Have any of you done this before? I've been asked to do this tomorrow for a friend, I cant wait, not only to meet little Noah, but to get some pics of him too. Any experienced advise will be gratefully received. : )
I have done a few baby shoots now and before I shoot - I always look to places like this, flickr, favourite baby photographers etc and get an idea of the shots I want to take. It hasnt always ended up as I want as the baby has not like being stripped down (wanted to be wrapped all the time etc) but I always have backup plan, backup backdrops, rugs etc and as well as the setup shots I try to take a lot of natural light ones well (which I actually prefer).
@kellc Thanks Kelly, this shot is gorgeous! I've arranged for a reasonably early time to go and get the shots, I'm hoping to do them all in natural light. Thanks re the rugs, I didn't think of that bit!! I know my friends have a few ideas of what they would like, but theres always room for more : )
@lorraineb The baby in this shot was a bit jaundiced as well - but the Mum didnt want him photoshopped too much as she actually wanted a record of the baby "as-is" - so maybe also check with the Mum before you do too much pp!
I am glad you posted this question ~ my daughters friend has asked me to do a shoot of her baby too, and I am clueless ... I am checking out web sites etc for ideas
I have only done two baby shoots but I got a DVD recently about shooting newborns. SOme of their tips included keep the place really warm to help them stay comfortable - esp if you want sleeping shots and wrap them in different textured materials. A basket is always a nice idea too. oh and have something to cover up the nappy
Hi. I am two photo shoots deep into baby posing. First of all, if you are indoors make sure it is piping hot in there. Space heaters work great. You should be sweating while doing the photos, babies love the heat. Props, if you want some of those sweet shots you see, head bands, baskets, anything pertaining to the holidays or seasons. It is usually best if mom is not around while bub is sleeping, they can often sense she is there and become more restless. Expect to spend between 2-5 hours getting your shots (well maybe less so if you take my advice about the heat).
This one worked out well after I finally got him to sleep without stirring.
This is from the first newborn shoot I ever did, ironically, these two babies are cousins.
@geertje@saranna@newbie
These are adorable, thank you all so much, they give me lots of ideas, I'll def' be doing some B&W edits too, and look for lots of textures to use too. : )
Okay, so lets try this again. I just typed up a big post and then accidently closed out the page . . . .:0(
Newborn portraits are my favorite type of sessions. They can be long hours and a lot of work, but are well worth it. Just remember to relax, keep baby's saftey first, and take your time. As stated above, babies love to be warm. As a general rule, if you are going to remove babies clothing, if you are sweating, then baby is probably comfortable. Although that does not mean that they are going to be happy about being naked. I ask Mom to remove the baby's clothes before I get there, loosen the diaper, and then lightly swaddle. I also try and schedule my arrival with feeding time so that while I am setting up Mom is busy with feeding and as soon as she is done, I am ready to get started. For the first shots, I usually try to re-swaddle the baby in the fabric of my choice and then lay baby on his or her back, Take a few shots (remember details and try different angles, then try loosening the blanket/fabric and maybe exspose the arms, if baby is comfortable with being unwrapped, then you can move onto turning baby onto it's side, take a few shots, then move baby to his/her stomach. This is where it is key to taking things slow, lol. Once you are sure baby is in a deep sleep, you will be able to pose a litle more easily. If baby needs to be soothed during the session, try doing it yourself instead of handing the baby to Mom, as babies can smell "dinner", even if bottled fed. If Dad is around ask for his assistance if he is willing. If by chance baby does not want to sleep, swaddling works to keep little hands and feet still. Also, using Mom and Dad as props works. I keep going on and on, but I hope that this will help you! If you would like to view some of my newborn portraits, you can follow this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tama_turtle/sets/72157631974500081/
@tamaralaraphotography Wow! Thank you so much, and sorry you lost the first post, thats always a pain! Dad will be there, its how all this started, he wants a shot of Noah in his hands. I'm sure Mum will be happy to have a break too, I'll send her off for a nap ; )
I'll let you know how it goes, oh and I love your shots on flickr, the babies look so natural and comfortable. : )
I did my first baby shoot yesterday. My advice... wear a tank top!! I was sweating like crazy!! Just relax and go with the flow and you'll do great. Here's my favourite of baby Jack...
Here we go, this ones my fav so far, the actual posing part wasn't successful, so I'm going back in a couple of weeks when he's a little more settled. I'm so glad for the advice in what to wear, it was so hot!
Thanks again for all your ideas and support.
Nice! You did well. What I would do next if you have much editing skill is to blacken out the background so you don't see the wrinkles in the fabric. It will give it a more polished look. Word of advice also in the future, that newborn photography is best done within the first 10 days of life if you want them to sleep a lot to do those cute little poses. These are beautiful for your first try.
@newbie Must have been my eyes yesterday, I darkened areas and Ithought it was ok. Today I can see it! Back to the photshop then!
Funny enough the parents wanted him to be awake, so they're happy. I'm torn between the two, not sure if I entirely like the style of full baby posing, some look awkward, but thats a good thing, at least mine will be my style, and not just copies of others work.
Thanks for your advice though, I do appreciate it. : )
@lorraineb Yes, great to adopt your own style for sure. I do posed ones but also some more natural ones. It's usually what the parents want, I tend to do a bit of both. Having them awake can be very special also, some of my favs are awake ones!
@lorraineb it was great fun and the little fella behaved too ~ only he didn't want to do ant of the poses we tried ~ he kept kicking out :-) ...oh i must of been good with only 200 LOL
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Last pic - I promise - just to show you the difference a backdrop makes to the same baby
@alisonp Let me know what you find, I'll add some links later too : )
All natural light. I read stuff that said: make them comfortable, well fed, relaxed. Hope this helps.
This one worked out well after I finally got him to sleep without stirring.
This is from the first newborn shoot I ever did, ironically, these two babies are cousins.
These are adorable, thank you all so much, they give me lots of ideas, I'll def' be doing some B&W edits too, and look for lots of textures to use too. : )
Newborn portraits are my favorite type of sessions. They can be long hours and a lot of work, but are well worth it. Just remember to relax, keep baby's saftey first, and take your time. As stated above, babies love to be warm. As a general rule, if you are going to remove babies clothing, if you are sweating, then baby is probably comfortable. Although that does not mean that they are going to be happy about being naked. I ask Mom to remove the baby's clothes before I get there, loosen the diaper, and then lightly swaddle. I also try and schedule my arrival with feeding time so that while I am setting up Mom is busy with feeding and as soon as she is done, I am ready to get started. For the first shots, I usually try to re-swaddle the baby in the fabric of my choice and then lay baby on his or her back, Take a few shots (remember details and try different angles, then try loosening the blanket/fabric and maybe exspose the arms, if baby is comfortable with being unwrapped, then you can move onto turning baby onto it's side, take a few shots, then move baby to his/her stomach. This is where it is key to taking things slow, lol. Once you are sure baby is in a deep sleep, you will be able to pose a litle more easily. If baby needs to be soothed during the session, try doing it yourself instead of handing the baby to Mom, as babies can smell "dinner", even if bottled fed. If Dad is around ask for his assistance if he is willing. If by chance baby does not want to sleep, swaddling works to keep little hands and feet still. Also, using Mom and Dad as props works. I keep going on and on, but I hope that this will help you! If you would like to view some of my newborn portraits, you can follow this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tama_turtle/sets/72157631974500081/
I'll let you know how it goes, oh and I love your shots on flickr, the babies look so natural and comfortable. : )
Thanks Samantha, very helpful, and K, love this shot, such cute little feet. Summer top has been rescued from the bottom drawer! ; )
Here we go, this ones my fav so far, the actual posing part wasn't successful, so I'm going back in a couple of weeks when he's a little more settled. I'm so glad for the advice in what to wear, it was so hot!
Thanks again for all your ideas and support.
Funny enough the parents wanted him to be awake, so they're happy. I'm torn between the two, not sure if I entirely like the style of full baby posing, some look awkward, but thats a good thing, at least mine will be my style, and not just copies of others work.
Thanks for your advice though, I do appreciate it. : )
I changed my shot ... changed my ind ~ I prefer this one
I'm not sure about this one, I love the pose but babies eyes are just too black, can you lighten them?