Here we are, in the middle of a global pandemic, and I'm sure there is someone out there that is sad because they'll be giving birth, or have given brith to a new baby, and the newborn session they envisioned is no longer an option!

I'm sorry! A new baby is such a life-changing event, and that wee one will grow so quickly! It is important that you capture those first weeks of life! But, don't despair! You CAN capture your newborn at home, with your own camera, or phone! I'm going to give you a few tips to help you get some of those sweet photos you hoped for!

FIND THE LIGHT. Look around your house for a bright room. If your "master bedroom" or nursery is bright, go there! A big window will help immensely to achieve the kind of photos that you are looking for! Also, TURN OFF overhead lights. You don't want mixed lighting!
Bump up the temperature in your house, or put on a little heater in the room you will be using. Babies love to be warm! Swaddling your baby in a cute blanket, without any clothes will help with warmth and will look really great.
Try to pick light colours. Babies look best wrapped in soft shades of pastels, or white, taupe, etc. A plain white onesie can also be really cute!
Put your camera/phone on "portrait" mode if it has one.
Lay your swaddled baby on the bed or carpet with their face turned toward the window. This will ensure you capture that sweet little face in the best way. Try not to block that light when you position yourself to take a photo.
Try not to angle your shot up the babies nose. Instead shoot from top of the babies head down the nose. It's a much more flattering angle. Also try shooting from straight above the baby, and from the side. Experiment with different angles.
Don't forget to capture those little details - their tiny toes and fingers, etc. It's fun to get them grabbing your finger too for some "perspective of size".
Always focus on the eyes! If anything is going to be out of focus you don't want it to be the eyes! So make sure that's where you are focusing!
If you want to try a little editing, here's my best tips. Don't overdo the edits. Brightening the photo often helps, try deepening the shadows or darks slightly and maybe bring up the highlights! Also try black & white! It can do wonders to a photo that doesn't seem great at first!

Here are a few photos that I took using my phone, and did some minor edits to them. It’s possible friends!