This is a challenging time right now and I can only imagine how you are feeling having a new baby. Being unable to share your newborn with family and friends makes this time even more difficult. However, I have a few suggestions that might help you share your newborn experience.
Doing a professional newborn photo shoot might not be possible right now, but I would hate for you to miss out on the precious first moments. Here are a few tips to help even the biggest novice capture some amazing pictures.
Take Your Time
You just had a baby, and even though most photographers like to book the sessions within the first 2 weeks you can still achieve amazing “newborn” pictures when they are older.
Feed your baby
Before you attempt to take your gorgeous pictures, make sure your baby is well fed. Your baby is most cooperative and less fidgety when he or she has a full tummy.
Use Natural Light
Turn off your flash and find a big window; natural light is best for your at home “studio”. You want to try and have the light flow from the top of her/his head down at an approximate 45 degree angle. You want to avoid direct sunlight, and might have to wait for the right time of the day depending on which direction your window is facing. If you find the shadows are too dark, you can try and diffuse the window with a sheer curtain or other sheer fabric. When taking your picture, face into the room, away from the window.
Catch the details
Try and document those tiny fingers, nose, mouth and beautiful eyelashes. Have the baby hold your finger or lay his/her hand in yours.
Taking pictures
Please leave the posing or placing babies into props to the pros as there is a lot of safety education that goes along with this. Your best bet is to place your baby on a bed or in your little one’s crib with light coloured linens. Avoid patterns as you want your newborn to stand out and be the focus. Try and avoid shooting up towards your baby’s nose. Instead, position yourself at baby’s head level or take pictures from above. Make sure you have a camera strap secured to you, the last thing we want to do is bump our little one.
A few helpful tricks:
- Use a white noise app or machine. This helps soothe your baby.
- If you are taking pictures of your naked baby, place a pee pad under your blanket as accidents happen.
- You can try and use different coloured blankets as backdrop. I would recommend earthy tones or if you like colour; jewel tones.
If you have any questions or need a few more tricks please email me or contact me here and I am happy to help!
