Before and after your newborn photography session with Laura Miller Photography, you’ll want to take tons and tons of photos of your precious baby. No matter what type of camera you have, understanding some basic principles will help you take better photos of your baby. I have listed 10 baby photography tips below for you to keep in mind the next time you start snapping pics of that sweet baby!
Tip 1 – Think Safety First with Baby Photography
Baby's safety is THE absolute most important thing to consider in your photo shoot. Natural, relaxed poses and positions that focus on baby's sweet details, faces, and growth are the best for at home sessions. It goes without saying that you should never place your baby on an elevated surface without someone within hands reach and never put your baby next to hard or sharp objects (or anything else that might cause the baby harm). Babies are super strong by lack great control of their muscles. They often jerk or move abruptly and can injure themselves if not properly monitored and supported. Having another family member help you as a “spotter” is super helpful in ensuring baby's safety.
(It's important to note that many of the popular baby poses you have probably seen on Instagram or Pinterest are actually composites of 2 or more images. Babies are never placed in those positions
without someone supporting them. For baby's safety, leave those poses to the professionals.)
Tip 2 – Use Natural Window Light
Lighting definitely makes or breaks a good photo. For your in-home baby photos, keep your lighting simple - natural light. Indirect natural light creates beautiful photos and the bigger the light source the “softer” the light. So, find the largest window in your home, shoot during a time of day when harsh, direct sunlight is NOT streaming through and turn off all of the other lights in the room. Even dim or soft lights can create uneven, mixed lighting which will affect the colors in your photos.
Tip 3 – Be Patient and Overshoot
Patience is definitely a virtue when raising children in general but couldn't be truer for photographing babies! Those sweet expressions come and go in an instant. Before you add in baby, get everything set up and test your lighting. Then, make sure you get in position and be ready to shoot quickly when you see that sweet smile or silly face you love. It can take an hour or more to get a few good shots especially if you are including siblings, so be patient.
Tip 4 – Coordinating Colors and Props Work Best
A common mistake is incorporating too many colors, props, textures, and other elements in their photos. Keep the colors and props consistent and cohesive; and remember, less is often more. In the image below, notice how the ivory and tan complement each other. Also notice how the simple bowl, texture of the blankets, and bear add just the right amount of interest without being a distraction.
Tip 5 – Add Cute and Custom Props to Baby Photos
Props can be fun elements to add to your baby photos because they can add a personalized touch and make them truly unique. They can also show just how small and precious baby is. You can have fun with props by adding in things that reflect your personalities and family hobbies or even incorporate family heirlooms. Get creative and have fun!
Tip 6 – Don’t Forget the Details of Your Baby
After you have your “main” photo that you originally envisioned, take a moment and snap photos of baby's hands, feet, sweet curls in the hair, and any other tiny details you'll want to remember. Those are often some of the most cherished photos.
Tip 7 – Shoot During Golden Hour
Plan your session to happen about an hour before sunset if you'll be shooting outside. This is what photographers call “golden hour” because of the beautiful, soft, golden light. Try to avoid direct sunlight on the face, as that will create harsh shadows. Position baby so that the light is behind him or her. Another option for softer lighting is an area of open shade.
Tip 8 – Consider Action Poses and Cues for Your Baby
With babies 6 months old and up, you can start incorporating action poses in your photography. Have the baby interact with a family member, doing things that make baby laugh, tickle baby, let baby “climb” on parents or siblings, covering baby with kisses, etc..
Tip 9 – Photograph Sequences of Your Baby
As you photograph your baby, keep your camera up and keep shooting as he or she moves around and interacts with the other people or objects. These photos can create a sequence that tells a sweet story.
Tip 10 – Try Multiple Secondary Angles
Once you're all set up, instead of moving baby, try moving around baby and capturing different angles.
The most important thing is to safely have fun with it. The absolute best part about photographing your own baby is that you’re spending valuable time with him or her. If things don’t go exactly as planned, that's totally fine (I mean things rarely ever go as planned when littles are involved!) You can always try again another day!
Comments