Lights. Camera. And Act… actually hold on. This isn’t a professional photoshoot.
We’re talking about an easy, inexpensive DIY baby photoshoot that you can do from the comfort of your home. Right from the newborn stage to the toddler age, we’ve got you covered.
The arrival of your baby is an exciting time for the whole family. You find yourself trying to capture every tiny adorable moment. But somehow your pictures don’t look as appealing as you’d like them to. Filled with disappointment, you wish you had hired a professional photographer instead.
Stop that thought right there. You can save that for the big occasions. Because at the end of this post, you’ll have all the inspiration you need for your very own DIY baby photoshoot at home.
All you’ll need is your phone camera and a few odds and ends that you can find around your house. Easy-peasy.
DIY Baby Photoshoot Ideas at Home
01. Let’s talk DIY newborn baby photoshoot
First things first – the big announcement. As parents, you are eager to announce the birth of your baby to the world. But if you’re thinking of updating your social media with a simple (read: boring) photo and text, then hold on. After all, these are memories that you’ll treasure for a lifetime, so it’s worth a bit of effort.
The best part is, you don’t need fancy props. Look around your home for simple items that you can use. Here are some ideas:
– A dumbbell or a weighing scale to show your baby’s weight;
– An old toy belonging to the mom or dad of the baby adds that extra sentimental value;
– A measuring tape or scale to show height;
– Wooden baby blocks, bunting, scrabble tiles to spell out the baby’s name;
– Fresh flowers around your newborn baby girl for an extra-feminine vibe;
– An old clock or watch to show the time of birth;
– A calendar to show the date of birth;
– Pick a theme and stick to it. For example, colors, seasons, festivals, sports, floral, etc;
Lay everything flat on a pretty blanket, sheet or carpet. Anything soft that also makes for a pretty background will work. Click photos from directly above.
That wasn’t so hard now, was it? Now you’re all set to share the news of your beautiful baby boy or girl with the world.
So, the announcement is finally done. Now, this is where your new journey as your baby’s official photographer begins. Are you ready?
02. The Cocoon Wrap
This is one of our favorite infant photoshoot ideas that you can do at home and it is easy too. You will need some cloth to wrap your baby in, preferably stretchy material. Tuck the baby’s hands and legs in (or leave the hands out) and start wrapping. Watch this tutorial for a step by step guide.
If you can find a cute basket to put your wrapped up little angel in, great! You can take different shots by playing around with accessories, placement of the baby’s hands (palms on either side of the cheek, tucked under the chin, etc.). Remember to always go with what your baby seems comfortable with.
Tip: If your baby cries at first, don’t give up. Work through the crying and keep on wrapping. Babies love a good snug wrap. Gently soothe your baby and he/she will most likely drift off into dreamland pretty quick.
03. Baby Basket
Remember that gift hamper that you received a few years ago and that lovely basket it came in? You kept it knowing that it’ll come in handy someday. Well, that day has come. If you don’t have one, look for something similar. A bread basket, a wooden crate, an old trunk, even a cardboard box.
Line it up with soft blankets and add a few soft toys if you wish. If the basket is deep, fill it with more blankets so your baby lays on top. Lastly, place your baby in it, and rest assured that you’re on your way to a very successful DIY baby photoshoot.
You can also look into newborn photo tips for making your photography skills grow.
04. Heaven sent
Use soft, fluffy fabrics and flowers to give your baby that ethereal feel. If you don’t happen to have tiny angel wings, you can make your own using these feathers from Itsy Bitsy.
05. A Little Ballerina
A beautiful white tutu, paired with a diamante headband or a headband of flowers. Either of these makes for a breathtaking photo. If you don’t have a tutu, you can always make your own.
06. Go vintage with letterboards
Felt letterboards were all the rage a couple of years ago. If you still have one lying at home, bring it out and use it for your next shot to announce milestones, funny quotes, etc
07. Bring out the fun headgear
When photographing your wee one, you really want to capture all those rolls and wrinkles. Keep them scantily clad, as long as they’re not too cold.
Feel free to experiment with fun hats for your baby boy and cute headbands for your baby girl. If you like knitting, making these accessories can be another DIY project for you.
08. With the older siblings
Don’t forget to capture a few heartwarming moments with the older sibling too.
09. Make it fun
Imagine looking at these photos 20 years later and laughing your hearts out. That was the whole point of your photoshoot right?
You can also upgrade your skills by checking out Kid’s photography tips.
10. The twins
The only thing cuter than one baby is two babies. This is a fun idea for a twin baby photoshoot – create a setup at home that is easy to replicate in the future. Take another picture a few years later and you have a fun ‘then and now’ photo.
11. Monthly Photos
The monthly photo trend is here to stay. Babies grow and develop much faster within the first year. Take a photo on the same date every month and note down all the new things your baby has begun to do.
The major milestones are 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months. You can do this for as long as you like but most people stop once they turn one. If you’d like your photos to have a more natural feel.
12. Hot air or Balloons
This is one of the many creative baby photoshoot ideas that you can do at home using balloons. You can even use them as a backdrop. Put a light behind them for that lovely glow.
You can create this with very little effort using simple household items. The result will be well worth it.
While trying to capture the best images of your baby, there are a lot of factors that can get in the way. Make sure you’re well prepared with our list of baby photoshoot ideas at home.
13. Black and white series
Create a series of black and white photos that will look striking on your living room wall. The absence of color takes away all distractions.
It allows you to appreciate the finer details of the object, in this case, it is your baby. Wall photo frame, one of the best photo memories to be created.
14. Smiling asleep – must capture moments
When a baby smiles in his/her sleep it could mean different things. Right from passing gas to responses to emotion. Either way, there’s no denying the joy you feel when you see it. The next time you find yourself staring at your sleeping baby, keep your camera/phone handy. These fleeting moments are priceless.
15. The yawn – must capture moments
Newborn babies yawn a lot and gosh, aren’t they just adorable!
16. Get plenty of close-ups
Trust us, in a few years, you and your partner will be gushing over these. Make your baby photos turn into special online photo collage.
READ: You can go for Mom and Son photoshoot ideas.
17. Get creative with fabrics
Don’t hesitate to give this DIY summer theme photoshoot idea a try. You create this at home on your bed or living room floor.
If you like this, you can find some more inspiration for creating different scenes here.
You can even check out Elena Zemtsova’s Instagram account for more. These work best for babies between the ages of 1 month to 6 months, as they haven’t exactly started sitting up yet.
18. Career day
No one knows what the future holds, but it doesn’t hurt to guess.
19. Capture the holiday spirit
Special occasions like Christmas, Easter, New Year’s, Halloween, etc. are great for themed photoshoots. Pick a costume and make the most of your seasonal home decor by using them as artistic backdrops.
In the same manner, you can also create personalized photo cards for any baby events like baby shower, baby’s 1st birthday, or Baby invitations.
20. DIY creative baby photoshoot backdrops you can make at home
Create backdrops at home with regular items you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to inspire you for your baby’s 1-year birthday photoshoot.
– Use chart paper to cut out shapes like trees, etc;
– Stick colored paper plates in a random pattern on your wall;
– Use lace or any other pretty fabric;
– Use flowers;
– Wooden flooring or planks;
– Bling it up with tin foil;
– Fairy lights.
You can also make personalized birthday cards with your own creativity.
21. Play a little dress up
There are no rules here. Pick a traditional costume or just experiment.
22. Step into nature
A walk in the garden is sure to pique your baby’s curiosity. Make sure you capture all the countless expressions that unfold. Make your photography show more in detail by looking for Kid’s photography guide for beginners.
23. Water baby
Babies love water since they’re born swimmers. Make sure someone is holding your baby at all times while you click away.
24. Playing with bubbles
Aside from looking pretty, bubbles never fail to amuse babies.
25. Milestones
There’s a first time for everything – sitting, standing, laughing, walking, tasting, smiling… we can go on. Document as many as you can.
Remember, everyday counts
Right from the time your baby exits your womb, his/her features undergo so many changes and it happens so fast. To create a beautiful visual story that you can share with your child when he/she grows up, you best start now.
Hope this list of ideas has inspired and encouraged you. Go on, get started with your DIY baby photoshoot project, and make the most of the time you spend with your baby at home.
Create a customized baby photo book with the above list to make your baby’s memories to remain forever.
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