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DIY Summer Baby Photoshoot Ideas for Boys and Girls

By: Author Jessica Ashcroft

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Check out these cute indoor and outdoor DIY summer baby photoshoot ideas for boys and girls. Find cute background ideas, props, and more!

Pinterest graphic with text that reads "DIY Summer Baby Photoshoot Ideas" and a collage of summer baby pictures.

Planning a summer baby photoshoot?

We’re here to help!

We’re sharing the cutest DIY boy and girl baby photos for summer to get you inspired for your at-home, beachside, or studio photos.

Find creative background ideas, fun props, ideas for the 4th of July, and more!

Table Of Contents
  1. Cute DIY Summer Baby Photoshoot Ideas
  2. Photoshoot Tips
  3. Want More?
  4. Your Turn!

Cute DIY Summer Baby Photoshoot Ideas

Ideas for Boys

Here are some of our favorite baby boy photoshoot ideas for summer featuring everything from bubbles and bread to tubs and hay!

A baby boy in a white onesie with drawn scuba gear and a ocean scene around him.
A baby boy sits on a wooden deck outside at the beach.
A baby boy eats a baguette on a blue blanket outside with a large sun hat.
A baby boy in a metal tub with a rubber duckie outside.
A baby boy sits on a tire outside with bubbles blowing around him.
A baby boy in blue and white striped swim trunks laying on a yellow and white striped beach towel.
A baby standing in a metal tub with a milk bath and flowers and holding a watering pail.
A baby boy in a white wooden box surrounded by watermelons with a green and pink garland in the background.
A baby boy in a large safari hat sitting on hay outside.
A baby boy in a sun hat and a blue overall onesie laying on the grass outside.

Inspiration from Pinterest:

Ideas for Girls

We love these gorgeous and girly summer photos featuring balloons, flowers, watermelons, and bows!

A baby girl with a large hot pink bow in a white metal tub outside.
A baby girl in a white onesie with a drawn bikini, hat, and beach scene over her.
A baby girl in a wicker basket with pastel balloons attached and floating above.
A baby girl with pink sunglasses and a lei with plastic pool toys in a kiddie pool.
A baby girl sits outside with a days flower in her hands and on a yellow pillow next to her.
A baby girl in denim overalls with a blue bow surrounded by whole and cut watermelons.
A baby girl in a mermaid costume laying on a bed of rope.
A baby on a pool float with pink sunglasses on a fake pool background.
Two babies laying on a yellow blanket in a field outside.
A baby on a pink pool float with sunglasses and a green towel over a blue fabric background.
A baby in a metal tub decorated with faux flowers outside.
A couple helps their boho baby girl walk outside.

Inspiration from Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/57632070225824135/

4th of July Photo Ideas

These patriotic photoshoot ideas are so cute and festive and perfect for summer! Find ideas for boys and girls, below!

A baby girl in a denim romper, red shirt, and boy leaning against an old rail car outside.
A baby boy laying in a bed with an American flag draped over him.
A baby with an American flag pinwheel laying on a white bed.
A baby girl in a denim polka dot dress with an American flag hanging in the background.
A baby in a basket cushioned bay an American flag.
A baby boy in red and white striped swim trunks on a pool float with anchors on a faux water background.

Inspiration from Pinterest:

Photoshoot Tips

Creating a DIY baby photoshoot can be a fun and rewarding experience!

Here are some tips to help you capture adorable and professional-looking photos at home and ensure your summer baby photos turn out perfect:

Preparation

A baby in a beach chair with a yellow umbrella and a fishing net behind him.
  1. Plan the Theme: Decide on a theme or concept for your summer photoshoot.
  2. Gather Props: Collect props that match your theme, such as summer blankets, toys, hats, and outfits.
  3. Choose the Right Time: Schedule the photoshoot during your baby’s happiest time of day, often after a nap and feeding.
  4. Safety First: Always prioritize your baby’s safety. Make sure the area is clean, secure, and free of hazards.

Setting Up

  1. Natural Light: Use natural light for the best results. If indoors, position your baby near a large window with soft, diffused light.
  2. Background: Choose a background fitting your style and aesthetic. This could be a simple, uncluttered background like a plain wall, a solid-colored sheet, or a blanket works well. Or, you can go with a colorful and more playful background or backdrop featuring a summer setting.
  3. Comfortable Space: Ensure the area is comfortable and warm for your baby. Lay down a soft blanket or mat for them to lie or sit on.

Posing Ideas

  1. On Their Back: Lay your baby on their back on a soft, textured blanket.
  2. Tummy Time: Capture tummy time moments with your baby lifting their head.
  3. Close-Ups: Take close-up shots of tiny hands, feet, and facial expressions.
  4. With Props: Incorporate favorite toys or seasonal items to add interest to the photos.

Photography Tips

A woman sitting outside in the grass with a professional camera.
  1. Camera Settings: If using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, set it to aperture priority mode (A or Av) with a wide aperture (f/2.8 to f/4) for a blurry background. Use a fast shutter speed to capture movement.
  2. Smartphone Photography: If using a smartphone, use portrait mode to achieve a professional look with a blurred background.
  3. Get Close: Fill the frame with your baby to focus on their expressions and details.
  4. Capture Candid Moments: Take photos of your baby in their natural state, playing, smiling, or sleeping.

Editing and Final Touches

  1. Basic Edits: Use basic editing tools to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance.
  2. Filters: Apply soft filters to enhance the photos without overpowering them.
  3. Consistency: Maintain a consistent editing style throughout the photoshoot.

Additional Tips

  1. Patience: Be patient and take your time. Babies can be unpredictable, so go with the flow.
  2. Backup Photos: Take multiple shots of each pose to ensure you have a variety of options.
  3. Include Family: Consider taking a few family photos with parents and siblings.

Want More?

If you like these DIY summer baby photoshoot ideas, be sure to check out these other photography ideas and tips for your little ones!

Pinterest graphic with text and collage of unique monthly baby photo ideas.
Pinterest graphic with text and a baby playing with rose petals next to a vase of roses.
Make a DIY yarn wall hanging with this simple tutorial!
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Your Turn!

What did you think of these summer baby pictures? Are there any ideas you think we should add? Let us know in the comments!