Whether you are a parent looking to do DIY newborn hospital photography with your phone or a professional photographer, these sessions are a chance to document raw emotions, tender interactions, and the beginnings of new family bonds. This guide offers 10 newborn hospital photography ideas, preparation, and editing tips to help you provide the best results.
Here you will find ideas like:
DIY & Professional Preparation For Newborn Hospital Photography Ideas
Preparing for newborn hospital photography involves gathering the right equipment and planning for the best setting conditions. Here’s a breakdown to ensure you capture those precious moments beautifully:
Prepping the Room
Clear the Space: Remove clutter and unnecessary items from the room to create a clean and visually appealing backdrop.
Natural Light: Position the newborn near a window to utilize soft, natural light. This helps create a gentle and flattering illumination that enhances the newborn’s features.
Props and Setup: Choose simple and meaningful props that complement the hospital setting. Soft blankets, pillows, balloons, small toys, and customized namecard can add warmth without overwhelming the newborn.
DIY Photography Phone/Camera Settings
| Phone Settings | Camera App: Use a camera app with manual controls or features like portrait mode for enhanced depth of field.Resolution: Set your phone’s camera to the highest resolution available for sharp images.Burst Mode: Utilize burst mode for capturing quick movements or expressions. |
| Camera Settings | Tripod: Use a stable tripod or a phone stand to avoid camera shake, especially during self-timer shots.Natural Light: Opt for natural light and avoid using flash, which can be harsh for newborns. |
Professional Photography Phone/Camera Settings
| Camera Settings | DSLR/Mirrorless Camera: Use manual mode to control aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for optimal exposure.Lenses: Choose lenses according to the desired effect—wide-angle for environmental shots, portrait lenses for close-ups, and macro lenses for detailed shots.Tripod and Camera Strap: Ensure stability with a tripod and use a secure camera strap for comfort and safety. |
| Lighting Setup | Natural Light: Whenever possible, prioritize natural light supplemented by additional lighting to control and enhance the scene. |
10 Newborn Hospital Photography Ideas: Precious Memories
Here is the elaborated view of the newborn hospital photography ideas:
1. Family Photo with the Newborn
To start, a family photo with the newborn is a must-have shot. Arrange parents, siblings, and some cute props around the baby to capture their shared joy and connection.
Use natural light if possible, positioning the family near a window to avoid harsh shadows. Encourage them to interact naturally—smiling, looking at the baby, or sharing a kiss.
Moreover, shoot from various angles to capture different perspectives. Wide shots can include the whole family, while close-ups focus on their expressions and the baby’s tiny features.
For DIY photography in the hospital, you can use a phone with a good camera, phone tripod, and timer feature. Professionals can use a DSLR/mirrorless camera, a tripod, wide-angle and portrait lenses.
Photo Credit: gettyimages.com
Photo Credit: simplebc.top
If you want to learn more, check out our informative blog on studio family photography, which provides tips and techniques for capturing beautiful family moments in a studio setting. Additionally, for photographers interested in product photography, our blog on stunning jewelry photography offers valuable information on shooting captivating jewelry photos.
2. Mom Holding Newborn Baby by the Window
Next, natural light is a photographer’s best friend. Position the mother holding her newborn near a window to utilize soft, diffused light.
This setup not only provides a beautiful, natural glow but also creates a serene and intimate atmosphere. Capture both wider shots showing the window and surrounding environment and close-up shots of mom gazing lovingly at the baby.
Encourage the mother to interact with her baby, whether it’s a gentle kiss, a tender touch, or simply admiring her newborn’s features.
For DIY newborn photography in a hospital, you need to use a phone with burst mode. If you are a professional photographer, use—a DSLR/mirrorless camera, and prime lens.
Photo: amandamusselmanphotography.com
3. Father Holding Newborn Baby
Similarly, fathers holding their newborns offer another touching moment. These photos can highlight the strength and tenderness of a father’s love.
Experiment with different angles—shoot from above to capture the baby’s face and the father’s proud expression, or from the side to show the baby nestled safely in the dad’s arms. Also, encourage the father to speak softly to the baby or to gently touch their tiny hands or feet. These interactions add depth and emotion to the images.
If you are doing DIY newborn hospital photography, use a phone with a good camera, and a phone stand. For Professionals, my suggestion is to use a DSLR/mirrorless camera, portrait lens, and tripod.
Photo Credit: yiliphotography.com
Photo Credit: slate.com
4. Overhead Photo of Newborn in Bassinet
In addition, overhead shots of a newborn in their hospital bassinet are a great way to capture the baby’s tiny size and peacefulness. Stand directly above the bassinet and shoot downwards, ensuring your camera is secure to avoid accidents.
You can include elements like the hospital namecard or a soft blanket to add context and warmth to the photo. Also, you can ask a parent to gently touch the baby.
For DIY newborn photography collect a phone with portrait mode, and a camera strap, and use natural light. On the other hand for professional photography use a DSLR/mirrorless camera, macro or prime lens, and camera strap. Additionally, use a wide aperture (low f-stop) to create a shallow depth of field, making the baby the focal point while softly blurring the background.
Once again, if you want to explore more sides of Photography read this blog on finding the best background for jewelry photography.
Photo Credit: terryfarmsphotography.com
Photo Credit: istockphoto.com
5. Newborn Baby’s Tiny Details
Capturing the tiny details of a newborn—their hands, feet, ears, and nose—can create beautiful and intimate images. Use a macro lens or a lens with a close focusing distance to get sharp, detailed shots.
Pay attention to lighting; soft, natural light works best to highlight these delicate features without casting harsh shadows. These detailed shots can be compiled into a collage or album, providing a precious keepsake for the family.
For a DIY photography session use a phone with macro mode. Professionals can do it with a DSLR/mirrorless camera, and macro lens.
Photo Credit: facebook.com/everlasting.images32
6. Siblings Meeting the Newborn
Another key moment is when siblings meet the newborn, filled with wonder and excitement. Position siblings close to the baby, encouraging gentle touches and interactions.
Capture their expressions as they discover their new brother or sister. Wide shots can show the entire scene, while close-ups focus on the siblings’ faces and hands.
This is a great time to use a fast shutter speed to catch quick movements and genuine reactions. For DIY photographers, using burst mode on a smartphone can help capture the perfect moment.
Photo Credit: kellylaramore.com
Photo Credit: lifenowphotography.com
7. Newborn and Grandparents Meeting
The moment grandparents meet their new grandchild is just as special. These photos can be taken with the grandparents holding the baby or simply admiring them from a close distance.
Encourage interactions such as gentle kisses or holding the baby’s hands. These moments will be cherished by the family for generations.
For a DIY newborn hospital photo session, use your phone’s camera and a tripod for steady shots. Professionals can use a DSLR/mirrorless camera, a portrait lens, natural light, and and tripod.
Photo Credit: thebump.com
Photo Credit: yiliphotography.com
8. Swaddled Newborn
Of course, photos of the newborn swaddled in a hospital blanket are classic and comforting. Ensure the baby is snug and content in the swaddle before shooting.
Use a variety of angles—overhead shots to show the whole swaddle, close-ups of the baby’s face peeking out, and side shots to capture the baby’s peaceful sleep.
Phone or Pro? During a DIY, use your phone’s camera with natural light. For stability, prop it up on a cushion or pillow. For professional photography use a DSLR/mirrorless camera, a prime lens, and natural light.
Photo Credit: todaysparent.com
Photo Credit: westend61.de
9. Newborn With the Namecard
I already mentioned this in the idea number 4. Nevertheless, you can take your newborn hospital photography technique further by including the hospital namecard in the photo. These add a personal and contextual touch.
Place the namecard near the baby in the bassinet or next to the baby on the bed. Or you can just make a customized one as well! Ensure the card is legible and in focus. This shot is not only sentimental but also informative, documenting the baby’s birth details.
If it’s a DIY photo session, use your phone’s camera with natural light. For professional shots bring a DSLR/mirrorless camera. Choose a macro or prime lens for stunning detail shots and utilize use natural light.
Photo Credit: jennyrusbyphotography.com
Photo Credit: i.pinimg.com
10. Newborn With Hospital Staff
Lastly, capturing photos of the newborn with the hospital staff, such as nurses and doctors, honors the care and support provided during the birth. These images can include candid moments of staff interacting with the baby and parents or posed shots with the team.
This adds a narrative element to the photos, showcasing the collaborative effort in welcoming the new life.
For DIY newborn photography, use your phone’s camera in wide-angle mode with natural light to capture everyone and their connection in one frame. If you are a professional photographer, bring a DSLR/mirrorless camera and a wide-angle lens and use natural light.
Photo Credit: hurstvillematernity.com.au
Once, you are done with the photoshoot, editing is a must to make these precious moments flawless.
Post-Processing the Newborn Hospital Photos
Whether you’re a DIY photographer or a professional, you can do the editing personally using tools like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. However, for even better results, consider a professional image retouching service. This can ensure your photos of newborns remain timeless and of the highest quality.
So, capturing newborn moments in the hospital is a cherished opportunity to document raw emotions and new family bonds. Whether DIY or professional, these 10 ideas can help you preserve these precious memories beautifully.
