Newborn Photography: DIY Tips and When to Hire a Pro

Newborns change fast. Here's how to capture them.

Best Timing

Days 5-14 for professional posed newborn photos. Baby is still sleepy and curly. After 2 weeks, they're more alert and harder to pose.

DIY Tips

• Natural light near a window (no flash)
• Keep baby warm (they'll sleep better)
• Shoot during a food coma
• Get in the photos yourself
• Focus on details: tiny fingers, toes, eyelashes

When to Hire a Pro

If posed, artistic photos are important to you. Pro photographers have props, lighting, and experience keeping babies calm and safe.

What to Expect

Sessions last 2-4 hours (lots of feeding and soothing breaks). Cost: $200-500 typically. Book before birth.