Parents want to click on every priceless moment of their babies. A photoshoot is a wonderful way to fill your home with lasting memories. But be a bit creative and use things that you have at home for a personalised and memorable shoot.
How to do a baby photoshoot at home?
A baby photo shoot at home can be done with some creativity, patience and planning. Select a space with lots of natural light. Plan a concept and select props to go with the theme. Ensure that the props are safe and age-appropriate. Decide the layout for the shoot in advance so that the photo shoot can be completed without tiring the baby. Ensure that the baby is well-rested.
Avoid overdressing the baby. White, beige, grey and brown work perfectly for background colours. Play around with filter colours and experiment with different editing features for the desired effect.
In a DIY photoshoot, getting a photo of yourself with your newborn can be a bit tricky. Try using a tripod or propping your phone up and use the self-timer.
Here are 10 DIY baby photoshoots at home ideas, which can easily be done by using a phone or a camera. Never miss a moment of your bundle of joy.
See also: 10 photography ideas at home for beginners
Cocoon wrap: DIY baby photoshoot ideas
Cocoon wrap is one of the most popular newborn photoshoot ideas that can simply be done at home. Wrap the baby and tuck their hands and legs. You can leave the hands out if that is more comfortable for your baby. Take different shots with accessories and placement of the baby’s hands (palms on either side of the cheek, tucked under the chin, etc.). Your baby’s comfort is the priority. Opt for plain cotton, muslin or crochet wrap and ensure that the colour complements the background and the rest of your set.
Baby hands and feet photoshoot
Baby hands and feet shoot requires some creativity to make it look beautiful. A popular pose is the baby’s feet held in a parent’s palms or of the baby’s hand wrapped around a parent’s finger. Using the hands of adults is a beautiful idea for baby pictures. Be it parents, grandparents or elder siblings, the size contrast shows the fragility of a newborn. Try to click their feet while resting on their backs and curling up to their stomachs.
Baby-in-basket photoshoot ideas
Choose a basket made of wood, bamboo or wicker for the photoshoot. The basket can be decorated with satin ribbons, flowers, balloons or soft pillows. The basket should be spacious enough so that the baby can be placed inside easily and comfortably. Keep a quilted bedcover or a blanket in the basket to make it comfortable for the baby.
See also: How to decorate your home for baby shower?
Parents and baby photoshoot
Many newborn photoshoots can be done with the baby and the parents. Both parents holding the newborn represent their teamwork. Parents looking at the baby or each other is a standard family portrait. Newborn baby photo ideas could include a mother or father rocking the baby, skin-to-skin contact, the baby in the parent’s arms, holding the baby over the shoulder or just laying side by side as the baby sleeps.
Baby and sibling photoshoot ideas
Baby photos with elder brothers and sisters are timeless. For natural shots, it’s best to give the sibling a role. For example, let them hold the baby (depending on the sibling’s age), play with a soft toy or read a book to their baby brother or sister. Try to dress them in complementary colours. They can lie together on a bed or sofa or the sibling can gently hug or kiss the baby.
Baby photoshoot with grandparents
The entire family, including the grandparents, makes for an excellent newborn photography idea. You can have both sets of grandparents and all the siblings in the picture. The entire family can wear complementary colours and the baby can be dressed in contrast. Photographs with grandparents are a great way to portray generations.
See also: 1st birthday decoration at home party ideas for boys and girls
Sleeping baby photo ideas
It’s easiest to click the baby when sleeping. Any pose, in which the baby sleeps, would be adorable. A floral headdress would work perfectly for both baby girl and boy. To place a baby on their side, use blankets and towels and elevate the head or feet as needed. Both swaddled and unswaddled side poses work great. Lying on the belly with the chin on the hands is a great portrait. Cover the baby with a blanket to show only their head and face. Make sure not to cover the baby’s nose so that they can breathe properly.
Krishna theme for baby boy photoshoot ideas
Dressing up your baby boy as Lord Krishna is a common theme in India. Use peacock feathers and flute and use cotton to create white butter in an earthen pot. Drape the baby in a yellow dhoti or use a small kurta for the photoshoot. Do not use any makeup on the baby’s skin.
Princess theme for baby girl photoshoot ideas
Parents love to deck up their baby girls as princesses. A lovely dress and an ornate crown are all that you need. There are plenty of options to dress up baby girls with frilly dresses, tiaras or shiny, crown-like hairbands. Disney princesses are always adorable. Ensure that the dress and the accessories do not hurt the baby or make her irritable.
Monthly baby milestone photoshoot ideas
Today most parents capture and document all their baby’s milestones in the first year. For milestone photos, you have to commit to taking photos every month. Remember that every baby is unique and develops at its own pace. Use flowers, blackboards or chart papers to write your baby’s age. If your baby is 3-4 months old, photograph them on their tummy or back. Take a photo of the baby with the card that mentions their milestone along with their age. Whether it’s sitting up, the first tooth, crawling or trying solids there is much to celebrate.
Dos and don’ts of a DIY baby photoshoot
- Take adequate care of their safety, especially when using props. If photographing the baby from above, tie your camera or phone to yourself to avoid accidentally dropping it on the
- The photoshoot time must suit the baby’s schedule. Plan a photoshoot at a time when the baby is in a playful mood for the best results.
- Babies can easily sink into huge blankets, which can be risky.
- Do not place your newborn in unsupported poses, cramped spaces or unstable surfaces.
- Don’t make them wear tight or sharp headbands, jewellery or tiaras.
- Compile a list of baby poses depending on their age for best results.
FAQs
What are some of the photoshoot ideas for a baby boy?
For a baby boy photoshoot at home, you can consider a superhero, adventurous, heaven-sent or water theme. You can also choose profession-based themes like chef (with play vegetables), doctor (with a stethoscope) or singer (with guitar). Construct a spaceship theme with small-speed vehicles.
Which props can I use for the baby photo shoot at home?
Depending on your creativity you can use balloons, flowers, colourful hearts, blackboards, fruits, vegetables, soft toys, pillows, wings, baskets, tubs or blankets. Use a clock to show the time of birth or charts and blackboards to write the age of the baby. Make use of colourful fabrics to create a backdrop on the bed around the sleeping baby. Ensure that nothing hurts the baby.
How to do a baby photoshoot with pets?
Before including a pet in the newborn photoshoot, consider its temperament and behaviour. The pet must be calm and relaxed and should not be irritated with the baby’s presence. Don’t force anything. You must trust the pet around the baby. The pet is not a photo prop, hence, they may require extra shots and more time for posing. Be patient and flexible.