Newborn Photography

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2012-08-29 9:02 AM

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Expert
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Portland, OR
Subject: Newborn Photography

I know we have a lot of photographers on here, so I thought I'd send out a request for help.  

I've been dabbling in family photography for a while, mostly doing photos of friends and family for free while I build up my portfolio.  I'd love to eventually get paid for taking family photos, but I'm not quite there yet.

Last fall, I took family photos of my cousin and her family, and they turned out great.  Now, she's pregnant and wants me to take her baby's photos when he's born.  I'm SUPER excited about it, but also nervous because I've never taken pictures of infants before.  She also told her friend (who JUST had a baby) about me, and now her friend wants to actually pay me to take photos of her baby on Saturday.  So, not a lot of time to prepare!  

I've been doing some research on tips for newborn photography, and most seem to say to open up the aperture more, and to try to use natural light (which I do almost exclusively anyway).  Does anybody else have tips they would be willing to share about baby positions, props, general tips?  I don't want my first paid gig, and first baby gig, to be a disaster!  TIA!

2012-08-29 10:20 AM
in reply to: #4385818

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Newborn Photography
I'm not a photographer, but when we had our newborn photos done, the photographer ran white noise from her iphone and asked that we crank the heat up REALLY high...like over 80 and she ran a portable heater.  That way the baby stayed warm and calm while she was photographed in her birthday suit.  We had a couple of family shots done at the end and DH and I were dripping in sweat, but the baby slept almost the entire time except for waking once to be fed (5 hours!).
2012-08-29 10:23 AM
in reply to: #4385818

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Elite
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Minnetonka
Subject: RE: Newborn Photography
You will do fine.  Just remember to look at the back of your camera once in a while and make sure everything is in focus and the exposure is correct.  Learn how to display and read your histogram on your camera...    I like to do black and white for infants too, but you can do that in post production..
2012-08-29 10:27 AM
in reply to: #4385818

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Elite
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Oliver, BC, "Wine Capital of Canada"
Subject: RE: Newborn Photography

The best time for newborn photography is within 2 weeks of birth. Try and refrain from having the baby wearing any tight fitting clothes prior to the shoot to avoid indented marks on the skin. Have the baby well fed and once asleep, you should be able to shoot for an hour or two. (depending on baby)

Shoot with aperture wide open and focus on the eyes. (or focal point of the image) Use a soft diffused light with a reflector or two to balance out the lighting. Reflectors don't have to be fancy, as long as they are flat and white and approximately 3' square.

Keep your background clutter free and as simple as possible. Also, have the baby at least 5' away from the background.
The net is loaded with sample ideas for props and poses but let your own imagination run with it too. 

Just did my own grand daughters photos about a month ago. I did mine in the studio but the same affect can be achieved with good window light. Have a look here. Also on page two of the album.

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/photos/photo-thumbnails.asp?albumid=11134

2012-08-29 4:44 PM
in reply to: #4385818

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Newborn Photography
I was going to suggest Duct Tape, but I think the wait till their sleeping idea is probably a little more practical (and less illegal)  
2012-08-30 6:44 AM
in reply to: #4385818

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Expert
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metro west, MA
Subject: RE: Newborn Photography

I have no technical tips at all but as for positions/props browse through some professional photographers sites and see what they use.  I love the chunky soft blankets.

My alltime favorite child photographer; http://www.lifeinmotionphotography.com/photoblog/?cat=80 (blog) and http://www.lifeinmotionphotography.com/index2.php?v=v1#/gallery1/2/ (newborn portfolio)

A photographer friend; http://www.helenmakadiaphotography.com/site/#/page/330e/newborns



Edited by mighty mom 2012-08-30 6:49 AM

2012-08-30 8:05 AM
in reply to: #4385818

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Subject: RE: Newborn Photography
SoccerGK - 2012-08-29 10:02 AM

I've been doing some research on tips for newborn photography, and most seem to say to open up the aperture more,



10cm, from what I've heard, is optimal

SoccerGK - 2012-08-29 10:02 AM

and to try to use natural light (which I do almost exclusively anyway).



That will happen all on its own anyway


SoccerGK - 2012-08-29 10:02 AM 

Does anybody else have tips they would be willing to share about baby positions,



Usually facing the mother's back at first, then rotating after the head exits to be 90 degrees off

Glad I could help



Edited by DanielG 2012-08-30 8:05 AM
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