The Best Lens for Newborn Photography – Complete Guide 2025

Newborn photography is a unique art form. When I started this journey, I faced many questions and challenges, but also incredible rewards. If you're just starting out and want to specialize in newborn photography, I’ll share some of the most important things you need to know.

Choosing the Right Equipment

One of the first things I searched on Google was: "What is the best camera and lens for newborn photography?" The answer isn't fixed, but I can tell you what works best for me:

Camera: A DSLR or full-frame mirrorless camera (e.g., Canon EOS R6, Nikon Z6, Sony A7 III) for superior quality.

Lens: I prefer prime lenses with a wide aperture, such as the 50mm f/1.2 or 35mm f/1.4, for beautiful bokeh and excellent natural light.

Lighting: Natural light is ideal, but I primarily use flash lighting with a large umbrella and diffused light to maintain consistency and control in any environment. 

The Best Lens for Newborn Photography

Choosing the right lens is crucial in newborn photography, as it affects both composition and image sharpness. Depending on your preferred style, here are some excellent options:

50mm f/1.2 or f/1.4 – One of the most popular lenses for newborn photography due to its versatility. It allows you to shoot both close-ups and wider portraits, offering stunning bokeh and excellent sharpness.

35mm f/1.4 – If you prefer capturing more of the surroundings, the 35mm is a great choice. It’s ideal for in-home newborn sessions where space may be limited.

85mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 – Perfect for close-up details and intimate portraits. If you have enough space in your studio, this lens provides beautiful background compression and a soft, elegant look.

100mm or 105mm macro – Ideal for macro shots of tiny hands, feet, and eyelashes. A macro lens allows you to capture these delicate details in an artistic and gentle way.

How Do I Choose the Right Lens for Each Session?

I usually rely on my 50mm lens for most shots because it balances the baby and the background. When I want to create a wider frame, I opt for the 35mm. For fine details like eyelashes or tiny fingers, I love using a macro lens.

If you’re a beginner, I recommend starting with a 50mm f/1.8 because it’s affordable and delivers great results. As you develop your style, you can invest in a more advanced lens like the 50mm f/1.2 or 85mm f/1.4.

1.Camera Settings for Perfect Results in Newborn Photography

Camera settings are essential for achieving soft, warm, and sharp newborn photos. When photographing newborns, I use the following settings:

ISO: Between 100-400 to avoid image noise.

Aperture: f/2.0 - f/2.8 for a beautifully blurred background while keeping enough focus on details.

Shutter Speed: 1/200s or faster to prevent motion blur from the baby’s movements.

White Balance: Custom, to maintain warm skin tones.

2.Baby Safety Comes First

One aspect I cannot emphasize enough is newborn safety. When I first started, I quickly learned that certain poses require additional support and that babies must be handled with care and patience. Here are a few essential rules:

• Never force a pose. If the baby doesn’t seem comfortable, move on.
• Keep the room temperature between 26-27°C to keep the baby warm and cozy.
• Always have an assistant or a parent as support for more complex poses.
• Edit certain poses digitally. Some stunning images are actually composites edited in Photoshop to ensure the baby's safety.

What lens do you prefer for newborn photography, and what challenges do you face?

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@elenadumitrescuphotoart