By using the window to provide side lighting, I was able to give depth and texture to the photo without creating hard shadows. The baby could open their eyes without squinting and I didn't need to use any flash.

Hospitals have lots of distracting elements. By exposing this photo for the shadow (baby's face) I am able to make the background look clean by overexposing (blowing out) the blankets and tile flooring.

I had dad hold up a sheet behind the newborn to reflect light back toward (fill in) the shadow areas of the portrait. By reflecting light I was able to reduce the contrast between black and white. It gave the photo a "softer" feel that I thought was appropriate for this newborn.

With light falling just over the shoulder, I was able to highlight the newborn by making her face the brightest spot in the photo. It is also the focal point and should draw you peacefully into the moment of rest.