Cynthia is a Northwest Ohio Newborn Photographer who specializes in lifestyle newborn photography. She photographs on-location lifestyle and emotive photography and serves the Toledo, Sylvania, Maumee, Holland, Perrysburg, Oregon and Northwest Ohio areas. She is available for maternity, newborn, baby, children and family portraits and storytelling photo sessions.

Northwest Ohio Newborn Photographer

Covid-19 has affected so many aspects of our lives in such a short time. You may be working from home, homeschooling your children, and spending all your time at home. With the current recommendation to social distance and Ohio’s “stay at home” order, your plans to hire a photographer to photograph your newborn may be on hold as well.

I wanted to share some photos that you can take of your newborn yourself since I believe this time is so precious. We all know babies don’t keep! It won’t be long before they aren’t so squishy and I want you to have a reminder of your teeny babe. I also hope this will bring you some happiness in a time when everything seems chaotic.

1. Photograph your baby from above.

This is a great perspective for newborns. You can choose a detailed set up with special items, a growth chart blanket, or a more relaxed approach by using your bed or a chair. Using a step stool can give you an extra-wide advantage or you could come in close to capture all those little details.

2. Grab big brother or sister!

If there is one photo every mom covets, it is the one with big brother or sister. You can set them up on a chair, couch or bed and document them taking in their sweet features. Don’t force them to look at you, instead ask them to find the baby’s nose or nuzzle their cheek and have dad close by in case they lose interest.

3. All those little details.

Newborn details are the best! The wrinkly skin, tiny nose, and itty bitty feet are all features that will change so fast. These images are best done when the baby is in that milky sleep. Put them close to a window and have fun. Try different perspectives and points of view. Move around the baby with your camera to see what you are drawn to and shoot from different spots.

4. Awake.

It’s not often that newborns show off their gorgeous eyes but when they do, try and capture them. For some babies, when they are awake, their body is a little jerky. You can swaddle them to keep them still. Also, it may be tough to get them to look at the camera so this is one time I would take lots of images so you don’t miss that second they look your direction.

5. With Dad.

You may have to do some persuading for this one or be extra sneaky to get dad into the photo but it will be so worth it! One of my favorite images of dads and babies is focusing on their arms holding their little ones.

6. With Mom.

You’re going to have to turn the camera over to dad for this one but don’t forget about you! Set yourself up in a spot with nice, natural light and snuggle your baby. I like to have my husband take a few images and then check them to make sure I’m positioned in a flattering way and then encourage him to take lots of different angles.

One last thing I want to mention is to be sure to use natural light. Your camera’s flash will not be as flattering. Cloudy days have nice diffused light and if you stay close to a window, you can make it work.

I know this isn’t ideal if you were planning on hiring a professional to take newborn photos, but hopefully, with these tips, you can have some images that will make your heart happy in the years to come.

Want to learn more about how to take better photos? Sign up for Cynthia’s Mamarazzi class (now being offered online!)