Older Brother or Sister)
Involving siblings can be magical, but safety is always the top priority.
🛑 Safe & Sweet Poses:
👶 Have toddlers sit down while holding baby—always with support.
💋 Encourage a gentle forehead kiss or tiny hand-holding moment.
💡 Let siblings whisper to baby for a cute, candid shot.
🎯 Pro Tip: Keep the session relaxed! Kids respond best when they’re having fun and not forced into rigid poses.
📍 Port Moody Families Love This! At Artin Photography, I guide parents and siblings into natural, heartwarming poses that feel effortless and genuine—capturing the love your family shares in every frame.
6. Stay Flexible—Because Babies Call the Shots
If there’s one rule in newborn photography, it’s this: babies run the show! No matter how well we plan, sometimes they have their own agenda—and that’s okay. A relaxed, patient approach is the key to capturing those dreamy, peaceful shots.
🍼 What If Baby Is Fussy?
Even the sleepiest newborns have fussy moments. Instead of stressing, we simply pause, reset, and follow baby’s cues.
✔ Feed & cuddle – A quick snack and some snuggles can work wonders.
✔ White noise & soft lullabies – Helps recreate the soothing sounds of the womb.
✔ Take your time – Some sessions last 30 minutes, while others take 2+ hours—every baby is different!
✨ “The best newborn photos happen when we go with the flow—not rush the process.”
📸 At Artin Photography, We Make It Stress-Free
Our Port Moody studio is designed for a calm, baby-led experience, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable session for everyone.
🏡 Cozy, warm space – Keeps baby comfortable and sleepy.
💆 Parents can relax – Sit back while we gently pose your little one.
🎭 Zero pressure – We adjust to baby’s needs, making the experience as seamless as possible.
📍 Port Moody parents love this! A peaceful baby makes for stunning, natural photos—and at Artin Photography, we make sure the entire process feels just as special as the final images.