DIY Newborn Photos vs. Hiring a Professional: Why You’ll Be Glad You Chose a Pro
Bringing a newborn into the world is one of the most magical, fleeting experiences of your life. Those tiny fingers, sleepy snuggles, and squishy little faces change so quickly—it feels like one moment you’re bringing them home, and the next, they’ve already outgrown their newborn onesies.
You know you want to capture these early days, and maybe you’re considering DIY newborn photos. You’ve got a phone with a great camera, and you’ve seen all the cute Pinterest poses—how hard could it be?
Well… DIY newborn photos come with a whole set of challenges. Your baby isn’t on a schedule yet, siblings might be feeling a mix of emotions about their new role, and trying to get yourself in the frame while making sure everyone looks their best? Nearly impossible. That’s why hiring a professional isn’t just about getting better photos—it’s about making the whole experience easier and more enjoyable for you.
The Biggest Hurdles of DIY Newborn Photos
Newborns Don’t Follow a Plan – They’re hungry, they need changing, they want to be held—sometimes all at once! A professional newborn photographer knows how to work with their rhythm, taking breaks when needed and gently guiding them into sweet, natural poses.
Lighting is Everything – Soft, natural light is what makes newborn photos feel dreamy and timeless. But getting the right light—especially indoors—can be tricky if you don’t know where to position your baby. Too much light? Harsh shadows. Not enough? Grainy, dark images. I know exactly how to find and use the best light to create a soft, glowy look that flatters both baby and parents.
Editing is More Complex Than It Seems – Newborn skin is delicate and often unpredictable—tiny scratches, baby acne, or redness can show up in photos in a way that our eyes don’t always notice in person. Editing newborn photos requires a special touch to smooth skin while keeping it looking natural. It’s more than just applying a filter—it’s making sure the final images are polished, professional, and timeless.
Good Equipment Matters – While phone cameras have come a long way, they still can’t match the quality of a professional setup. A high-end camera captures every tiny detail with softness and depth, and professional lenses allow for dreamy, blurred backgrounds that keep the focus on your baby. Plus, I have all the experience needed to adjust settings on the fly—so if the light shifts or your baby moves, your photos will still turn out perfect.
Siblings Can Be Unpredictable – Maybe you imagined your toddler doting on their new sibling, but in reality, they’re feeling overwhelmed, a little jealous, or just very high-energy. I have years of experience working with siblings of all ages, knowing when to give them space and when to bring them into the moment in a way that feels natural and fun.
Mom Deserves to Be in the Frame – Let’s be honest—when you’re postpartum, the last thing you want is to be stressing over how you look in photos. My job is to pose you in a way that feels effortless and natural, capturing the love between you and your baby while making sure you love how you look.
These Photos Will Stand the Test of Time
Newborns are only this tiny once. The days may feel long, but the weeks will pass in a blur. The photos you take now will be the ones you look back on decades from now, remembering just how small they were in your arms. They’ll be the ones your child flips through when they’re older, seeing the love and warmth that surrounded them from the very beginning. These images aren’t just for today—they’re for always.
When you hire me, you’re not just getting someone with a camera—you’re getting 13 years of experience capturing families in a way that feels real, natural, and completely stress-free. I know how to create a calm, relaxing session so you can simply focus on soaking in this fleeting time with your baby.
I offer three types of newborn photography to fit your family’s needs:
Fresh 48 – Taken in the first 24-48 hours after birth, these sessions take place in your hospital room and capture the raw, emotional moments of your baby’s first hours of life. Available at all San Francisco and Marin hospitals including CPMC, Marin General and UCSF.
In-Home Newborn – A relaxed session in the comfort of your own home, capturing your baby in their nursery or snuggled up in your arms in a space that’s meaningful to your family.
Sausalito Studio – A minimalist, all-white studio session that keeps the focus on your baby, creating timeless, classic newborn portraits.
No matter which option feels right for you, my goal is the same: to create timeless, heartfelt images that will bring you back to these early days every time you look at them. Instead of struggling with DIY newborn photos, let me take care of everything—so you can focus on what really matters: soaking up every precious moment with your baby.
Photos from a recent newborn session in San Francisco with a new family and their fur baby. Read what this mom had to say about her session “Cristin did our newborn photos and we couldn’t recommend her more. She was flexible when we needed to reschedule and made us feel incredibly comfortable during the session. She kept everything casual/relaxed, was amazing with our newborn, and patient when we had to take feeding breaks. And the photos are amazing - too many good ones to choose from!” To read more reviews, click here.
If you are wanting to capture this time better on a daily basis, I have several articles here to help you do just that!