Taking Your Own Newborn Photos in the Hospital | College Station Newborn Photographer
Here in College Station (and many other areas!), mamas are still only allowed one support person at the hospital, which means hiring a fresh 48 photographer for newborn photos is a no-go. But I want to encourage you! It is still possible to capture beautiful images of your fresh babe. Here are a few tips + a list of shots to take!
Use What You Have
Not everyone has a DSLR, and even if you do, you might not be comfortable shooting in manual. If this is you, I’d encourage you to either use your smart phone or Aperture Priority mode on you DSLR. Aperture Priority mode allows you to set the aperture, which controls how much of the image is in focus. The camera will take care of the rest of the settings. You want to select an aperture as low as your lens allows (usually in the f/3 - f/5 range). If this feels too daunting, simply shoot in Auto, or use your smart phone.
Window Light!
Thankfully, most hospital rooms have BIG windows! Turn off those overhead lights and open up the blinds & curtains. Shooting in mid day when the sun is above the building should allow you to get plenty of lovely window light without harsh, directional light beaming straight in.
Ask Your Nurse for Help
Ask your nurse to swaddle your baby. They are fantastic at it! Personally, I love hospital swaddles, as they help tell the story of where you are. But it’s also perfectly fine to use your own set. Totally up to you! While your nurse is in the room, ask them to snap a few family shots.
List of shots to take:
Details, details, details! — in the bassinet, before swaddling. Place bassinet near window and shoot with your back to the window.
Toes, hands, hair, lips, ears, hospital bands, the list could go on… ! Just photograph whatever feels right to you.
Baby in bassinet — place near window, but not in harsh light.
Baby laying on their back (can do close up and full body) — shoot from above
Baby laying on their back — shoot from the side of the bassinet, can shoot toward or away from the window
Profile shot of baby’s face while laying on their side, swaddled — shoot from above
Family Shots—Mom & Dad sit on the edge of the bed, facing the window or stand facing the window. Nurse should have their back to the window.
Mom, dad + baby
Mom + baby
Dad + baby
Last tip, consider asking your photographer for help! Chances are, they’d love to do a zoom call and walk you through taking photos. They may also be willing to edit photos that you send to them. And remember, it’s okay that your photos don’t look exactly like other photos that you’ve seen. Each hospital room, baby, lighting situation, etc. is different and that’s perfectly okay.
Haven is an experienced photographer servicing Bryan, College Station, and Navasota, TX. She has been working in photography for 5+ years and enjoys serving the Brazos Valley. Haven specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, birth and family photography. To book a shoot, visit her contact page.