You had a baby during a pandemic! Congratulations x2! As a mother of two children who are now eight and ten years old, I can imagine how emotionally stressful this is. We’re on lockdown and your shoot is cancelled… now what?
Everyone deserves to have beautiful photos to remember special times in their lives. That's why I’m here to give you a few solid tips to capture your sweet new baby without a professional photographer. I know, what am I thinking, giving away my secrets?? Well, this isn't going to make you a professional over night, haha. That takes years of practice, education and a well rounded understanding of how a camera works. But it should definitely help you to elevate your at home skills.
Tip #1. Find the room in your home that has the most available light
That means bright window light. Usually this is a living room or a bedroom. Or both if you’re lucky! Clear that room of clutter (think tv remote, Kleenex box, etc.), that will inevitably end up in some background. Even photographers don’t want to spend the extra energy editing these out.
You likely spent months preparing a nursery. This room very rarely gets used at the beginning, lets save those photos for the cute toddler looking over the edge of the crib!
Tip #2. Make sure your baby is well fed, sleepy and warm
If this is your first baby, you will quickly learn that your sweet tiny human makes some very unflattering faces and almost always gets frustrated by the arms that they have zero control over. This is why photographers become masters at ensuring newborns stay peacefully slumbering. Ensuring your baby is happy and sleepy will make posing easier on everyone.
Practice swaddling that sweet new baby before your shoot for optimum success!
Tip #3. Face your baby towards the light
Facing the light means having the light from the window landing on their face. If your baby wants to lean the other way, pivot them. If their face is in the shadows, the details of their face will appear darker and less sharp. Cameras are light capturers. You need as much light on your subject as possible.
Don't forget to photograph all of the details: Fresh baby belly buttons or flaky toes are two of my favourite spots!
Tip #4: Be patient
Newborns are on their own schedule.Usually when I plan a newborn shoot, I don't schedule another shoot right after. This is because you need to be in zen mode. Baby will feel all of your stress so if you're stressed, wait another day or two.
Tip #5: Don't forget to take photos of each other too!
You may not feel your best but these moments are fleeting and your body just did something transformative, honour that with some photos of you.
For more tips, you can always reach out to your friendly neighbourhood photographer with questions. For my clients, I have been offering some different services. I have been guiding clients through photo shoots over the phone as well as editing some of the photos they take. It may not be what you envisioned but when the moment is gone, you'll be glad you took the time to follow the tips.
I'll be here when lockdown is over and ready to capture whatever stage you’re in next!
Enjoy all of the snuggles!
- Emma
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