Here are 12 of the best tips for a successful newborn photo session.
Photography of babies can be challenging compared to other genres of photography where it is possible to pose and move static subjects or adults and even children at will. Meanwhile, babies are very fragile and need to be taken care of carefully. Also, you need to be patient as there can be multiple breaks in a photo session to accommodate the different needs of your baby. Therefore, for a short period of time when actually shooting, the photos need to be perfect. Here are some photography tips on successful newborn photography and some retouching tips, shared by Memories by TLC (Tracy Callahan) and Melbourne Newborn Photography, to help you perfect your newborn photography.
How to have a successful newborn photo session
Baby photography is a super popular business these days, but if you don’t have a lot of experience in newborn photography, you could find yourself in a stressful job :). We want to help you succeed with your photography business, so we’ve come up with 12 simple steps below to help you.
Have you ever wondered how photographers who take pictures of babies get so good at it that they look so peaceful? In this comprehensive guide, we have collected the best tips and tricks on How to get started with newborn photography and have a successful newborn session. These tips will be helpful for those of you who don’t have enough experience with newborn photography.
Read these 12 easy steps on how to work with babies in the photo studio:
Step 1: Keep the baby warm.
Newborns have difficulty regulating their own body temperature. To keep them comfortable with no clothes on, it’s important to keep your studio warm.
I keep my studio at 85F. I also warm my blankets in the dryer or with a fan heater before placing the infant on top of me. If you choose to use a fan heater, make sure to keep it away from small children so as not to hurt their sensitive skin.
If you sweat during your period then you should dress your baby warm and comfortable and he will probably sleep better.
Step 2: Make it noisy.
The sounds in the womb are very loud and some speak as loud as a vacuum cleaner. Newborns will sleep much better if there is white noise in the room.
During the neonatal session, I had two noise machines (one with rain, one with the sound of the ocean) as well as an app on my iPhone for static white noise.
I also play music in the background. Not only have I found it helpful for the baby, but it has also helped me and the parents relax. Relaxation is key as your newborn will absorb your energy.
Step 3: A full belly equals a happy baby
I always ask the infant’s parents to try to hold off on breastfeeding until they get to the set. I have asked parents to feed their babies first before the start of the lesson.
If the baby is happy on arrival I start with family pictures and then let them feed the baby while I arrange the bean bags. I also stop if necessary during the session if the baby needs a little more food.
Babies with full stomachs will sleep much better.
Step 4: Keep them awake before going to the set.
I always ask parents to try to keep their kids awake for 1-2 hours before entering the studio. A good way for them to do this is to bathe their babies.
This is a great way for babies to exercise their lungs a little before coming in and getting a little tired. It also helps keep hair nice and bouncy (if at all!).
Step 5: Use macro mode.
Babies have so many cute body parts that give photographers limitless opportunities to get creative and capture those parts “Awwwww so cute” Photograph.
If your camera has a macro mode or you have a specially designed macro lens, you can separate different body parts like fingers, toes, baby’s eyes, etc. The focus will be clear. and you’ll make some really cool, creative photos.
Macros will help you bring out details that are completely lost using standard focus. In your photography section, you’ll start creating great photos along with some excellent feature shots that can be a lifetime memory for the parents.
Step 6: Time of day matters. Schedule in the morning.
I often get asked when to take pictures of babies. If possible, I like to schedule my newborn sessions first thing in the morning. This is the time when most babies sleep better.
Afternoons can be very challenging as they approach the afternoon dry hour. Anyone with children can attest to the fact that children of all ages tend not to be at their best as late as afternoon approaches. The same goes for babies.
Step 7: Stay calm and relax.
Newborns are very sensitive and receptive to our energy. If you’re stressed or anxious, your baby will sense it and won’t easily deal with it. If the baby’s mother is worried, this can also affect the way the baby behaves.
I have two comfortable chairs in the back so my parents can sit back and watch and give me enough space to work. I also offer them snacks and drinks, and I have a stack of People magazines for them to read. I rarely have moms come over and hover over but if they do, I politely tell them this is their chance to sit back and relax and enjoy.
Step 8: Find the best angles
This is one of the hardest aspects of newborn photography. If you’re a beginner photographer, it can be a bit difficult to find the perfect angle, but here are some thoughts:
- Down to the baby level: Newborns are small, and you need to get down to their level while being close enough to capture exceptional photos. Try using the 24-105 zoom at the widest focal length. The images will seem like you are in the same space as the baby and not over him or her.
- Close-up shot: For a really sweet intimate shot, you can move really close to your baby or set your camera to a longer focal length. The longer focal length is really the best choice for making good close-up shots. Also, it’s less likely that your giant lens will stare at your baby’s face, which can really upset the baby.
Step 9: Get them when they are young.
The best time to photograph a newborn is during the first fourteen days of life. During this time, they will sleep better and are easier to curl up into lovely poses. For babies born prematurely and hospitalized, I try to get them into the studio within the first seven days of being sent home.
I don’t usually photograph babies under 5 days old because they are still trying to feed and can often be very red or yellow in their skin. I have photographed ten-week-old babies and have succeeded in creating poses that look like a newborn baby.
The key to photographing older infants is to make sure they stay awake for up to two hours before the start of the session. I also make sure parents understand that there’s no guarantee they’ll get the typical sleepy shots.
Step 10: Take your time.
Infant lessons can be quite time consuming so it’s a good idea to plan accordingly and educate parents. If you stress about time, the babies will sense it.
My typical neonatal session lasts as little as three hours and some as long as four. It takes time for an infant to settle into a comfortable position and sleep well. It also takes time to perfect small details like keeping hands flat and fingers straight.
Step 11: Safety.
Remember that even though you are an artist and your goal is to capture a great image, in the end this is someone’s precious new life they have entrusted to you. No portrait is worth putting a baby at risk of injury.
Use common sense and always make sure someone is VERY close by spotting the baby, even if the baby is on the beanbag. Be gentle and NEVER force an infant into a position.
Make it a habit to always wash your hands before starting your session and make sure all your blankets are washed after each use. Never photograph an infant if you are sick, even with a common cold. Newborns are very susceptible to infections, and it is our duty to keep them safe.
Step 12: Don’t be afraid to overexpose the photos.
In general, babies have a slightly flushed skin color. You can reduce this look by being careful to overexpose your photos. It can add a soft, pure look to baby’s skin that everyone will really love.
