Meet Blue Ivy! Beyoncé and Jay-Z share first family portraits of baby daughter

Beyoncé and Jay-Z today surprised fans by sharing the first pictures of their baby, Blue Ivy Carter.

The proud parents posted a series of intimate portraits of their beloved daughter, who was born just over a month ago.

Instead of selling their first baby pictures to a glossy magazine for millions the music megastar couple decided to take control posting snaps of Blue to a tumblr blog. 

In one snap the 30-year-old singer is seen beaming into the camera while she cradles her daughter in her arms. 

While the camera is out of focus on the former Destiny's Child singer, with clarity on baby Blue, Beyoncé's blue nails can be clearly seen, no doubt a tribute to her little bundle.

The proud parents set up a blog that shows the intimate family snaps along with a message.

It read: 'We welcome you to share in our joy. Thank you for respecting our privacy during this beautiful time in our lives. The Carter Family.'