Advice needed for 1st Newborn shoot

[Claudia5573]

A friends daughter has just had a baby and has agreed to allow me to come take pictures. I've never done a newborn shoot. I greatly admire the photos with the soft light and also the black and white photos with the baby is seemingly isolated in the photo with maybe the exceptions of the parents hands etc.
I have a Canon t2i, Canon 50mm 1.4, Sigma 70-300mm, Canon 100mm macro, kit lens 18-55mm. I do not have a flash other than the one on the camera. Also have a 12' reflector and 12" diffuser (for macro). Also have a tripod.
I have a large white soft blanket, and a small soft textured pink blanket that I just crocheted.
I have looked at photos online from newborn photographers but really do not know where to begin to get good results.
Are there any techniques that I need to know and what other equipment do I need?
I am not looking to get into newborn photography as a business. My goal is to get experience with this type of photography so when my sons (just married) have babies I can capture those treasured images.
Thanks.

[Stephanie C]

I took some photos of a friends baby, just for a bit of fun, and I have to say, be prepared to go on Bubs timetable! Don't expect to go there and be done in an hour. It could happen, but most likely, it wont. If you look around on here (DPS) and online, you will find heaps of tips. Have fun!

Just to start you off...
Baby Photography: Photographing Babies Without Losing your Mind

[SusanH1970]

Here are a few threads that hopefully will help you out:

Baby Photography..

Newborn shoot TOMORROW!!! -- need tips!

First newborn shoot coming up...

Best of luck! Please do come back and share the photos you take.

[Claudia5573]

Stephanie and Susan, thank you for the links. They were very helpful. This was exactly what I was looking for.
When you recommend a bean bag, are you referring to a bean bag chair?
What focal length lens do you find you use most the time. My only 2 fast lens are the 50mm and my 100mm macro.
I'm looking forward to this. I got a 2 yard piece of black velveteen today for the b&w shots.
Thanks again for your time.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by Claudia5573

Stephanie and Susan, thank you for the links. They were very helpful. This was exactly what I was looking for.
When you recommend a bean bag, are you referring to a bean bag chair?
What focal length lens do you find you use most the time. My only 2 fast lens are the 50mm and my 100mm macro.
I'm looking forward to this. I got a 2 yard piece of black velveteen today for the b&w shots.
Thanks again for your time.

You're welcome.

Just a bean bag - I picked one up from Walmart for around $20.

I use my 50mm for most, my kit lens if I need to go wider. Use your macro for close ups of eyelashes, lips, fingers, toes, etc. Sounds like you're all set!

[ccting]

SusanH1970 is an expert..look at her website http://www.susanharringtonphotography.com/newborns.html. The eyes tell me a little bit about the lighting setup..

[Claudia5573]

I did check out Susan's website. Her pictures are wonderful! A lot to get inspiration from. My two favorite are the soft color with the baby at an angle with the crochet hat with pink ribbons and the black and white with the mother's hands.
I'm just waiting for an email back to see when we can schedule the shoot. In the meantime I will keep studying the photos and tips.
Thanks again!

[Claudia5573]

Thank you for all the input. I did my first newborn shoot on Monday for my best friends new grandbaby, 8 days old and 6lbs. 6oz. I shot 187 pictures and sent of about fifty to the parents. I learned a lot of what not to do and what to do. Chalk it all up to experience. Mom was nervous to leave Baby without a diaper so my newly crocheted blanket came in handy. I have 3 photos I will share with you. All comments are welcome.

Lucy's feet 115 by claudia5573, on Flickr


Lucy 189 by claudia5573, on Flickr


Lucy Amelia 109_BW by claudia5573, on Flickr