Are you blessed with a baby recently? As they say, your baby will grow up in the blink of an eye. Your baby will especially change so much in the first year. So, it is natural for you to take as many pictures as possible. But don't stop with the snapshots. Planning and including some props can take baby photos to the next level.

If you want to properly document how your bundle of joy changes over the first few months, you have come to the right place. We have some great tips for photographing your newborn.

1. Do What's Comfortable

This is the first and foremost rule. Don't try to copy the photos of newborn babies on the internet—babies in a basket, floating in the air, or hanging from a tree branch. These photos may look cute but can be dangerous.

Know your comfort level and do what you can. For example, does your baby look awkwardly positioned in the basket? Then, skip the basket and try something else. Your baby is adorable as such, so just wrap them in a blanket. You don't need much to take beautiful pictures of your baby.

2. Prepare Your Baby Ahead

For a successful photo shoot, your baby should be well-fed and rested. So, plan and feed your baby before taking pictures. You can also schedule the shoot after nap time when your baby is awake and alert.

Also, set up a cleaning area nearby with cleaning supplies like baby wipes, diapers, and extra clothes. This way, you can quickly change the baby and get back to taking pictures.

3. Have an Assistant

You don't have to hire an assistant exactly, but have someone to help you. For example, your spouse or partner can help hold and soothe the baby while you're busy fiddling with the camera settings. Also, they can take care of adjusting the various positions you want your baby to be in.

Even if you're using a tripod, you will appreciate having another person to assist you.

4. Use Natural Light

Powerful lighting can bother your sensitive baby. Your best bet is to find a large window and shoot near it. You can also try a shaded outdoor spot like your backyard or balcony.

If you must use artificial light, opt for continuous lights, and use an appropriate diffuser to get uniform light. A properly diffused continuous light may not bother your newborn like a speed light that flashes often. Here's a guide on the types of lighting in photography.

5. Shoot With a Wide Aperture

When photographing your baby, try to keep the aperture open. A wide aperture can blur the background and give you creamy bokeh, which can elevate the look of your photos. Here are some tips to get beautiful bokeh.

In addition, you don't need any expensive equipment. A fast lens like the 50mm prime lens can be perfect for capturing your baby's photos.

Keep an eye on the background even if you're shooting with a wide aperture—you don't want a cluttered photo.

6. Capture the Expressions

How many times have you looked at your sleeping baby, waiting for that gorgeous smile? Similarly, be patient and wait to capture your baby's different expressions.

Newborn babies do all sorts of facial expressions that are sure to melt your heart. So don't rush the photoshoot and miss them. Remember, you may not get the same moments again in the future.

7. Don't Forget the Tiny Details

Along with expressions, take time to capture your baby's tiny fingers, toes, eyelashes, and so on. Have a macro lens at hand? Bring it out and focus on the little things.

You can also add your or your partner's hands beside your baby to showcase your growing baby.

8. Add Props

Including props in your baby photos can be so much fun, not to mention the cuteness overload. Things like colorful blankets, soft toys, wooden vehicles, and wicker baskets are great props to include in your photo shoot. They can also help tell a story.

However, make sure the props you're using are safe. Pay attention to sharp points and strings that can hurt your baby. Newborn babies have no neck control, so double-check if your little one is supported enough.

9. Keep It Simple

You don't want to shuffle between cameras and lenses when you have a tiny baby at hand; pick your favorite camera and lens combination and stick to it. Got only your iPhone? That's plenty enough for taking pictures of your newborn baby. Here are the best iPhone camera settings for amazing shots.

The same goes for an elaborate background setup. Remember, your baby is the star, so let them shine.

10. Schedule the Photoshoots

When you have a newborn baby at home, you will have many things to take care of. And photographing your baby will probably be at the bottom of your things-to-do list. Schedule to do it on a particular day of the week.

Once your baby is bigger, you can tweak the schedule to bi-weekly or monthly.

11. Involve Siblings and Pets

It is normal to focus more on your newborn baby, but make sure to include siblings and pets in the photos so they don't feel left out. There is nothing that spells love like your older child holding the baby.

As a bonus, you get to see your other kids or pets grow up as well.

12. Be Flexible

Even if you've planned things to the T, sometimes things will not go your way. Your baby is delicate and sensitive and may not cooperate. And you may not get the shot you want. Instead of getting frustrated and tiring your baby, take a break and try another time.

Patience Is Key to Taking Memorable Baby Photos

Taking snapshots is easy, but taking unforgettable pictures of your baby needs patience and practice. You don't need much else. Of course, you can use any basic camera; your iPhone is all you need, really.

Your baby photos will come alive if you use natural light to your advantage. And don't forget to include the right props—you can tell a story with them. Finally, prepare for the unexpected, and have fun.