Lens/advice/suggestions for photographing newborns!

[hilary110]

Just bought a nikon d3100 and am already wanting another lens, specifically for newborns as I am expecting my first in May--.....

Also I love alot of the newborn photos. I have seen some beautiful ones out there (taken by many folks on the forum!) If you had ideas (how do you get the little bean to sleep like that, space heaters? water bottles?) composition, light sources, etc,. I would love to hear your ideas!

Thanks!

[autofocus]

Welcome Hilary, and congrats! This is my wife's joy, but I support her on all her shots. Our 50mm is probably our number one choice, but she will use a 35mm, and occasionally our 18-70 zoom. We mostly do this in an environment where we can control the room temperature, (warm) and the light source. We do shoot with a pair of strobes, but have also done with just window light which is also nice. We will use a large bean bag to get the baby up a little, usually covered with a colored blanket with a boppy under it. We'll also use puppy training pads under the covering for those to be expected moments...and they will happen. A bunch of colored blankets, scarfs, baskets, boxes, pails along with various backdrops. You can check out some of our shots at our website, www.montalbanophotography.com and click on Newborns and Babies
Hope this helps

[SusanH1970]

Vinnie gave you some great information/advice. I tend to use my 50mm as well - it's pretty much my go-to lens for most portraits. I also use a beanbag/boppy/blanket combo, but I use a waterproof crib mattress pad for the "oopses". I also use a heating pad to warm up the spot I'm going to put the baby. I take it off before I put baby down (NEVER put a baby right on a heating pad) and feel it first to make sure the spot is just comfortably warm, not hot. For positioning the baby, I just put him/her down slowly, I keep making a shushing sound, and I get the baby into position very slowly and keep patting his/her back lightly. I let baby get into a nice deep sleep before I start shooting. I also have the mom or dad very close by to "spot" just in case the baby startles.

[hilary110]

Thank you so much for your helpful advice! I cant wait to start photographing newborns. YOu gave me alot to think about! I think I will try with a doll at first (I know quite different from the real thing) but just to try out different shots and what not.

Vince I love your website. Really love the mother holding baby's head. stunning.

Susan I just "liked" you on Facebook. Love your photos as well, you have a great eye.

Thanks again!!!!!!!!

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by hilary110

Thank you so much for your helpful advice! I cant wait to start photographing newborns. YOu gave me alot to think about! I think I will try with a doll at first (I know quite different from the real thing) but just to try out different shots and what not.

Vince I love your website. Really love the mother holding baby's head. stunning.

Susan I just "liked" you on Facebook. Love your photos as well, you have a great eye.

Thanks again!!!!!!!!

Thanks Hilary. Concerning the "right lens" to use...as Susan also stated above, we will always opt for a prime to shoot with over a zoom. But there are times where the size of your work area will dictate what lens you will need to use.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by hilary110

Susan I just "liked" you on Facebook. Love your photos as well, you have a great eye.

Thanks again!!!!!!!!

Thank you! Feel free to check out my website also - I actually just updated it with more newborns.

Originally Posted by autofocus

Thanks Hilary. Concerning the "right lens" to use...as Susan also stated above, we will always opt for a prime to shoot with over a zoom. But there are times where the size of your work area will dictate what lens you will need to use.

Mmmhmmmm! LOVE a prime lens. But if working in a small space, I do have to resort to the kit lens at times.

[Mehdi Photos]

How about 100mm macro f/2.8 lens guys? Anyone has any experience on that?

Thanks,
Mehdi.

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by Mehdi Photos

How about 100mm macro f/2.8 lens guys? Anyone has any experience on that?

Thanks,
Mehdi.

Depends on how you want to use it, but at 150-160mm, it could be a little long on crop sensor bodies if you are working in a small area

[Mehdi Photos]

Thanks for your reply. I intend to use it on my full-frame body. I just need to get some cropped close-ups.