Hi! I’m Leslie, a Fayetteville, Bentonville, and Rogers, AR Newborn Photographer. First, I just want to take a moment to say that if you’re reading this while you’re still pregnant — you’re already doing an amazing job! What a thoughtful planner you are. A thousand bonus points for you!👏🏼
I know you have so much on your mind as you prepare to welcome your baby. Between contractions, emotions, and everything happening all at once, thinking about pictures at the hospital will probably not be high on your list in the moment. (Trust me, it’s overwhelming in the most beautiful way.)
But those first few hours after birth?
They are pure magic.
It’s the moment you become “Mom” and “Dad.”
It’s a quiet kind of sacred.
And it’s so, so worth remembering. 🖤
That’s why I made this easy guide to help new dads take special photos at the hospital. It’s way too easy to forget tiny things—like baby’s wrinkly toes or that squishy, just-born face. Mama, you’re about to do the hardest, most amazing thing (hello, superhero status!). So send this to your guy and let him be the photo boss while you snuggle that brand-new baby burrito.
A New Dad’s Photo Checklist | Rogers, AR Newborn Photographer Tips
1. Capture Mom With Baby
- Get a photo of Mom holding baby for the first time.
- Focus on natural moments: Mom looking at baby, kissing them, breathing them in.
- Capture close-ups of her hands wrapped protectively around the baby.
2. Photograph the Tiny Details
- Baby’s tiny fingers wrapped around yours.
- Wrinkled feet and fuzzy hair.
- Hospital bracelet with baby’s name.
- Their first hat or swaddle.
3. Document the Room and Story
- The hospital room sign or door number.
- A wide shot of the three of you together.
- The bassinet with the hospital tag.
4. Make Sure You’re In the Frame
- Hand the phone to a nurse or visitor.
- Snap a selfie of all three of you together — even if you’re exhausted.
- Capture the joy and awe on your own face.
5. Keep It Simple and Intentional
- Use natural light from a window when possible.
- Don’t use flash — soft light looks better.
- Aim for connection, not perfection.
Want a simple one-page checklist to hand off to your husband?
Download my free Hospital Photo Guide for New Dads — meaningful shots to capture, quick tips for great light, and one less thing for you to worry about. Click here to get the guide.
Looking for a Fayetteville, Bentonville, or Rogers, AR Newborn Photographer?
While phone snapshots are wonderful, sometimes you want something more — a timeless visual story of your baby’s first hours told with intention and artistry.
That’s where I come in. I’m a birth, fresh 48, and newborn photographer in Rogers, Arkansas, serving Bentonville, Fayetteville, and the surrounding Northwest Arkansas area. I would be honored to help you document the early days. I travel to The Family Birth Place at Bentonville, Mercy Birthplace – Northwest Arkansas, Willow Creek Women’s Hospital, and Washington Regional Women and Infants Center.
If you’re searching for someone to capture that real emotion and connection, I’d love to connect. Contact me here or follow along on Instagram @leslie.nice.photography.
Congratulations, Mom and Dad. You’re already doing a great job. 🖤
