Top 10 Fresh 48 Shots to Get of Your Newborn
The first hours, days, and weeks after your baby's arrival are a whirlwind of precious, fleeting moments. As a boutique full-service newborn photographer in Southwest Missouri, I understand how incredibly important it is to preserve these memories. During your planning consultation with me, we'll often discuss the upcoming labor and postpartum period and the images you'll cherish most from the delivery room, birthing center, or your own home.
Today, I'm sharing my top recommendations for those crucial first newborn photos. These tips will help you guide your partner, family, or doula in capturing the magic of your baby's earliest days.
10 Essential Newborn Photos to Capture Immediately After Birth
While hiring a professional birth photographer is an option, many families prefer to capture these intimate moments themselves. The birthing room is a sacred space, and learning to take your own stunning photos can be incredibly rewarding. If you do choose a professional, ensure they are experienced in newborn safety and handling, and that you trust them implicitly.
Here are my top 10 must-have newborn photos:
Baby in the Hospital Bassinet:
Bring your own soft, personalized newborn blankets and swaddles. The hospital's options may not be as aesthetically pleasing. Ask the nurses to expertly swaddle your baby, creating a cozy nest for the perfect shot. This is a timeless image you'll treasure.
Closeup of Baby's Feet with Hospital Bracelet:
Tiny newborn feet are irresistibly adorable. Capture those precious toes alongside the hospital bracelet. Take various angles and close-ups to highlight their delicate features.
Baby's Belly Button with Clamp:
The umbilical cord is a symbol of the miraculous connection between mother and child. Document this fleeting moment before the cord detaches.
Mother/Father/Parents and Baby (Against a Window):
Create a dreamy aesthetic by posing against a window with filtered light. Move a comfortable chair or rocker to a clutter-free spot. Capture variations with each parent individually and together.
Images of Feeding the Baby:
Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, these moments of bonding are invaluable. Capture the intimacy and connection between you and your baby.
Siblings Holding or Surrounding the Baby:
Prioritize safety. If siblings are young, have them gently surround a safely supported newborn. Capture candid moments of their tender interactions.
Special Visitor Shots:
Document the joy of loved ones meeting your newborn. This also allows you time to rest and rejuvenate.
Elder's Hands with Newborn Hands:
Capture the beautiful contrast of generations by photographing grandparents' or elders' hands with your baby's.
The Doula, Midwife, Special Nurse, etc.:
Acknowledge the support of your birthing team by capturing photos with them and your baby.
Images of the Hospital, Birthing Center, or Your Home:
Create a "Birth Day Time Capsule" by photographing the location where your baby was born. These images will provide valuable context for your child in the future.
Capture Lasting Memories with Barbara Neely Designs
While these immediate photos are essential, consider scheduling a professional newborn session with Barbara Neely Designs. My studio in Southwest Missouri, serving the Springfield area, provides a comfortable and safe environment for capturing stunning newborn portraits. Contact me today to discuss your newborn photography needs, and let's create timeless memories together. I look forward to seeing the images you capture right after your baby is born, and then creating even more beautiful images in my studio.
