How to Take Cute Photos of Infants

asleep newborn baby

Newborn photography has gained popularity in recent years for a good reason: Parents get to document their babies’ first few days or weeks in the most adorable way possible. There are many ways to achieve this, but one thing that remains constant, whether parents choose to take the DIY approach or hire a professional photographer, is the need for creative props to give the photos that extra dose of cuteness. Here are some of the safest and most creative props that you can use:

  • Wraps

Cute and practical, blankets keep your babies warm and swaddled safely. They keep babies comfortable throughout the entire shoot. Swaddling your baby snugly also helps your baby keep the pose and prevents them from moving around too much. Choose a colorful wrap to add more character to the photos.

  • Baskets

Baskets make great baby photography props since they are easy for photographers to move around and to arrange the babies comfortably in. A beautiful, soft blanket not only makes the photo more interesting; it also keeps your baby comfortable during the shoot. Baskets can also be utilized for other compositions, like shooting from the side with the baby swaddled or surrounded by pillows and other props, making them very versatile.

  • Sturdy wooden crates

Similar to baskets, wooden boxes are also versatile props because you can place the baby in it or on top of it or place it around the baby as part of a well-composed shot. Make sure to use a blanket or soft fabric between the crate and the baby to prevent splinters, rashes, and scratches. The container must be well-built, low to the ground, and free of materials that can harm the baby, such as lead paint.

  • Parents’ hands

Cute newborn baby holding mother's hand
An experienced newborn photographer in Melbourne can also use your hands for a heartwarming pose. A close up of Mom’s or Dad’s hands and arms gently cradling the baby makes for a sweet photo that is very safe and easy to execute. It also helps show scale and in the future serves as a very touching reminder to the parents just how little their child once was. There are various ways to pose using the parents’ arms and hands. Photographers might ask you to hold your arms out in a V position from your body, placing the baby inside. The photo can be zoomed in on just the baby and the hands. A backdrop can also be set on the floor, laying the baby in the center while the parent creates a circle on the floor with the arms, with the photo being shot from above.
This gives the effect of the baby being on a hammock. While the props are only secondary in newborn photography (the focus should always be on the baby) they make things more fun and make everything look more beautiful. In the end, these props do not have to cost an arm and a leg; a lot of them can be found in your home and craft stores.

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