How to take your own newborn photos if your hospital isn't allowing visitors.

As I'm sure you know by now, there's been a bit of a pandemic going on recently. Businesses are shut down, people are staying home, and hospitals are cracking down on visitors. But...people are still having babies. In light of this unavoidable event, there's still a way to get those adorable photos of your new baby, even if your photographer isn't allowed in the hospital anymore.

I'd also like to take a quick second here to say how sorry I am that you're going through all of this right now. Having a baby and giving birth is already one of life's most monumental moments, and it just got harder with all these restrictions. My heart is breaking, especially for all of you who can't even have your partner with you in L&D. But, even in the midst of all of this uncertainty, you can do this! You are strong enough, and you are more than capable. I'm hoping things will change soon, but until then, you've got this!

With that said, let's get to the part where I virtually help you take better photos of your sweet, new babe in the hospital!

1. Prepare the room.

Clean up the trash and hide luggage away, tidy up the bed a little, and open up all the blinds (and turn off all other room lights). Doing these quick and simple things will make your photos a thousand times better.

2. Make sure baby is fed just before starting.

A fed and satisfied baby is a happy, sleepy baby which will make taking photos of them way easier. If you start off by doing this, you'll save yourself some time and effort. But don't worry if baby wants to nurse during your little session. Use it as an opportunity to get photos of nursing/feedings. These are such sweet memories too, so whatever happens, document away!

 3. Find your light.

It's so important to find your light source when taking any kind photos. The lighting can pretty much make or break a picture, so look around the room and see where it's coming from (hopefully a window). You have a couple options here, so play around with the angles and see what you like best. With babies, I prefer to make sure their faces are lit from either the side or from above the top of their head (when lying down). This tends to produce a lighter look to their face and doesn't give them "monster lit" faces (when they're lit from the chin up).

4. Work with all the angles.

The previous gallery can help you see some of your options as well, but the main thing to look for is diversity. Place baby in one spot and take a couple photos in each angle before moving them to a new position. You can get a lot of variety with just one simple pose, so explore your options! Try to avoid shooting at an angle where all you see is baby's nostrils. Little noses are cute, but this angle typically isn't the most flattering.

5. Remember to get all those little details!

These photos tend to be my absolute favorites. It's those little moments that may have gone unnoticed, or the simple day to day activity that seems so special when you remember it. Document it all. A yawn, little toes, siblings showing their new baby their toys. All of these things will be such a sweet memory when you look back at the photos you've taken.

I hope this helps even just a little bit for those of you who are forced to make some hard decisions right now. I can't even imagine what you're going through during this virus, but I want you to know that you have my support and help in any way that I can give it. If you need more assistance, please feel free to contact me! I know there's only so much I can do, but I want to be there for you.

You are not alone.

We are all here for you.

You can do this.