10 Essential Newborn Photo Ideas (Free PDF Included!)

The arrival of a new baby is wonderful and exciting! But It can also be a tad overwhelming… The last thing you want is to forget to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments. So here’s a list of 10 Essential Newborn Photo Ideas to make sure you have all the images you might want.

You can skip the article and download the pdf right here, if you prefer. Or read on for more detailed information.

Table of Contents

• Here are 10 Must-Have Newborn Photo Ideas (Examples from a single newborn session)
• 1. Family Photo With New Baby
• 2. Portrait Of Baby
• 3. Baby Details
• 4. Alone Time With Mama/Parent A
• 5. Alone Time With Dad/Parent B
• 6. Meeting Older Sibling(s)
• 7. Breastfeeding or Bottle-feeding
• 8. Naked Baby Or Down to the Diaper
• 9. Baby In Crib or Bassinet
• 10. Just the Parents
• 11. Meeting a Grandparent (Bonus!)
• How To Take Newborn Photos At Home
• More Newborn Photo Ideas from a Los Angeles Newborn Photographer
• Download the Free PDF: 10 Must-Have Newborn Photo Ideas

Here are 10 Must-Have Newborn Photo Ideas (Examples from a single newborn session)

As an at-home newborn photographer, I go into each session with a shot list in mind. Though the images will vary greatly from one family to another, this is a great starting point. Keep in mind: Not all of these may apply to you depending in your family’s configuration. Use the list at your discretion. Here are 10 newborn photo ideas–

1. Family Photo With New Baby

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for – your baby is now earthside! Squeeze everyone onto the bed or couch so you can all be together.

2. Portrait Of Baby

Take a photo that focuses on their little face so you can take in all the details, and virtually introduce them to your friends and family.

3. Baby Details

Tiny hands, tiny feet, tiny head… These details are great markers to give you a sense of scale, and show you how quickly they grow!

4. Alone Time With Mama/Parent A

Document those delicious cuddles, when you still can’t believe they’re here.

5. Alone Time With Dad/Parent B

Enjoy a few minutes just the two of you.

6. Meeting Older Sibling(s)

If this isn’t your first child, then your older kid(s) will certainly be eager to meet the new baby. Be ready – this can go either way at first. A new baby is a lot to process for a child. But regardless, it’s a moment you’ll want to remember.

7. Breastfeeding or Bottle-feeding

Whether you are nursing or bottle-feeding, each feed is an opportunity to bond. (I wish I had this photo myself!)

8. Naked Baby Or Down to the Diaper

Your baby will change so much in the first few weeks. They will fill out so quickly! Make sure to capture their tiny bodies, because they’ll never look like this again!

9. Baby In Crib or Bassinet

This is one of my favorite images because it gives you a great sense of scale. Look how tiny they are! Pro tip: You might need a step stool to get this shot.

10. Just the Parents

Once the baby is born, they will have everyone’s attention. But let’s not forget the people who started this family in the first place. (This is also a great opportunity to reconnect with your partner and reflect on what you have accomplished together. Even if it’s just for a quick minute.)

11. Meeting a Grandparent (Bonus!)

If you or your partner are lucky enough to have a parent who’s around and will be a part of your baby’s life, you must get a shot of them meeting!

How To Take Newborn Photos At Home

Though the benefits of working with a professional newborn photographer are endless, you might be curious about DIY Newborn Photos. Here’s an article I wrote with lots of tips and inspiration with newborn photo ideas in case you want to take your own photos at home. 

More Newborn Photo Ideas from a Los Angeles Newborn Photographer

If you’re local to Los Angeles, CA and you’re curious about hiring a professional newborn photographer, check out my Newborn Services page to see what that experience might look like. I’d love to chat with you.

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Download the Free PDF: 10 Must-Have Newborn Photo Ideas

Grab the free pdf right here!