Newborn Photography tips?

[Eyad]

Hi All,

I'm going to have a session soon to photograph newborn baby and I actually don't know if there are specific tips and techniques to look for.

I'm planning to use my 50mm 1.4D from a lens perspective, but I don't know if I should bring the Flash, Reflector or the Tripod.

I'd love to use natural light though.

Any tips are welcomed.

Thanks,
Eyad

[SusanH1970]

There have been quite a few posts about newborn photography - try this: Digital Photography School - Photography Forums - Search Results

Hope that helps.

[faeriegodess612]

Also, I suggest looking at this woman's website. She can't give you tips, but maybe ideas.

Angela Breckenridge Photography | Killeen's Premier Newborn and Baby Photographer

She's also a natural light photographer.

[Eyad]

Thanks, that was inspiring.

it seems i'll need some props

[sma200]

Take a small heater to keep baby warm, and have it blowing on him/her the entire time

Bring plenty of blankets, and props to use to give it your own person touch

Most homes have adequate ambient light, and I would not suggest using a flash unless you can use it off camera, and cover it with a soft box away from babe.

Be very patient with posing, some special technique poses can take a few minutes to settle babe down

Be prepared for feeding times, and schedule shoot around them.

Take a helper, mom can be quite exhausted, so a extra set of hands will help

[NicolaB]

Have you been yet?

If not I have only done 4 but:

1. Be patient. A shoot will normally take between 2-4 hours with only a short time for photos.
2. Be calm. Tell Mum that baby is boss and you will follow babies lead. If baby need feeding, she has time to feed. If baby need cuddling, let her cuddle. A calm Mummy = calm baby.
3. Tell your customer in advance to crank up the heating so baby is comfortable with no clothes.
4. Have to hand spare nappies, wet wipes and kitchen roll. Believe me you will need it. Tell Mum not to worry, baby will wee and poop on your blankets and you have spares. I use a maternity pad in between my blankets. DO NOT USE WARMING PADS it can be dangerous for baby.
5. If baby won't settle, let Mummy cuddle and get some loving shots in. If baby still won't settle try using Daddy or someone else as babies often settle better that way.
6. Aim for the first two weeks when baby is super sleepy (in theory) and very 'pliable' or at 8 weeks.

Take your reflector and set up at 45º to the light. Use the reflector to throw more light up over baby.
Watch your angle of shooting so that you don't shoot up babies nose. Not flattering.
Always tell Mum she is in charge of safety and she must watch that baby does not roll off.

I am sure there is more, but I hth

See Newborns - right panel if the slide show doesn't come up. All natural light.