Can you do a newborn photoshoot yourself?

Well, it depends. If you’re hoping for just a few photos of baby on their own and aren’t very picky about the end result, then you absolutely can. It’s even possible to get sibling shots, or one parent and all the children together. Again, they may not be the perfectly curated photos that you see on Instagram, but if it’s just a few simple memories you’re after, that’ll do just fine.

But getting in the photos yourself, including the whole family and getting high-quality photos that you can proudly hang on your walls? We recommend leaving those to the professionals.

After all, there is a lot that goes in to getting the perfect newborn photos.

As an Edmonton Newborn Photographer, it’s literally my job to capture this magical season of life for my clients. I wholeheartedly believe in the importance of a newborn session and of preserving this season of life forever. And yet, the only photos I have of my own daughter’s first weeks of life are a mix-match of moments- a few shots of baby on her own, a small handful with big sister, the occasional one with dad and … about two with me.

There were many reasons why we didn’t get a newborn session the second time around, but one of them was that I truly believed that I could do it myself. After all, I am a professional, and this is what I’m really good at.

In this article, I’ll share a few of the Pros and the (many, many) cons of doing your own newborn photoshoot.

The Pros of Doing Your Own Newborn Photoshoot

• Saving money. We all know that having a baby is expensive, and doing your own photos can be one way to save money.
• No pressure. You don’t have to worry about people coming into your home – or travelling to a studio – during the first, exhausting weeks of newborn life.

The Cons of Doing Your Own Newborn Photoshoot

• Quality. Unless you’re a professional photographer yourself – or a very skilled hobbiest – it’s very difficult to capture your own high-quality images that’ll print beautifully – and large enough to grace your walls.
• Stress. There is nothing quite like those first weeks postpartum. You are sleep-deprived and hormonal, which means it’s easy to get overwhelmed with even the smallest of tasks, such as finding a moment to go to the bathroom, shower and feed yourself. Adding “Take Photos” to your to-do list can add to your stress during an already busy time.
• You may not be in them. Unless you’re a professional or a skilled hobbiest, you likely don’t own a tripod. While propping your phone or camera against something to hop in a few whole-family shots is possible, it’s certainly not easy – even for professionals – and usually doesn’t allow you to capture much more than one shot at a time.
• Logistics. There is a lot at play when it comes to capturing the perfect, sleepy baby newborn shots. Most professionals have a tried and true method to get baby to sleep, and while most mothers know how to soothe their own little ones, it can be tricky under pressure. Not to mention the added challenge of getting yourself dressed and ready, ensuring older siblings are fed and dressed and happy and the house is ready – all at the same time.
• Capturing genuine moments is really, really hard. One of my favourite things as a newborn photographer is watching how new mothers and fathers naturally interact with their precious little ones. I love to tell parents to simply hold baby however is most comfortable, to sing them their favourite lullaby and then quietly document the magic that unfolds. This usually results in the most candid, authentic images, and are always among a mother’s favourites. Getting these images yourself – of yourself – is extremely difficult.

There are endless reasons why investing in quality newborn photos is one that you’ll never regret. Even now, two years after my baby joined our family, I am still sad over the lack of photos we have of this time (Did you see that sibling shot? Messy hair and Paw Patrol sweater… that’s the best I could do on two hours of sleep!) It is my wish for all mothers to have beautiful, precious keepsakes of this sweet time – before it’s gone. Because it’s true what they say: Babies don’t keep. So while you can do your newborn photoshoot yourself, there are so many reasons to hire a professional.

Expecting in 2023? Our KKP First Year Collection captures every important milestone in baby’s magical first year of life. From their first days at home to their first wobbly steps, and every big moment in between, our First Year Collection is the most popular among sentimental mothers. We have a few remaining spots for 2023. Let’s plan your Edmonton newborn photography session! Learn more about the KKP Experience here, and come say hello! I can’t wait to preserve your most special moments with the ones you love.

Film scanned by The Canadian Film Lab
Mama’s dress is from the KKP Client Closet
All images by newborn photographer, Kahla Kristen Photography