Newborn Photography

As I have said before, photographing people is my favorite.  I love to capture emotion and interaction. 

Newborn photoshoots are such a special time - Very full of emotion.

Typically it is recommended to wait 4-6 weeks to photograph newborns.  There are a couple reasons for this slight delay.  First, should the infant have a slightly cone shaped head,  this will more than likely not be as pronounced.  Secondly, the mother more than likely will have a slightly swollen face right after birth.  The delay allows the mother's body time to recouperate a bit.

Not much gear is needed to capture fantastic newborn images.  Ideally you have access to a speedlight and a diffuser, like a Gary Fong.  This will allow you to overcome any lighting situation.  If you do not have an off camera flash or diffuser, do not worry.  It is possible to take fantastic photographs using just window light. 

Having a Boppy in your newborn photography kit is not a bad idea.  The Boppy will allow you to photograph the newborn laying on their own in a variety of poses.  Just drape a black or white sheet or pink or blue blanket over the Boppy to capture great images.

 

Having a pink and blue blanket would also be a great addition to a newborn kit.  

Newborn images are excellent candidates for black and white photographs.  I would recommend taking the images in color and converting them to black and white in the post processing phase to allow yourself the most latitude.

Take-aways:

1) Bring a black sheet and a white sheet for your backdrops.  They are easy to drape over a couch or mantel and really help eliminate distracting backgrounds.

2) Recommend that the parents dress in a solid color and long sleeves.  Preferably all black or something dark.  Prints and strips can be very distracting.

3) Recommend the the newborn be dressed simply.  A white onesie or just a diaper are perfect.  If the parents decide they want pictures without the diaper, be prepared to go through several sheets.  I warn the parents before taking newborn pictures without the diaper that this will happen so they are not embarrassed or surprised.

4) If there is a special blanket or outfit from a relative make sure to include that in a few of the photographs. 

5) Do not forget the details.  Little feet and hands are just precious.  Make sure to include a few photographs of the parents holding the newborns hands or feet.  This will help put the size difference into perspective. 

Happy Photographing!

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