If you have ever tried to take newborn pictures you know how challenging it can be. Looking for a few tips? Newborns don't normally have a regular schedule yet, they are still quite wrinkly, and their favorite position is often in their mother's arms. However, most new moms don't want a whole lot of pictures of themselves after 9 months of pregnancy, delivery, and exhaustion. They want some sweet baby pictures to send out on announcements and to share with loved ones.
I lucked out on this photo shoot for a friend to get a sweet and gentle soul...most of the time...to take pictures of. I always ask the mom if they are comfortable with me handling and positioning their baby. I just ask if they are ever uncomfortable or would rather do it themselves halfway through to let me know. I find it MUCH easier to move a baby around on my own.
I found this antique baby scale at a garage sale. It was perfect. Not only does it show the little one's weight, but it is a precious prop for her in her pink Tu Tu. I love how her tiny little foot is draped off the edge to show how truly small it is.
I usually try to take a vertical and horizontal shot of my favorite poses. It always surprises me which one I like best in the end.
And of course, any baby picture is classic in black and white.
My next prop was a basket, a special baby blanket, and an antique little mirror. Her mom wanted her to wear a special dress that had been passed down for generations. The mirror was stashed in the back of the basket, and served to reflect even more details of this baby girl.
I always think babies looked almost "fake" when I look at old photography black and white photos from our grandparents generations. With her old little bonnet, and serene look, I feel it captures that old time feel to fit with her dress.
And...like I said...it only goes well for a while. Ha ha. I just picked her up, soothed her back to sleep, and nestled her back in the basket for more photos ten minutes later.
I always ask the parents to send me some ideas of what type of pictures they want at a photo shoot. It is not because I lack ideas. It helps paint me a picture of what style of photography they are looking for. The mom specifically requested a few photos with their wedding rings. This is such a classic and sweet memory for them.
Mom also mentioned she would like to use a chair from her bedroom. I dragged it outside and stood up on a chair to get this angle. I love how small it makes the baby look. I know she will treasure looking back at that chair, and seeing how tiny she really was, to take up only that much room. I turned the background to black and white and kept the little one in color. (All of this is possible with Picassa which is free to download and easy to use)
Just a simple pose. Looks like she is saying hmmm....
Most moms also want a little skin in pictures. However, babies are wrinkly, have mottled skin, and often baby acne early on. I have found it easiest to take more head shots showing a little extra skin. Black and white is your friend. I can almost smell that newborn baby scent looking as she serenely rests.
Hope this helps. Good luck on your next attempt to take newborn photos. Patience is key.
