I’ve been incredibly fortunate to take 15 newborn sessions this year including a set of twins.  I have a few moms ready to deliver in the next few months so that number will continue to grow.  What started out four years ago as a call for moms with buns-in-the-oven has became a passion for me as a photographer.  There’s so much joy taking newborn photos. It’s so heartwarming to see the miracle of life and the steadfast bond in a new family.

What I’ve learned during the past few years is that taking newborn photos includes specific detail shots that go by so fast.  Of course capturing images of a baby in a milk-drunk stupor is also great fun.  But don’t forget, if you are taking newborn photos it is so important to take the following shots to capture the newborn phase that goes by faster than you can change a smelly diaper.

Feet and toes

At birth a newborn doesn't always have fat chubby cheeks or dimpled feet and toes.  That comes after weeks of healthy nursing. So oftentimes a newborn will have saggy skin and scrawny little toes and feet.  Be sure to capture those little details with an aperture of about f2.8 so that only the toes and feet are in focus.

Newborn Baby Details - PhotographyCapturing the toes and feet of a newborn is so precious

Hand in hand

I love to capture the incredible tininess of the baby's hand next to mom or dad's hands.  But tiny fingers have sharp nails so be sure to groom them just in case so they don't accidentally scratch their face.

Baby lips

Those sweet kewpie baby lips, even with their little nursing blister, are enough to make a mom's heart melt.  

Flirty lashes

Some babies have the most amazing lashes.  When they are sleeping you can capture some beautiful images of their long lashes and funny grimaces.

Dimples

Once the baby starts to fill out they will develop new dimples everywhere.  Be sure to capture those dimples that show up when they have their cheeks against the crib or on dad's shoulder.  Those dimples will be adored years after they fade away.

Open eyes

Sometimes I'm not always able to capture a newborn with open eyes.  They are so tired and the sunlight seems to make them squint so it's not always possible.  But if it is be sure to have some nice reflective light to get some sparkle in their eyes.  

Lastly, if mom and dad permit you can always get a few photos of baby's behind.  Especially when a little baby's butt is sitting on daddy's arm those make for some very special, if not bribe-worthy, shots.  (I'll refrain from bribery in advance).

What are you favorite newborn baby details?

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