Newborn photography is all about capturing images of a newborn in the first few weeks of their life in a professional and artistic way. We have some information for you on what this genre is about, so let’s get to know the field of newborn photography better!
What is newborn photography?
Newborn photography is one of the arms of the larger portrait photography group. It is the art of capturing newborn babies. This must be one of the most beautiful genres of photography that captures the cutest subjects in their most aww-some moments! However, these photography sessions can be as filled with trouble as they are with cuteness. Since the photographers are dealing with subjects who follow no instruction, and have the most unpredictable movements, newborn photography can become more challenging. We have several ideas for newborn photography.
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TO LOVE BABIES IS TO LOVE NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY
Fresh 48 newborn photography
This is a new and booming trend on social media that comes under the genre of newborn photography. Fresh 48 is photographing the baby during its first 48 hours, i.e., in its first two days of life. #Fresh48 photography sessions capture the rawest images. The session will usually only use soft and natural lighting with minimal editing. These can be taken in the hospital, using the hospital cradles or props available there.
Capturing multiple stages
This is the best way to retain a client for a long period of time. With this type of concept, you photograph a similar set of photographs every year, month, or week until a certain time. With good post-processing, and combining these images, you can build a growth chart and the family can see their child’s growth all in one frame, or a series of images covering the periods of life stages.
You should be prepared as much as you can and to always let others know of your plans if you are going to venture out alone.
Props and costumes
As your subject can’t do much rather than lay there looking pretty, your background and props will need to do the job! Use the right kind of props that will go with the type of mood or colours you are planning. Don’t forget to conceptualize. For example, keeping a girl-baby on a pink satin sheet and filling the background with flowers. Make sure that you bring something unique and different to the pictures with props and costumes!
The hospital
If the family requires a #Fresh48 session or just wants to start the growth series immediately from the next day, you may have to complete the first few newborn photography sessions at the hospital itself! So, prepare yourself with the required gear and skills, and seek permission from the hospital. Sometimes you may end up with great hospital room with a lot of natural light and good windows but other times you may have to create a sunny, natural, and warm environment using artificial light.
The newborn photography studio
You can always go for indoor photoshoots as per your concepts in a studio environment. A studio must be kept warm at the right temperatures so that the baby does not become irritated. A studio that has natural light will work best, or use artificial lighting, scrims, and reflectors that mimics sunlight.
Client homes
The best place for the baby during a newborn photography shoot is the baby’s home. It is where their comfort lies, and it will reduce a lot of disturbance for the clients as well. Everything required for all the baby’s necessities are available at their home, and you can plan a longer newborn photography session utilizing all the home space.
Awake or asleep?
A lot of photographers go for the baby’s shots while they are asleep because they are the easiest to take and produce some of the most calming and serene photography. If the baby awakens, spend a little time with the baby.
Nap time and feeding time
The timings of your newborn session are extremely important. Organise the session for when the parents believe the baby will be most calm or sleeping. Failing that, make sure that the baby is well fed and well rested before starting the session. It will ensure that the baby stays in a good mood and cooperates with you.
Baby poses
How do you get these little ones to pose? Well, the most they can do is look cute! A newborn is usually too young to turn their head or smile, so there will unlikely be any poses like that. We are going to use the easiest technique ever – ask their parents to stand at the place where you want the baby to look, probably make some funny faces or a toy that makes noise to garner attention so that they look in that direction. If you are photographing a sleeping baby, then you can softly adjust their hands and legs to make it look like they are posing.
Newborn photography props
There are some incredibly talented newborn photography prop businesses around. An online search for newborn photography props will reveal a massive range of items you can purchase for your sessions. Items than include bamboo baskets, rattan cribs, daybeds, flowered love hearts, floral bowls, cashmere, woven and lace wraps and wool blankets. Also, accessories such as dried flower arrangements, clothing, headbands, scarfs, blankets, rompers, backgrounds, toys, and announcement signs. To name just a few!
Making money as a newborn photographer
Without seeking to upset a large community of potential newborn photographers, we feel that the best newborn photographers are young mums that have recently gone through childbirth and know the movements, sounds and touches that a newborn can handle without upsetting the baby. That’s not to say the best professional newborn photographers in the world are of this demographic, there are many professionals not of that age or demographic, aka Anne Geddes!
If you are going to attempt this genre you must aim to possess the human interaction skills that provide for a calming and nurtured photography session environment. If your skills are good, a newborn client will likely contact you at regular life stages of the child and family.
Maintain your newborn photography profile
As a newborn photographer, you can continue to maintain your profile by doing experimental shoots with some of your family member’s babies to build a portfolio. Doing a calendar shoot with different babies and different themes and concepts is also a good idea.
Social media
Use social media to its fullest. Collaborate with new mums, other newborn photographers, social media groups and family members who are expecting babies. It will help in your promotion and will create some quality unforgettable memories for them as well!
Be prepared!
Photographing newborns, you should be prepared to lose all control over the session and be ready for any circumstance that may arise! Patience is the key to getting the best photographs and poses out of the newborn. Photographing newborns may not be easy, but once you begin your journey in this genre, you can explore what works and what doesn’t so that your skills improve.
Newborn photography portfolio
If have decided to delve into this beautiful genre of photography you may already have experience in portrait photography. So create a website and online portfolio on your social media accounts at TikTok, Facebook and Instagram to show off your newborn photography skills.
Have fun with newborn photography!
How cute is this.
