2023 Photography Trends for Baby Photos

Congratulations on the arrival of your precious little one! As a newborn photographer, I understand how important it is to capture those special moments with your newborn. Baby photos are memories that you will treasure for a lifetime, and I am here to help you capture those memories in the most beautiful way possible. In this post, I will be sharing the latest newborn photography trends of 2023 so that you can have the most up-to-date and stunning photos of your baby.

1. Natural Lighting

The use of natural lighting is a trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years, and it is still going strong in 2023. Natural lighting can create a soft and warm glow that is perfect for newborn photos. This soft lighting is also the most flattering type of lighting, as it minimizes harsh shadows and highlights. As a photographer, I always look for the best natural light in your home, whether it is by a window or in a bright room. Not everyone has the best lighting in their home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have beautiful baby photos. Photography studios are often set up to have a beautiful set utilizing natural light. By utilizing natural lighting, your baby’s features will be highlighted in the most beautiful way possible.

2. Minimalism

Another trend that has been gaining popularity is minimalism. In 2023, we are seeing a shift towards simple, clean, and timeless images. By keeping the focus on your baby and minimizing the use of props or accessories, we can create photos that will never go out of style. Simple and timeless images will allow you to cherish your photos for years to come. Think stucco and lime wash walls. Terracotta vases and rattan and lace. This earthy minimalism highlights the subjects beautifully for baby photos without any distracting elements. Of course photographers can still use props, but the props are mostly there to accent and not compete for attention for your baby photos.

3. Neutral Colors

Neutral colors such as beige, ivory, and grey are very popular in 2023. These colors create a calm and soothing environment for your baby, which is especially important during a newborn session. They also help to keep the focus on your baby and create a timeless look that will never go out of style. Neutral colors are perfect for creating a soft and warm environment for your little one. Neutral colors are perfect for not only the background but also what you are wearing. You do not have to exclusively wear beige and ivory. Neutral colors can also include navy, blacks, olive, maroon, lilac, and mauve. This soft toned down coloring when choosing your colors for your baby photos.

4. Lifestyle Photography

Lifestyle photography is becoming increasingly popular in 2023. This type of photography captures natural, candid moments between you and your baby. It is less posed and more organic, allowing your family’s personality and connection to shine through. Lifestyle photography is perfect for capturing the everyday moments that make up your family’s story. Lifestyle photography can be done in your home, outside, or in a studio. The main focus with lifestyle photography is connection. Photographing the connection between family members for your baby photos really highlights the love you have for one another.

5. Macro Shots

Macro shots are a trend that is still going strong in 2023. These close-up shots capture the details of your baby’s features, such as their tiny fingers, toes, and nose. Macro shots create stunning baby photos that are perfect for capturing the delicate details of your newborn.

6. Organic Textures

Organic textures such as wood, linen, and cotton are very popular in 2023. These textures add depth and interest to your baby photos, while also creating a natural and organic feel. They also help to create a warm and inviting environment for your baby. Lace curtains or heavy tapestries can add interest to your baby photos without distracting. They key for all of these above trends is keeping the focus on your little one and your family members.

7. Family Involvement

Many moms especially are often a little hesitant about putting themselves in front of the camera for baby photos. Remember though, these photos are to showcase the love you have for one another. They don’t need to be a model session in the sense you may be envisioning. That being said, getting your hair and makeup done is your style and  helps you feel confident, then take that time for yourself. When doing photos, I can always photograph your baby first, while you finish up getting ready. But ultimately the very most important aspect of family involvement in terns of baby photos, is loving on your new baby and showing that connection.  Including the whole family in your newborn session is a trend that is becoming more and more popular in 2023 for baby photos. This allows for more natural and candid photos that capture the connection and love between your family members. Including siblings and parents in the session in your baby photos can also help to create a more relaxed and comfortable environment for your baby.

8. Unique Props

Using unique and meaningful props in your newborn session is a trend that is still going strong in 2023. Props such as family heirlooms or sentimental items can add a personal and meaningful touch to your baby photos. They also provide a great opportunity to showcase your family’s personality and style.

9. Black and White Photography

Black and white photography is a classic trend that will never go out of style. In 2023, we are seeing a shift towards more black and white images. Black and white images create a timeless and classic look that is perfect for capturing the delicate features of your newborn. Many photographers will give you both the black and white image and the color version of the baby photos. This way you can have both.

10. Composites

Composites are a trend that is still popular in 2023. A composite is a technique where multiple images are combined into one final image. This technique allows for more creative and unique images, and can be especially useful for creating complex poses or scenes. Composites can also be used to create artistic and imaginative images that are perfect for displaying in your home. Some composites are necessary for certain baby poses for safety reasons. Other times composites can be more elaborate and will be the show cased photo of your collection, and a true curated and complicated to put together work of art.

11. Boho

Boho is still a very popular and evolving esthetic for your baby photos in 2023. It can often be simple, earthy, and very organic. These elements are very on trend for newborn photography. Flowing dresses move beautifully and are often very forgiving to most body types. Think earthy colors, plants, rattan, wood, and add a little hippy chic if desired.

12. Babywearing Photos

Babywearing photos are a trend that is gaining popularity in 2023. These baby photos capture the bond between you and your baby, as well as the beauty and versatility of babywearing. Babywearing photos can be done in a variety of settings, from outdoor nature scenes to cozy indoor settings.

13. Creative Backdrops

Creative backdrops are a trend that is still going strong in 2023. These backdrops can be anything from hand-painted murals to simple fabric backdrops. Creative backdrops can add a unique and artistic touch to your photos, and can be especially useful for creating themed or seasonal sessions. Not all photographers will photograph every trend and every style. Be sure to look at a photographers website to get an idea of what type of baby photos they take. If you want the simplicity in your photos, don’t book a photographer that has cute little murals in the scene, and vice versa.

14. Outdoor Sessions

Outdoor sessions are becoming more and more popular in 2023. These sessions allow for beautiful and natural backdrops, as well as natural lighting. Outdoor sessions can be done in a variety of settings, from local parks to scenic nature locations. Outdoor sessions can also provide a great opportunity for including siblings or other family members in the session. Of course, especially in terms of newborn baby photos, the weather is very important to take into consideration. Be sure that your baby will be comfortable outside when taking baby photos.

15. Digital Artistry

Digital artistry is a trend that is becoming more popular in 2023. This technique involves adding artistic elements to your photos using digital software. Digital artistry can be used to create a wide range of effects, from whimsical and dreamy to bold and dramatic. This technique allows for more creative and unique images that are perfect for displaying in your home.

As a newborn photographer, I am always on the lookout for the latest trends and techniques to ensure that your baby photos are stunning and timeless. By incorporating these latest trends for your baby photos, we can create images that capture the beauty and magic of your newborn in the most artistic and creative way possible.

Tips and Tricks for your Baby Photos

In addition to the latest trends, there are a few tips and tricks that I recommend to ensure that your baby photos turn out beautifully.

1. Schedule the Session Early

Newborns change quickly, so it’s important to schedule your session as soon as possible after your baby is born. Ideally, the session should take place within the first two weeks of your baby’s life.

2. Choose the Right Time of Day

When scheduling your session, it’s important to choose the right time of day. Newborns tend to be sleepiest in the morning, so I recommend scheduling your session for early in the day. This will ensure that your baby is calm and relaxed during the session.

3. Keep the Room Warm

Newborns are used to the warmth of the womb, so it’s important to keep the room warm during the session. I recommend keeping the room temperature between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Dress Your Baby in Simple Clothing

When choosing clothing for your baby, it’s best to keep it simple. A plain white onesie or swaddle is perfect for newborn photos. Avoid clothing with logos or busy patterns, as this can distract from your baby’s natural beauty. Many photographers will have clothing and wraps to use as well. If using your photographers outfits for baby photos, it is best to dress your little one in a onsie that is very easy to take off and that does not need to go over the head.

5. Bring Personal Items

Bringing personal items to the session can make the photos more meaningful and special. This can include blankets, hats, or other items that have sentimental value. Feel free to coordinate your ideas with your photographer, that are often an excellent creative soundboard to help your vision come to life for your baby photos.

6. Relax and Have Fun

Finally, it’s important to relax and have fun during the session. Remember that this is a special moment in your baby’s life, and the photos will be a treasured memory for years to come.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can prepare for your newborn session you can also check out my previous blog post in preparing for newborn photography with siblings. In conclusion, capturing the beauty of your newborn through photos is a special and precious moment. By incorporating the latest trends and following these simple tips, we can create stunning and timeless baby photos that you will treasure for a lifetime. If you are interested in booking a session you can contact me on my website or Instagram.