Tip 3 Be Mindful Of The Props You Choose
The beanbag, blankets and things like that matter a lot. Think of how to make them interesting in the frame. For example, I changed my old beanbag to a puck-style model and the results are immediately visible. The second variant has additional bags of beans, so I can try more baby photography poses. I photographed the baby moving legs, head and arms, and the photos look more expressive and spontaneous.
Newborn Photography: A Beginners Guide
Newborn photography is a booming business these daysâand we want to help you make it big! Our handy guide will show you how to become a newborn photography whiz.
When it comes to newborn photography, youâll never run out of clients! The newborn photoshoot market is exploding because everyone is having babiesâand everyone wants cute photos of their babies.
This is great news for you photographers who want to try out different types of photography, or make a little money from your photography. Newborn baby pics are also an amazing addition to your online photography portfolio a great newborn photoshoot can really show off your skill and range as a shooter .
Want to learn how to take amazing newborn photos so you can get a piece of this lucrative business? Our newborn photography guide will show you how to produce newborn pictures like a pro in no time. Ready? Letâs go!
Utilizing Natural Window Light
Using the natural light that shines in through a window is a great way to get soft light. This is an excellent light for an indoor subject. Window light is often overlooked and it costs nothing.
The effect of the window on the outdoor light is the same as that of a softbox on a flash. The intensity of the light lessens and the light becomes soft.
Done right, the effect can be very impressive and professional-looking. You are harnessing the power by moving the subject closer or further away from the window.
Check out this article to learn how to use natural window light for your newborn photos.
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Be Flexible Safe And Dont Give Up
One thing I learned when I became a parent, was that the baby is the boss regardless of how much control I pretend I have. The same is true for this type of photography. If the baby doesnt want to go to sleep for posing after youve tried everything, take some lifestyle shots & keep shooting.
Swaddle tight and try to get some eye contact. Get images of mommy rocking the baby, be open, light, and flexible the session doesnt always go as planned and that might just be the best thing that happens to you.
The best shots usually come from open minds and surprising moments
Aside from being flexible, be safe. The most important thing on this list is to research newborn photography safety before you start. Many traditional shots are actually composites with spotters and safeguards in place so the baby is out of harms way.
Lastly, dont give up. I remember the first time I went snowboarding when I got back before I could open my mouth, my friend said I need to do it 5 more times before I decide to give up, that the learning curve is steep and that it gets much easier.
The same is true for this type of photography. My first session left me feeling very defeated, but Im glad I got back up and did it again and hopefully, this list removes some of your growing pains.
Any questions? If so please leave a comment in the form below, Id love to hear from you.
Good luck! I know youll do great!
Chrystal
Week 9 To 4 Months: Skip It Altogether
What to expect: You can expect most newborn photographers to say, hold out a little longer and well see you in Month 4 to Month 6. The reason being that your baby is too big and awake for the newborn look, but still doesnt hold his/her head nor sits by his/herself. This complicates things a little for us photographers, thats why we suggest waiting to book a professional session for a little later.
Youll capture plenty of memorable photos on your own during this time, and I recommend with pride.
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Give Up On Perfection
As much as we all want perfect photos, newborn photoshoots dont always go as planned. Keep the point of the photos in the back of your mindto capture this time of your life, Marleau says. Think about the details of baby that youre going to want to remember and capture those. Look for relationships and emotion. I bet a few years down the road, those images will mean more to you than the perfect image.
Newborn Photo Editing Tips
The best way to edit images into stunning captures is to make sure you get as close as you can with the photograph. You cant fix an angle problem in Lightroom.
Try to capture a well-framed scene in-camera. This will give you great photographs and will cut down your editing time.
Newborns are soft and cuddly, so the images should reflect this tone and mood.
To generate smooth, creamy skin tones, use the contrast and clarity sliders. You can find these in Adobe Lightroom.
Reducing the contrast creates this dreamy feeling and soft appearance.
Read here on all the editing tips you need for newborn portraiture.
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Posed Vs Lifestyle: Know Your Clients Expectations
There are two types of this photography posed/studio & lifestyle. I love both for different reasons. However, as a newborn photographer, it is important that your client knows what this photography type you intend to do so there are no surprises during or after the session.
Newborn Photography Posed/studio sessions Typically must be done within the first 2 weeks of birth when the baby is very sleepy and mold-able. The focus in this type of photography session is on shots of the baby looking perfect, usually in blankets, wraps, hats, & headbands. The photography session can last up to 4 hours with feeding, potty breaks, and baby posing.
Editing this type of photography session also takes quite a bit of time as each baby image needs to go through Photoshop individually to get a polished end result.
Newborn Photography Lifestyle newborn sessions Are a bit more casual approach to this type photography. There may be some baby posing but the intention is to capture more natural images of the baby and their home. These photography sessions can be done up to 6 weeks old and usually last 1-2 hours max.
My favorite thing about lifestyle newborn photography is capturing the wonder and amazement between the family members. Newborns are incredible but so is the love in the air. Memories of this time-frame often become fuzzy for new babys parents and that is precisely why I feel these types of baby shoots are so important.
Siblings Are A Whole New Ballgame
If the baby has older siblings, I try to make the sibling shots my very first priority and then let them go play while we finish the session. Toddlers simply dont have the attention span to sit quietly and wait for you to call on them for their picture so get their shots done first while they are curious and excited about your visit.
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Let The Baby Inspire You
Whether it is the babys cute dimples, big beautiful eyes, full lips, or a great head of hair, try to highlight the beauty of the baby.
Be in the moment
Let the baby move, yawn, and stretch. Babies have wonderful, perfect, sweet movements, do not stress over having the perfect pose in every frame.
When you are posing, though, my top tip is to open up the babys fists. Sometimes its a bit of a struggle, but the babys relaxed hands will add a much more peaceful feel to the image.
Pixieset An Image Sharing Platform
As a professional photographer, your business model is important. Delivering your images on time is essential
Thats where Pixieset comes in. This is a platform that allows you to share large files with your clients. This all comes at a monthly fee.
This means your clients will be happy, satisfied, and likely to work with you again! Pixieset is one of the top options for file sharing.
For the full review, and information on how to get started, read our article here.
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Baby Photo Ideas With Family
35. The Matching Pet Pets and babies make the cutest combination ever! If you have a pet whose comfortable with the baby and vice versa, youre in luck you can make use of some great photo ideas. Make them wear matching clothes and accessories, like Zoey and Jasper here.
36. The Cuddle Nothing can beat this classic photo of a little baby nestled close to a parents heart. You need no props or anything for this idea just a clear background and lots of natural light. Stick to neutral clothes for a lovely effect.
37. The Triple Kiss This is a cute photo idea for parents with just one child. The ascending kiss looks fun and sweet at the same time and is easy enough to recreate.
38. The Sale This photo from Jay Malone Photography is soo cute! A frustrated big sister putting up her little brother for sale, who has no qualms about chewing the sign board. Yes, sisters love their brothers to bits, but they do have their moments!
39. The Toy Heart Got a train lover or two boys? Then this idea from Jennifer Jayne is perfect for you! Wooden tracks would have a better aesthetic compared to plastic, although theyll work just as well.
40. The Contrast Putting your hands or feet with your babys makes theirs look so small! Bring out this cute contrast with black and white photos of Mom, Dad and baby.
Tip : Learn How To Use Photoshop And/or Lightroom
I use Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to edit all my photos. Im not an expert and am still learning as I go.
These two programs have so many capabilities and functions that are useful for basic photo editing such as brightening photos, making them black and white, cropping, etc. I sometimes use filters to make editing easier. For the above photos, I used the Newborn Lightroom Preset from Creative Market for $19.
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Baby Picture Ideas At Home
31. Natural
How to take baby pictures at home? Dont rush around trying to find perfect location, suitable props and enough light. Keep things simple and photograph the child in his/her dads hands.
32. Yawing
Babies sleep a lot in their first weeks and often yawn. So, you dont miss a chance to capture this moment.
33. With a Favorite Toy
Every baby has a preferred toy, so use it as a prop for newborn photography.
34. In a Blanket
Wrap the baby in a soft blanket and take some pictures from above.
35. With Brothers and Sisters
Group photos with siblings help to demonstrate family unity. Try different poses and newborn photography ideas at home.
36. In a Basket
Have a wooden basket? Use it for the photo session as it gives newborn baby photos an organic look.
37. With a Daddy
Take a photo of a daddy holding his baby. This is a very touching and atmospheric picture.
38. Mummy and a Baby
These are must-have shots that will recall many sweet memories.
39. Focus on Tiny Fingers
Take some close-ups of the tiny hands and fingers. It is a simple newborn photo idea but very meaningful.
40. Add Accessories
If a baby was born in autumn, you may add some leaves or other characteristic elements for this season. Talk with the parents to choose something special.
Bonus Tip: Consider Monthly Baby Pictures
DIY baby photography shouldnt end at the newborn stage. Taking monthly photos is a great way to track your childs growth over the first year.
Consider using a prop that will help show a sense of scale when used in all the images, such as a stuffed animal or a letter board.
Keeping images consistent from one month to the next will highlight change the best. Remember that while your newborn wont try to crawl away, your 11-month-old will. Choose props and a background that will grow with the baby.
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Newborn Photography Pose #: Egg Wrap
Without moving a baby and just with a little modification of wrapping technique you can achieve another simple newborn photography pose Egg Wrap Pose. Again, it is wise to take images from different angles and you will have a beautiful and harmonious gallery.
Finally, add a toy.
TIP: It is difficult to determine the size of the new born baby when it is photographed alone. However, taking pictures of the newborn with a Bunny, and then an older baby with the same Bunny, makes it easy to compare how small the newborn was and how fast children grow. Any newborn photography poses suitable for this purpose. Remember, it is important to have the same toy during the toddler photo session. Clients will want to save this memory and will be more likely to order the session package.
Get the newborn photography prop setup
Read more: Props for Newborn Photography: 7 Essential, Beginner-Friendly and Safe > >
Tip 6 Take Advantage Of Sleepy Time To Shoot Macro Pictures
Another example of newborn photo ideas is macro photos. As soon as the baby falls asleep, use this time to take close-up shots of his/her fingers, toes, lips, hairs and so on.
In addition to the fact that such detailed baby photo ideas look very cute and adorable, they will be really suitable for the newborns photo album. The best time to take newborn photos in the macro mode is when they are very still because the focus on the macro lens is very sensitive.
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Tip 9 Use Natural Light
Thinking about the baby picture ideas at home, you should pay special attention to the natural light during the photo shoot. It will add the calming tone and bring a peaceful atmosphere to the pictures. You may use the natural light from the windows in the morning and late evening. In addition to the newborn photography tips, there is also some advice about the settings. Choose the AV mode, set a wide aperture and a high ISO.
Tips On Posing Newborns
Posing a newborn is not the same as posing men or women. What you look for in adults, you look for the opposites in the baby.
Fat rolls and wrinkles are the focus, alongside their expressions. Place them in poses that extenuate and show these off.
You can also decide not to shoot posed newborn photos. Instead, you can choose to do lifestyle shots newborn photography. It means that the baby is in a natural setting and moves into an unaided pose.
There will be times when you want to capture the family alongside the newborn. An image of the whole family is something the extended family and friends would love.
So how do you capture a little one alongside the grownups?
Here we have 12 compositional tips for family portraits. It looks at compositions, inspirations to follow and the important things to look out for.
Having something like this under your belt means more clients and happier ones. And happier clients talk, giving you more families to photograph.
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