Help with Newborn Baby Photos!

[mom2rtk]

My friend has a new grandbaby, just several weeks old. I offered to try my hand at taking some pictures, and would LOVE to have some advice and samples from the pros here!

I expect to use my 30mm f1.4 lens and take them in her home near a window with good daylight. I was going to bring a long length of black fabric as a backdrop. Nothing high-tech, just a little fun experimenting with them the results.

I also have a speedlite, but expect to go with no flash unless someone has advice to the contrary.

Thanks again for all the help you guys offer!

 

[photo_chick]

Get some candid shots of the baby with mom and dad and any siblings while you are there as well as what you have planned. When it's time to change a diaper, if the baby takes a bottle, the baby just being held and comforted.... the everyday life shots.

 

[Suburbanmom]

My biggest tip is to be patient. Newborn photos can take a long time and are very dependent on the attitude of the baby. Sometimes the best photo is the first one; sometimes it's the last one after over an hour of trying. Give the baby lots of breaks. Often, the best time is immediately after feeding, but before sleepiness gives in. Keep shooting after (s)he falls asleep too...those can be so precious. Keep the room warm. You will be uncomfortable, but a chilly baby is not going to cooperate. I keep a space heater on during infant shoots and I wear shorts and t-shirts, even in the dead of winter.

Your lens choice and window lighting is good. Set the focus on the baby's eyes. It is very important that the eyes be in focus. I also recommend setting the shutter speed to no lower than 1/125 because newborns tend to flail their arms and legs. If you want to use your speedlight, bounce it off the ceiling. It's OK to set your ISO on the high side as I have found a pass through a noise reduction program does a nice job. It's better to have the baby in focus than worry about graininess.

Don't forget the detail photos. An up-close shot of hands and feet are great. If someone is supporting the baby's head, make sure they don't have a thumb or pinky finger squishing the baby's eye (that's a peeve of mine ). Use a soft blanket for a prop, but avoid stuffed animals. They draw attention away from the baby. Keep it simple. If you can arrange some towels or bean bag under a blanket, you will give the baby good support and security ... and he'll be more likely to cooperate.

Have fun!! And show us your photos!! I have some newborn photos in my zenfolio gallery if you want to have a look: www.amyhenkel.zenfolio.com

 

[mom2rtk]

Thank you both for the suggestions!

Amy, thank you for the link to your galleries. I really enjoyed looking. And seeing some examples of your newborn work really helps.

And I'll tell my friend to turn up the thermostat before I come over! Great idea.

And thank you for the very specific suggestion on shutter speed. It makes a lot of sense.

I'm anxious to give this a try! How I WISH I had been digital when my kids were babies!!!

 

[wenrob]

My advice is to listen to what Amy says, she knows her stuff.

 

[Suburbanmom]

How I WISH I had been digital when my kids were babies!!!

I second that!!!!