P#10 Q3B: Is It Okay to Use a Flash When Taking Pictures of a Newborn Baby?

Natural Is Better Anyway

Carrie Sandoval: I don't think a flash would hurt a newborn baby's eyes, but I don't use flash anyway. I use 100% natural light.

I really don't have knowledge on whether a flash would hurt the eyes of a newborn baby or not.

I can, however, say that I prefer natural light for my own photos. It just complements the baby so well. The window light is always so soft and pretty -- it totally flatters a newborn, if you ask me.

Audri Lanford: What you're saying is that you might want to not use flash, but for a different reason than being worried about hurting their eyes?

Carrie Sandoval: Yes. I don't think a relative snapping a few shots with a flash is going to hurt a baby's eyes. If, however, you're going for the beautiful newborn portrait, I say put the newborn baby close to a window and let the beautiful rays from the sun do all the lighting.

As an added benefit, window light is pretty good for babies -- especially if they have a slight case of jaundice. The doctors will tell you to put the newborn baby near the window anyway, so why not shoot some pictures while you're there?

To Sum Up

While a flash may not actually hurt the eyes of a newborn, it can't hold a candle to the beautiful lighting offered by the natural light from the sun. When taking pictures of your newborn baby, forgo the flash and try for window lighting instead.