Hailey Tran
Photographing newborns in the hospital is a special way to capture memories of your baby's first days. While hiring a professional photographer is an option, you can also take your own photos. To prepare, you should check your hospital's photography policy and be mindful of medical staff. Using natural light is best, and you can achieve this by turning off the overhead lights and opening the blinds. When it comes to posing, keep it simple and avoid complicated setups. Capture the full-length, face, and tiny details of your newborn, and don't forget to include yourself and your family in the photos. Editing apps are available to enhance your photos, and you can also use a tripod for better results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Open blinds to let in natural light; avoid direct sunlight; turn off overhead lights; clean phone camera lens; avoid using flash |
| Timing | Within the first 48 hours after the baby is born; late morning or a little before/after high noon, depending on the direction of the windows |
| Preparation | Check the hospital's photography policy; be mindful of medical staff and ask before including them in shots; consider waiting to share photos online until you're home; ask nurses about the best times for photos around medical checks |
| Composition | Center the subject or use the rule of thirds; capture full-length, face, and details like eyelashes, hands, and toes; photograph the baby in a parent's safe embrace or lying in a bassinet/crib |
| Equipment | Camera or phone; tripod; Lightroom app for editing |
| Appearance | Freshen up with hair and makeup if desired; pack a wrinkle-free shirt |
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What You'll Learn
- Lighting is key: natural light is best, and avoid using flash
- Camera and editing apps: use a phone camera, and edit with Lightroom
- Framing and posing: try different angles, and keep it simple
- Hospital policy: check guidelines, and avoid medical staff in shots
- Time and timing: plan around medical checks, and shoot before or after noon
Lighting is key: natural light is best, and avoid using flash
When it comes to photographing newborns in a hospital setting, lighting is key. Natural light is best, so open the blinds as wide as possible to let in outside light. Some hospitals have large windows that let in plenty of natural light, while others may have smaller windows or those that face walls. Work with what you have and try to maximise the natural light available.
The time of day will also impact the lighting. Generally, late morning is a good time to capture bright, indirect light. If the sun is streaming directly into the room, wait until it moves and you no longer see bright spots on the floor. Turn off any overhead lights, as these can cast an orange or yellow tone on the baby's skin, making their skin appear more orange and blotchy. The only exception is if it is dark and gloomy outside, in which case you may need to keep the lights on to ensure you have enough light.
When positioning the baby, try to have their head closer to the window and their feet further away. This will create a soft, flattering light that comes down their body from head to toe. Avoid placing their feet nearest to the window, as this can create an unflattering up-lighting effect. If you're photographing the baby in a parent's arms, stand the parent next to the window and turn them slightly towards the light, then shoot from a slightly elevated position.
Remember to turn off your flash, as it can be harsh and wake the baby. If you're using a phone, be sure to clean the camera lens first, as hospital lighting can highlight smudges. You can also use editing apps, such as Lightroom, to enhance your photos after the shoot.
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Camera and editing apps: use a phone camera, and edit with Lightroom
Photographing newborns in a hospital setting is a heartwarming way to capture those early memories. Using your phone camera and editing with Lightroom, you can achieve some beautiful shots. Here are some tips to help you prepare and make the most of this special time:
Firstly, it is important to note that natural light is key. Before taking any photos, turn off the overhead lights in the room. Artificial light can cause discoloration and unwanted shadows. Open the blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. If you can, position yourself near a window to take advantage of the soft, indirect light. The time of day matters, too; late morning often provides the best light, and you want to avoid harsh, direct sunlight.
Now, for the camera setup. If you have a tripod, use it! It will help stabilise your phone and ensure sharper images. If not, rest your phone on a stable surface. Use the back lens of your phone, as it tends to be more reliable than the selfie camera. Clean your phone's lens, as hospital lighting can highlight smudges. Turn off the flash, as you don't want to startle the baby, and turn off portrait mode, too. For iPhone users, enable HDR to better handle window light and shadows, and for Samsung users, Pro mode will let you adjust exposure in tricky lighting.
When it comes to composition, get creative with your angles! Shoot from above, the side, or even climb onto a chair for a unique perspective. Capture the baby's tiny features, like their hands, feet, and ears. Include the hospital gear, like the swaddle and bassinet, and don't be afraid to ask a nurse to take a family photo, too. Get a mix of close-ups and full-body shots, and remember to capture the little details, like hospital bracelets and the dry-erase board.
Lastly, editing with Lightroom will help enhance your photos. The app has a free version and offers more flexibility in editing, especially if you shoot in RAW. There are also presets available to simplify the editing process, similar to Instagram filters.
Remember, don't stress too much about perfection. These photos will be cherished memories no matter what, and you can always refer to online tutorials for further guidance on both photography and editing.
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Framing and posing: try different angles, and keep it simple
Framing and posing are key aspects of photography, and with a newborn as your subject, it's important to keep things simple and focus on capturing those early memories.
Firstly, lighting is crucial. Natural light is best, so open those blinds and let the daylight flood in. Turn off any harsh overhead lights and avoid using a flash, as this may wake the baby. The time of day matters, too—aim for bright, indirect light, typically found in the late morning. If you're using a window, ensure the sun isn't streaming directly in, creating bright spots. For the best lighting, position the baby with their head closer to the window, following a 45-90-degree angle from the light source. This will illuminate them from head to toe, creating a soft, flattering light.
Now, for posing and framing. Keep it simple and authentic. Avoid complicated poses, especially those you've seen online, as these can be unsafe for the baby. Instead, opt for a parent's embrace or the baby lying in a bassinet. For full-body shots, capture the baby from different angles—straight on, from above, or slightly angled down. Avoid shooting from below the chin to prevent unflattering up-lighting. If you want to get creative, try the "rule of thirds" technique, placing your subject along imaginary lines dividing the frame into thirds for a balanced composition.
If you're feeling more confident, try some close-up shots of the baby's face, capturing those tiny details like eyelashes, hands, and toes. For a heartwarming image, photograph the baby in a parent's outstretched hands, highlighting their tiny size. And don't forget to include yourself! Use a timer to capture everyone snuggled up together, keeping heads at the same level for a cohesive shot.
Lastly, consider your surroundings. Clear any clutter, and if you're using props, keep them simple and minimal. A blanket draped over the crib or a light-colored quilt on the bed can create a fresh, clean backdrop.
Remember, these early days are fleeting, and your photos will be treasured memories, so keep it simple, embrace the imperfection, and have fun capturing those precious moments.
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Hospital policy: check guidelines, and avoid medical staff in shots
Hospital policies vary, so it's important to check their guidelines on photography. Some hospitals have specific rules about when and where you can take photos. For example, some hospitals may allow photographers to visit the birthing unit, while others may not. Therefore, it's always good to check ahead of time to avoid any surprises.
In addition to checking the hospital's guidelines, it's important to be mindful of medical staff and avoid including them in your shots without their consent. While it's wonderful to capture memories of your newborn, it's essential to respect the privacy and wishes of the medical staff. Always ask before taking photos that include them in the frame. This simple act of consideration can go a long way in maintaining a positive environment for everyone involved.
If you're unsure about the hospital's policies or have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to the staff. They can provide valuable insights and guidance on the best times and locations for photos while ensuring that important medical checks and care routines are not disrupted. By planning ahead and being considerate of the hospital's guidelines and staff, you can create beautiful memories of your newborn's first days in a respectful and harmonious manner.
To summarise, here are some key points to consider when photographing newborns in a hospital setting:
- Check the hospital's photography policy and guidelines.
- Avoid including medical staff in your shots without their consent.
- Be mindful of others' privacy and personal space.
- Plan your photo sessions around important medical checks and care routines.
- Respect the wishes of the medical staff and follow their instructions.
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Time and timing: plan around medical checks, and shoot before or after noon
The first few days after birth can pass by in a blur, so it's a good idea to plan the timing of your newborn photoshoot in advance. If you're hiring a professional photographer, they will come to the hospital to capture these early memories before you are discharged.
If you're taking the photos yourself, it's a good idea to ask the nurses about the best times to take photos around your baby's medical checks. They can advise you on when to shoot to avoid disrupting important care routines.
When it comes to the time of day, the lighting will be a crucial factor in achieving the best results. Aim to shoot when you get the brightest indirect light, typically in the late morning. If possible, turn off the overhead lights in your room, as they can cast an orange or yellow tone on the baby's skin. Instead, utilise natural light by opening the blinds as wide as possible. However, if it's a rainy or dark day, you may need to keep the overhead lights on to ensure sufficient lighting.
If you want to capture the magical first 48 hours after birth, plan to take photos both before and after noon to capture the full range of emotions and moments during this special time.
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Frequently asked questions
First, check your hospital’s photography policy and ask the medical staff before including them in any shots. Then, clear the clutter and find a plentiful source of soft, natural light, like a big window. If there is no natural light available, you may need to turn on the overhead lights. Clean your phone camera lens before starting and turn off your flash.
For portraits of your newborn, try laying them angled 45–90 degrees from the light source with their head closer to the window. You can also swaddle your baby in the hospital swaddle, place them in the bassinet, and roll the bassinet near the window. If you want a full family shot, use the timer function on your camera or phone and get everyone to sit together in a tight, snuggly huddle on the bed.
You can use the Lightroom app, available on the app store from Adobe, to edit your photos. There are also tons of tutorials on YouTube that can help you get started with the app.
