How to Do a Newborn's Photo

Identify the happy times in the baby̵7;s routine. Do not try to take pictures just before nap or feeding time because a baby is likely to be at his crankiest. Look for his most content periods and use these times as opportunities for your photos. If his happy routine varies, keep the camera close by and reach for it whenever those sporadic calm moments arrive.

Get down to baby level. Do not try to shoot the photos on a downward angle. Instead, sit, lie or kneel at the baby̵7;s level. Taking the photos from elevated positions distances you from the subject, whereas the level position captures natural-looking pictures.

Get in close or use the zoom for more intimate photos. You can also isolate single body parts, such as hands and feet, with a macro lens for beautiful and professional-looking keepsake photos.

Use a reflector with your lighting. If you plan to take a multitude of portrait-like pictures, use a professional reflector box or umbrella and lighting. Angle the lighting into the reflector box and then angle the box upward from beneath the baby. Use this technique when placing the baby in props, such as bassinets, slings and baskets. This will remove the shadows that commonly appear on the lower half of the face and around the neck. When the baby is positioned on the floor, adjust the box so the light is diffused directly onto the baby. Try not to angle the box downward from above. This will create shadows.

Touch up photos afterwards. Do not worry about hiding scratches or wiping away dried milk if you find a perfect picture moment. Use photo-editing software later to remove these from the picture. If you are not confident in your photo retouching skills, try turning the picture to black and white instead. This will soften any imperfections, including dried milk.