Patience
New babies can have unpredictable needs for eating and sleep. Enter photography sessions with a flexible attitude and few time constraints for best results. Keep fresh diapers close by and be prepared to take frequent breaks for feeding and hygiene. Pay attention to the needs of the young subject by creating the calmest possible environment. Run a fan or heartbeat monitor for calming white noise, and temporarily evict noisy individuals and young children from the premises.
Props
Before beginning, gather a large archive of props and settings for possible use in the photos. Newborns can quickly lose patience while the photographer or assistant scrambles for backdrops. Cover a simple surface such as a table with a favorite blanket, or artistically drape textured fabric for an easy background. Use props that will highlight the baby's small size. Flower petals, baskets and even large platters can emphasize the newborn's petite build, creating an adorable final effect.
Simplify
Simplify the area and the photographs to keep the focus on the newborn. Remove any clutter from the area or take advantage of inexpensive cloth backdrops to hide distracting prints. Use creative means to commemorate the infancy in the best light. You don't need expensive photo editing software and advanced technical skills to make lasting memories. Hide baby acne or blotchy skin by avoiding the use of the camera flash, or switching to black and white or sepia.
Zoom
Making the newborn fill most of the frame can create a simple, endearing image. Explore different angles and the use of props, while preparing to zoom in quickly on a tiny yawn or stretch. Include shots of both the whole and smaller images of facial expressions. Emphasize the baby's size by zooming in on body parts, particularly when juxtaposed with the body of a parent. For example, photograph tiny feet or hands being held in the much-larger grasp of a loving parent.