The newborn stage is filled with emotions, messes, and countless photo ops. While professional photographers capture stunning newborn portraits, it is not always an option due to price or availability. Even if you do have professional newborn photos taken, there is a huge benefit to being able to document this chapter of life for yourself. With a few simple tips and a little creativity, you can capture adorable DIY newborn photos that you and your family will love to look back on for years to come.

Use natural light.

Forget harsh flash photography. Embrace the soft, flattering glow of natural light. If you can, move close to a window and turn off all other light sources. Interior lights typically give a yellow or warm glow, while light from outside is neutral, clean, and white. Experiment with different angles to find the most flattering light for your little one's delicate features.

Face the window.

Newborn photographers know the magic of positioning the baby's face toward the light source. This illuminates their beautiful eyes and avoids unflattering shadows under their noses. Remember, you're the artist here, so play with different angles and positions to create depth and dimension in your photos.

Keep the poses simple.

You don't need complex newborn posing techniques. Focus on capturing natural, comfortable positions that showcase your baby's cuteness. Try swaddling them in cozy blankets, having them snuggle up with a parent or sibling, or capturing them curled up in a basket. My Mom-Tog course has several different posing ideas for you to try!

Celebrate the imperfections.

Newborns don't always cooperate. But here's the secret: sometimes the fussiest moments create the most adorable photos! Capture those playful frowns, surprised expressions, and even yawns—these are the photos that your baby will love to look back on with you and laugh. Don't force anything, and remember, even blurry photos capturing genuine moments can be cherished memories.

The perks of DIY:

Now, let's talk about the benefits of taking DIY newborn photos. Flexibility is huge with a newborn! You don't need to wait for a scheduled appointment or worry about fitting into a professional photographer's timeframe. You can capture photos any day you want, waiting for that perfect moment of sunshine or waiting for older siblings to be occupied. Plus, it's completely free! No studio fees, no additional costs—just you, your baby, and a camera (or even your smartphone!).

DIY newborn photography is about capturing the love and joy of this precious time. These are the first moments of your parenting journey, and they deserve to be documented. My photography course, Mom-Tog: From Basics to Blow You Away, is filled with tips and inspiration for parents to document the beauty of these moments for themselves. So grab your camera, find a cozy spot with good light, and start capturing the magic of your little one's early days. You'll be surprised at the beautiful memories you create, all on your own terms and with a whole lot of love.