An infant photoshoot is one of the most beautiful and heart-melting works in a portfolio but at the same time one of the most difficult ones. Your model does not listen to your requests, does everything in own way and at any time can cause a scandal or a wet accident with your props. But on the other hand, tiny babies are simply created for adorable pictures and nothing can cheer up a parent like albums of their cute babies.
Usually, this work can take hours to be completed. Because the perfect image takes some time and patience. It happens that you are not able to take winning shots until the last minute. Go to photographers who charge per session instead of an hour basis. Prepare physically, mentally, and emotionally for a family portrait. Take a big pack of wet wipes while you’re there. Planning such shooting soon, remember some important tips and newborn photography ideas for its successful implementation.
The best time for such filming is when the baby is from 7 to 14 days. At this age, they often sleep curled up, two weeks after birth they become more active and you will have fewer chances that they will calmly pose in cute baskets and beds.
Small children get cold fastly and it has to be avoided. Use studio with heaters. Set the temperature higher if the shooting is planned without clothes. In case if blankets and covers are used, do not exaggerate with a thermostat. Overheating is not less dangerous than cold. Make sure to have soft music to create a little noise for a child. It helps to avoid his wakening during the shooting from sudden sounds. Before shooting, ask your parents about the approximate daily routine of the child: how often he eats, when he sleeps better, his temperature of comfort. To guarantee the best results, the model must be warm, well-fed and in a clean diaper. The most important thing is the health of the child. Bring a radiator and ensure the optimum temperature in the room so as not to catch a cold and overheat the baby. Ask the mother to change clothes and feed the newborn 20 minutes before the photo, so he will sleep peacefully while you are shooting. Turn on quiet music, so he will sleep better and clicks of the camera will not wake him up.
The best lighting option for a newborn is natural light from a large window in the morning or afternoon, without direct sunlight. So you get a warm natural light, absolutely safe. Instead of a flash using a softbox, diffuser or a lightroom effect.
Newborn children are completely helpless and require constant attention. You should control everything: from how close the heater is and how bright the light is in the studio, to materials for a prop and how reliable baskets and cradles are. It is best if you work with an assistant who holds a model during filming, when necessary. All these cute photos are necessarily taken with an assistant who holds the baby and ensures his safety. Adjust pictures while editing. The assistant’s hands are removed using graphic editors. If you shoot yourself, then abandon such complex a concept in favor of the security of your tiny model.
When planning to photograph a lifestyle, discuss with parents what picture they want to get, which theme is better. A good option is when parents look internet guides in Pinterest and show you a collection of pics that they like and plan to make with your help. Newborn children do not know about posing and keeping their heads, so if you do not have much experience working with babies, then you should capture a child who lies on his stomach, back or side. These are the simplest and safest options for professional composition. If you have more than one session with children, then you already know unique tricks on how to swaddle babies neatly and cutely put their hands under their heads. The main thing is not to leave the child in a position that is uncomfortable for him and to hold his head when moving. Always remember the fragility of your tiny model. Avoid accidents that may finish in a hospital.
The baby image is very cute and photogenic. You will not be able to guess exactly how you will get that very perfect shot, so shoot general plans, change angles, photograph details. If during the shooting a child wakes up or moves, do not rush to remove the camera, you may catch the moment when he stretches, and maybe you are lucky and you will capture his smile in his sleep. Macro shot of tiny fingers, long eyelashes or small feet, all this perfectly complement the family DIY album.
Not all smartphones have a good built-in camera. Download additional apps to add necessary effects. Consider using modern camera brands or apps with an easy interface. It permits us to save time on post-processing. Use the full potential of a digital device due to such a tender and important model in the frame. Shoot in RAW format to adjust light, contrast, and sharpness.
It is not easy to fit a newborn with a suit or dress, especially talking of a newborn girl photography ideas. The point on details, atmosphere, and background. Create an artistic look with the help of imagination. Otherwise, order personalized clothing tailed for a small model.
All children seem to be perfectly photogenic. Change their poses by yourself if you see an obvious perfect picture. Move hands and legs gently to avoid hurting them. Froggy image is in the list of comfortable and quick options due to its natural bend.
Make sure that your prop and chosen accessory is adjusted and only after that place a baby. Children sleep well but they change their position regardless of photographer and plans. Adjust backdrops and camera settings to ensure completed space for shooting. Try a shot aiming straight on to the baby’s face. Use various angles to capture, before moving the model.
Smartphones ease the task of focusing. But being professional means knowing what is the focus point. In our case its eyes or eyelids if the baby is slipping. Be creative concentrating on lips, toes or hair. Get your perfect photo with the right focus.
A good advantage of phones is a possibility to choose a photo editing application. Among a huge variety of options, choose the one to make life easier. Avoid expensive software with heavy tools to retouch. Choose light and low-cost programs available for every device. Keep it simple and remove flaws like acne. Reduce red spots on the skin with no extra skills.
Not all children sleep calm and allow you to wrap them into blankets and dress them in suits. Some babies are not so serene at all, they cry, they are naughty, they demand food, and sometimes they can ruin your props if you capture without a diaper. It is worth taking a break and asking mom to feed and change clothes, especially if there are twins. Change props at this time or check the camera settings and continue shooting with renewed vigor. If you do not panic, the model will also calm down and allow you to finish shooting.
Now let's look at some interesting newborn photography tips for a Christmas card or a couple of an anniversary:
When choosing accessories, always remember the safety and gender of a model. Make sure that the child does not accidentally injure or swallow part of props. Give preference to details from safe environmentally friendly materials. Separate newborn baby boy photography ideas from the one for a girl.
Everyone should get ready for such nice but responsible work as the creation of the baby album. That is why there are some newborn tips for parents as well.
These are general options to keep in mind when shooting a child. We hope our article was useful and you found some inspiration for your future shootings.