My first newborn shoot

[Scatterbrain]

I did my fist newborn shoot yesterday . It was quite short as the baby woke up groggy and needed feeding etc, but I think I got some nice photographs for her mum.

What do you think? http://www.flickr.com/photos/2296676...7612831131965/

It was a dull day & I had to work with available window light (+ flashlight bounced off ceiling) as there were also two toddlers milling around so rigging up studio lights wasn't really advisable.

I haven't photographed a newborn before (except my own and that was just after I got my camera so didn't really know what I was doing). I really would appreciate some feedback, whether it's composition/pose/post-processing etc. Any general tips for photographing a newborn?

Oh & for those of you who photograph newborns regularly, how do you stop it making you broody

Scatterbrain

[private]

I went to look and it sd I did not have permission to view the pics - can you just post some in your thread?

What was so oppressive about the photoshoot? What didn't you like? I usually find them fun, even with toddlers running about. But, I do allow for a lot of extra time b/c the babies can wake up unhappy or they need a diaper change or what not... One thing I do ask is what is your favorite part of the baby, and I make sure I get a lot of photos of that bosy part. A lot of people like the rolls of fat by the legs and the eys of course...

[KodiakStar]

Hmm, can't see the pictures

"This page is private.

Oops! You don't have permission to view this page."

[Scatterbrain]

Ah, sorry about that. I thought I'd given you a link with a visiting pass. Does this work?
http://www.flickr.com/gp/22966765@N06/N854WE

I loved the shoot! I had lots of fun & ended up rather broody. I'm just so unsure of myself as I haven't done a newborn before that I would like to know if the photographs are OK or if I should do anything differently next time. I am friends with the mum and will be going back next week to take some more (as I didn't get a chance to do any hands/feet/holding shots). They're generally very soft & the light wasn't great.

Scatterbrain

[t blanchard]

I love the ones with the green hat - so cute. On those, next time I'd crop in a bit. Also, see if the mom is up for another kind of blanket to use. I like the texture of the fuzzy one, but then it gets distracting, so see if you can use something else too.

My only other recommendation is that you have a lot of images that are about the same size - same distance from baby, same amount of baby filling the frame, etc. Next time try for some other angles and sizes.

[Haj533]

I think you did a great job! congrats!

[Scatterbrain]

Great, thanks for your comments. I'm going back on Monday to get some more, so this is really useful.

I love the furry rug, but agree that it gets distracting with the front shots. I'll use a blanket or throw next time. The baby's mum has just emailed back & she loves the photographs. She's not so keen on the hats so I'll leave them off next time.

S

[private]

Those photos are REALLY cute! I would vary the position of the baby, give her some tummy time. Also, close up of body parts...The folds of flesh are so cute. Great job with the B/W - the blanket does not really bother me, but in some of the photos it seems a bit too bright. How lucky you getto go back - also try opening up your aperture - all the way...the 50mm is great for new born shoots - IMO. I am doing one this weekend - and I cannot WAIT! I'm almost tempted to run out and buy a fuzzy blanket.

[ShannonH]

Your photographs are lovely!

I agree with the suggestion to get more angles, and close-ups. There's nothing cuter than baby feet! Also a picture of the her hand in one of her mom's, or a picture of her in her mom's arms, just to give a sense of size perspective.

[Scatterbrain]

Thanks. I took some more this morning. My favourites are here with the original ones.

I also got a lovely hand shot, but still need to edit it - here it is sooc


Thanks for your advice. I was more confident this time & spent the time loking for good angles/lighting/composition rather than spending too long trying to recreate compositions I'd seen done elsewhere.

Scatterbrain