Newborn Photo Ideas at Home

Since I am only weeks shy of bringing our little girl into this world, I have been super exited about her photo shoot...I know, I'm a photographer, and she's gonna have to get used to it :-)  I am also in a lot of random spurts of pain because of the return of ulcers and contractions all at the same time.  So, I get plenty of time to create projects at home since I can hardly drive.  Though it all takes me a bit longer than usual to complete them, I finish them nonetheless and then put them up for display.  In most recent cases, I'm creating little trinkets for my soon-to-be baby girl.

So, without further delay, here are some inspirational ideas I have been keeping and working on and /or finished so that my baby can have unique items and props for her photo shoot and as decor or everyday wear.

I actually just finished this headband and had so much material left that I made one for myself too...keeps the fly-aways in place.  My husband liked the texture so much he requested one too, but a "man" wristband instead of a headband.  They are all in a dark gray color :-) Easy to make! (BUT shhh! Sells for $48 in a set in Etsy) All I need is white flowers to add.

My mother recently spotted an identical blanket to this next one, but in a more reddish, vibrant color...retailed anywhere from $55-$95 for the unique textures they have!  I won't even say how much she got it for because it was only about a minimal percentage of what they are sold for everywhere...okay, $6.  I know!  The best part is that it will be a focal prop during my baby's photo session and I can reuse it for other sessions as well! So exiting!

©MariaElenaPhotography

 The white furry blanket, and textured elfish beanie are both currently mine for photography.  I made the beanie myself...quite the challenge, but great for photos and retails at about $40-$68.  The blanket I got on sale for $20 since it was an item I could never get cheaper while living in Utah.  Oh, and the picture was taken by me as well for a past client :-)

I found a vintage luggage recently here in California and can't wait to use it for props too!!!  It's real leather and solid wood frame too..cost me $5 and similar props in identical materials cost $60-$105.  Buu-yaa!

This one looks so delicate and unique! I am for sure working on this one and all I need is the delicate and charming little pearls to add.  Retails at $33.

 This retails at $11. I have my baby's special letter "L" already in hand from previous buys, which cost $1.50

This is such a great idea to spruce up at home and then let baby play with once they get older and actually start playing pretend.  It retails at $40, but I got mine as a gift and know it cost less than $5.  All it needs is some handmade magic and it's ready for it's closeup as my baby's wings.













So now, some tips:
•  Newborns are best photographed within the first 2 weeks of life (I prefer 5 days from birth, personally) when they are less likely to be disturbed while sleeping and can be soothed easily.  They are so fresh out of the womb and look precious!
•  Use the manual setting in your camera since this is slow-paced session and demands time. Be very patient and gentle, newborns can sense stress.
•  The best place to shoot in is at home, before noon, at a warmer temperature setting for the session and with plenty of wipes handy for spit-ups and accidents.  Make sure all window blinds and curtains are pulled back for the best possible natural light.
•  I am not a big fan of “baby outfits.” You have newborn portraits taken to see that fresh new baby-ness, not the cute little outfit you bought with just a head poking out. I like to shoot partial nudity. Naked with a diaper/diaper cover on. It's a good thing to think about this ahead of time it isn’t an awkward thing. If you're completely against any form of nudity then go for the clean look of a white onesie. If possible, strip them down to the desired look well before the shoot/before feeding and wrap them cozy in a blanket so as not to disrupt that peaceful phase as you being shooting. 

©MariaElenaPhotography

•  I take close ups of the feet, and often cradled in mom or dads hands to show the size difference.  Make sure mom and dad are wearing solid black or white shirts, with long sleeves preferably.  If there is a color theme, it's okay as long as it's solid with long sleeves.

©MariaElenaPhotography

•  I often bring a handful of blankets with texture and a boppy pillow. I will also throw in some other handmade props (crocheted), hats, etc. but I like to use the special blankets or hats that the parents have bought for their child instead of using mine because of the sentimental value they have.

Engagement Session Tips and styles

If your wedding is heavily into the colors, then why not display that on your invitation.  If you're having a theme, then also display that in your invitations.  It's fun! It's memorable and it's cute!

Try 2 or more outfits, depending on your photographer and time.  Making sure you get 1 casual outfit for both or you and 1 more formal (special date-like) outfit to have fun in for your special shoot.

Click on images to get a netter view.  Remember that you're never fully dressed without a smile! ☺

All clothes is from Boden, Express, Gap, and shoes from Piperlime and Forever 21.

Family Photo shoot ideas and styles

All clothes from 1st image are from Boden.  Shoes from "dad" are from Piperlime, Gap.

All clothes is from Boden, except for Dad's shoes are from Piperlime, Gap, Teen Girl's Top and boots are from Alloy, and Brother's shoes are from Piperlime, Gap.

All clothes from Boden, Forever21, and Gap.

Maternity shoot style ideas...more

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Senior Photo Shoot Tips and style for Young Women

Go for colors that compliment you and won't restrict you so you feel and LOOK  comfortable and can focus instead on making a pretty smile and look.

Family Photo shoot tips and styles

Baby Photo Shoot Tips and styles

Engagement Session Tips and styles

Rose and peaches, and pale grays compliment ANY skin tone and make you look dreamy and help you glow too.

For the casual guy, looking to just pinch in some formalness.

Very chic, but remember to make sure you can always sit comfortably with your dresses.

Modern, and yet relaxed.

For the secure woman and confident one to let her style showcase more of her than anything else.  Remember not to go overboard with bright colors since that will distract from focusing on you and your new-found love.

Maternity shoot style ideas

If your including the your man in the pictures, just make sure you coordinate and compliment each other.

Family Photo shoot ideas and styles

VIEW A COMPLETE SHORT VIDEO FOR TIPS!!{Click here for this post}

Children's photo shoot styles and ideas

Engagement Session Tips and styles

Engagement photos are an important part of the whole wedding process. They can set the tone for the style/feel of your wedding, so you want your wardrobe to reflect that! Here are a couple of outfit ideas that I love, I’m obsessed with this color palette right now! Whatever clothing you choose for your engagement photos, here are a few tips to remember.

- Layer, layer, layer! Layering clothes creates texture and interest. You can layer with sweaters, vest, scarves, even jewelry.

- Don’t be twinkies. Although both you and your fiance’s clothes should compliment each other, don’t be too matchy matchy, it looks silly.

- Wear something you’re comfortable in. You don’t want to spend the entire time pulling and tugging at your clothes and you want to be able to move about easily. If you’re uncomfortable, it will show.

- I always recommend changing clothes at least once. Personally, I think doing 1 set that’s a little dressy and the other that’s more casual is a great idea.

- Darker colors are usually more slimming, but don’t be afraid to wear lighter colors, if it’s something you love!

- Don’t wear clothes with writing/brands on them, unless it’s something that you are wanting to highlight (college teams, hobbies, etc). They can be distracting and usually too casual.

- Wear patterns in moderation. You don’t want the pattern to be distracting, so go for subtle ones, unless of course, you want it to make a statement!

- On most shoots, we’re going to do some walking! So, if you’re going to wear those awesome new heels, bring a pair of flip flops or comfy shoes to change into while we’re getting from location to location.

- Don’t forget accessories. This goes back to the layering, jewelry, scarves, headbands, watches…make your outfits YOU!

- No matter what your clothing choices are, have fun!!

Maternity shoot style ideas

Posing for maternity portraits is a way for pregnant women to celebrate their pregnancies and have a photographic keepsake of their experiences. Portraits of pregnant mothers can range from artistic to traditional, with mothers donning sophisticated clothes that accentuate the pregnant belly. Regardless of what they wear, however, maternity photos give pregnant women the opportunity to boost their confidence during a time when they may not feel they look their best. If you're planning to take maternity photos in the near future, read on to find out more about what to wear for maternity portraits.

• Considerations

When considering clothing for maternity photo shoots, it is important for each woman to take into consideration her sense of style, level of comfort and types of maternity photos she wants to have.  Conservative photos tend to consist of a pregnant woman from the belly up or a full body shot. For these, the pregnant woman dons clothes that shows off her stomach.

• Types

Clothing for maternity photo shoots should be tight-fitting around the belly. Loose and baggy shirts and pants will only hide the pregnant stomach. Stretch pants and pants that have low waistlines won't bunch up as the woman is posing or sitting, and are a good idea to wear during a shoot. In addition, tight-fitting tank tops and maternity tops that have thin fabrics that cling to the body are also good choices for maternity portraits.

For pregnant women who want to include their other children in their shoots, they may don a more playful style of clothing. White tank tops accentuate the stomach and have thin fabrics. Casual fitted khaki pants are a good wardrobe choice for these types of shoots.

• Time Frame

A pregnant woman should consider taking maternity photos as far along in her pregnancy as possible. If she does this later in the pregnancy, she will be better able to show off her stomach in the clothing that she wears. The third trimester tends to be the best time to schedule a maternity photo shoot. The belly is extremely visible at this point, and I can capture the fullness of the stomach.

• Warning

Keep clothing selections for maternity portraits simple. Stripes and busy patterns can hide the stomach or detract attention away from it. Instead, stick with solid colors. In general, black and white clothing tends to work best. In fact, something as simple as a husband's button down shirt works well, according to "Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas" by Maleesha Perera.

• Function

The function of maternity photo shoots are to capture the essence and beauty of the pregnancy. Women can also wear tops that show their stomach. Crop tops, half tops and belly shirts work well. According to New York photographer Koren Reyes, pregnant women should avoid bright colors like pink and yellow. Instead, Reyes recommends that moms-to-be wear black yoga pants, jeans or cardigans that button down at the front. V-neck shirts, square neck tops and long-sleeved tops also tend to be the most figure-flattering for pregnant women.

Baby Photo Shoot Tips

Newborn Sessions
The very best time to photograph a newborn is during their first 2 weeks of life (the earlier the better!) Call me as soon as your little one arrives to schedule your session. We can still get great photos with an “older” newborn, just prepare to be patient and do fewer poses and setups.

Newborns photograph best when naked. I have a few props, baskets, and accessories, but do take out anything you like hat is unique for the baby unless, even something special to you. Also, if Mom and Dad want to be in any pictures, please wear or keep handy a long-sleeved black shirt. Please note: This session does not include family pictures with additional children.

Plan on feeding your baby before and possibly several times during the session. If bottle feeding, don’t forget lots of formula.  Pacifiers can also be VERY helpful during a session, so please keep one close if possible. Also, when I photograph newborns, your house must be kept very warm, so dress accordingly. Your newborn session will last at most 3 hours in order to feed and prepare your baby during the whole shoot.  Don't stress out, be calm so your baby can be calm too.  Also, I prefer taking care of everything on my own so you can get a break as well.

Children and Babies
Between 7 to 9 months old is the perfect age for your baby’s second photo session!  Older babies photograph best when they can sit up well on their own, but not yet crawl or walk. I often tell parents that the most challenging session is with a child who is mobile, but not yet bribable!  Don’t let that scare you away from a session at the milestone age of one though, (just wear loose clothing and be prepared for a workout)!

For babies and children, bring one or two outfit changes, but avoid solid white, busy patterns, and logos. Feel free to bring along cute hats, bows, petti-coats, tutus, flowers and other accessories. If your child is sick, please call to reschedule.

DSLR Poor Man's Ring Flash

So, as you may well know, I have become very attached to my camera and sometimes lament at the fact that accessorizing it is very, very expensive.  So, I've looked up ways of incorporating recycling and improving my images without all the editing needing to be done.  I found this great and very simple way of making my flash photography, which I seldom use, better and less harsh.  Well, it's more of a flash diffuser:

Can you guess what it's made of?????  Yeah, by far the cheapest way to diffuse a built-in flash.  Here are some pictures I took and see if you can see the difference.  None of these have been edited to see the real differences:




No flash, natural lighting from window.



Normal, built-in camera flash.



Flash diffuser.



If you want to make your own, follow Duncan's small tutorial and enjoy the softness, the non-red-eye nonsense, and overall aesthetic improvement of your indoor flash photography ;-)

Tratalo! Try it!

Maternity shoot style ideas