Mommy and I had our very own DIY baby photo shoot at home, and it was a blast! You can have your own photo shoot too! It’s super easy and fun. With a touch of creativity and a bit of effort, you can create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.

To get into model mode, you have to look the part. I wore one of my fanciest gowns, complete with a matching headband. I felt so pretty! Mommy always says I’m pretty, but I felt extra special during our photo shoot.

Mommy and I have some wonderful DIY baby photo shoot tips to help you get started:

Our Best DIY Baby Photo Shoot Tips

Capturing the precious moments of your baby’s early days is a rewarding experience, but it doesn’t have to be a professional affair. With a little preparation and creativity, you can create beautiful, lasting memories right from the comfort of your home. We have some DIY baby photo shoot tips that we learned from our own at-home photo shoots.

1. Choose the Right Time

Babies are happiest when they are well-rested and fed. Plan your photo shoot around your baby’s nap schedule to ensure they are in the best mood. This way, you can capture those adorable smiles and giggles that make for the perfect photo.

Morning hours usually work best, as babies are often more alert and content. Make sure to have everything ready before your baby wakes up, including props, outfits, and any lighting equipment you may need. Setting the scene beforehand will help the photo shoot run smoothly and ensure that you can focus on capturing those precious moments without any interruptions.

2. Lighting For Your DIY Baby Photo Shoot

Good lighting will show off those beautiful features. Bad lighting will cast unflattering shadows. To ensure good lighting for your DIY baby photo shoot, try to schedule your session during the daytime when natural light is abundant. Sunlight is generally best, but a good soft light will work too.

Position your baby near a large window or open door to let in the most light possible. Avoid harsh overhead lighting or direct sunlight, as this can make your baby squint. Soft, diffused light is ideal for capturing those sweet, angelic expressions.

Try experimenting with various angles to see the effects of different lighting. You may find that backlighting creates a beautiful halo effect around your baby, while side lighting can bring out their features in a dramatic way. Don’t be afraid to play around with different lighting setups to see what works best for capturing those precious moments.

3. Background vs. Backdrop

You don’t want to ruin your pretty pictures with a pile of dishes sitting on the counter in the background. Simplicity is key when it comes to creating timeless and beautiful images of your little one. A clean and organized background will help draw the viewer’s attention to your baby and create a more professional-looking photograph.

A well-thought-out background can truly elevate your baby photos from ordinary to extraordinary. Outdoor settings provide natural and dynamic backgrounds that add depth and interest to your baby’s photos. If you want to add a pop of color, ensure it complements your baby’s skin tone and outfit.

If you can’t find a suitable background, consider improvising one. You can create a makeshift backdrop using simple materials like fabric or paper to achieve a clean and professional look. A backdrop doesn’t have to be a complicated painted scene—keep it simple.

A large sheet or blanket will do the trick. Choose one in a neutral color and avoid anything with a bold pattern. The focus of the photo should be the model, not the backdrop. You don’t want it to overwhelm the scene. Tuck the edges into a tall piece of furniture, behind a door, or use tape to adhere it to the wall.

4. Furniture and Props

Props can add interest and help tell a story in your photo shoot. Choose props that are relevant to the theme or message you are trying to convey. Be mindful not to overcrowd the scene with too many props, as this can distract from the main subject. Keep them simple and minimal to achieve a clean and professional look.

Your model doesn’t have to sit on the ground. You could sit your model on a chair or on an arrangement of pillows. If you’re using a sheet or blanket for a backdrop, you could stuff pillows underneath to position the model better or just for added volume and texture.

Drape a blanket over the back of a chair to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere for your photo shoot. A toy or two can add a touch of personality without overwhelming the scene. Remember to have fun and let your creativity shine through in your photography.

5. DIY Baby Photo Shoot Wardrobe

Keep those creative juices flowing when choosing outfits for your model. Select clothing that will complement the overall vibe you are trying to create in your photo shoot. Play around with different colors, patterns, and textures to add visual interest.

Don’t expect a baby to go through a dozen wardrobe changes. Little ones get tired easily, and this photo shoot is supposed to be fun. Pick one or two of your favorite outfits for your model to wear during the shoot. Remember, the focus should be on capturing genuine moments and expressions, not on constantly changing clothes.

Accessories like hats, scarves, or jewelry can also help enhance the look and feel of the photos. Remember to keep safety and the comfort of your model in mind, as they will be the one wearing the outfits throughout the shoot. Ultimately, have fun experimenting with different wardrobe choices to bring your vision to life.

6. Time to Vogue

Babies can sense your mood, so keep the atmosphere light and enjoyable. Get your model in position and the camera aimed and ready. Time to unleash the fun!

Create a cheerful environment by playing some of your baby’s favorite tunes and start clicking. The music can help set the mood and make your little one feel more at ease. Make a silly face or a funny sound to keep your baby engaged and happy. You may feel silly, but the funnier you are, the better those pictures will turn out.

Use your baby’s favorite toys to keep them entertained and engaged during the photo shoot. Pull out a toy, jiggle or squeak it just above the camera, and click some more. Don’t be afraid to get down on their level and play with them to capture those natural, candid moments. Just relax, have fun, and enjoy the special moments you are capturing with your little one.

7. Use Natural Poses

Let your baby move naturally and capture their spontaneous actions. This will result in more authentic and genuine photos that truly showcase your baby’s personality. Avoid forcing poses, as it can make the photos look stiff. Instead, gently guide your baby with toys or sounds to get their attention and capture those moments.

Don’t be afraid to let go of the control and just let your baby be themselves. The best shots often come when your little one is just being their adorable, unfiltered self. So relax, have fun, and enjoy the process of capturing these precious moments.

8. Get Close and Personal

Close-up shots can create intimate and emotional portraits. Capture the tiny details that make your baby unique, like their little fingers, toes, and facial expressions. Zoom in on their sparkling eyes or capture the way they scrunch up their nose when they smile.

These close-up shots will not only showcase your baby’s individuality but also evoke strong emotions when you look back on them in the future. The tiny details that may seem insignificant now will become cherished memories as your little one grows older. So don’t be afraid to get up close and personal with your camera to truly capture the essence of your little one.

9. Experiment with Different Angles

Don’t be afraid to move around and try different angles and perspectives to add variety to your collection. Shoot from above, get down to baby eye level, or capture their profile. The more variety in angles you try, the more interesting and dynamic your photos will be. Different perspectives can add depth and interest to your photos.