Lights…
Lighting is a tricky element in any photograph. Every source of light has its own qualities; there are hard and soft aspects to each light source (remember the indoor and outdoor lighting tips from earlier this year?). But the most natural fit for infant photography is a soft glow, and the best way to achieve that quality of light is au natural (naturally, for those of you who don’t speak French!). Indirect window light makes for an ideal light source. Also, taking your newborn out of the crib will provide better light and more options for angles, as the photograph is not restricted by the crib’s walls. Try laying a soft blanket out on a bed or living room floor that has a lot of bright, indirect light. This will eliminate any hard shadows. Furthermore, using a flash when photographing infants can be abrasive and reduce the amount of photos you can take before the tears start rolling. If you turn off your flash and raise your ISO to around 400, you can avoid having to use one. |
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Camera…
Now that you’ve found the right light quality, it’s time to get into position. There are a few different ways to capture that one beautiful, perfect shot. One way is to get straight overhead and let the blanket provide an uncluttered, simple background. But be mindful of the tones; white on white can be a wonderful effect, but make sure you don’t end up with a floating head. A slight variation between clothing and background can be helpful. Another effective method is to get right down on ground level. Again, be aware of your background and contrasting tones. Find the angle you want to take the photo from and wait it out. It may seem like an eternity, but when the moment comes, you will be ready. Remember that this could be the shot you show friends and relatives for years to come, so be patient! |
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Action!
Babies radiate with life, fueled by their curiosity. Everything pulls their attention, because everything is brand new to them. Just when they are in a perfect position, they roll over to see what’s happening on the other side. Remember: patience, patience, patience! Take a few test shots to look at your background, lighting, and composition. That way, when the moment comes, you will be ready to capture the perfect shot. Keep in mind that you only need one. After you have taken several, don’t forget the last step: delete! Three fantastic shots are so much more powerful than 40 mediocre shots. Your memory card (and your friends who don’t have children) will thank you! |
Here are a few more tips for taking amazing photos of your newborn:
Consider printing some of your photos in Black & White. There is something timeless about a Black & White photo that is not always represented in color.
Detail shots can be works of art. Instead of trying to capture your baby’s entire body, zoom in tight to a hand or a foot. Take this a step further and use proportion in the shot. Laying a baby’s hand into an adult’s emphasizes how tiny they are, and captures the beauty of life through two different generations.
Once your child is old enough to raise their head, lay them on their belly and catch their attention. This will cause them to look up, and if you are down on the ground level, the expression on their face can be magical. Nothing is more pure than a baby’s genuine emotion. |
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Well, that’s it for today. Every moment with your baby is special, and these early photo sessions can be a wonderful bonding time, when the world slows down and the miracle of life is frozen eternally in a photograph. |
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