My 2nd newborn session....

allison_dcp · Mar 20, 2013

My first newborn session was 1 year ago, and with a 35mm SLR. This time around I have my Canon EOS 20D and I used my 50mm lens. All shot close to f/2.8 1/100 and 400ISO. Natural light from babies left. I REALLY wish I had thought to bring my reflector....ANY criticizm is welcomed. I love photographing babies so much!
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tirediron · Mar 21, 2013

Wayyyyyyyyy too many images for individual critique, however a few general comments. Generally, exposure is good, 'though consistantly just a little hot. WB is good, focus seems good, but DoF is not always appropriate, and images are very noisy. If you're going to shoot wide with a fast prime, ensure you use an aperture which will provide sufficient DoF for the scene.

allison_dcp · Mar 21, 2013

I thought there may be too many images :S thanks for the advice on DOF. If I were to get only one response.... I'm pleased it was from you, lol. You always give the best advice(in my experience)

frommrstomommy · Mar 21, 2013

I think they look pretty nice. Something is odd about some of them to me.. like the last one, you have it portrait orientation but it makes it look like the baby was upside down for the photo, the way the background is maybe?

allison_dcp · Mar 21, 2013

yea I agree, I tilted it and I think it looks much better.

frommrstomommy · Mar 21, 2013

The tilt is better IMO, but I feel like you need just a lil more room on the right side by his head.

LouR · Mar 21, 2013

The foot image is adorable, but needs to be cropped so the baby's head isn't showing. Keep in mind that mom might want to frame one or all so you have to watch your borders. At least two of them wouldn't frame well as the baby's head is right to the edge. F/2.8 was a bit shallow (you were already losing the top of his head in the bottom center image)-try for anything from f4 to f11 depending on the light source. That will not only give you just a bit more DOF but warm up the tones as well. They came out pretty well for only your second time.

manaheim · Mar 21, 2013

I don't like maternity and "newborn" images, never have. I say this so you understand where I'm coming from.

I don't like most of them as they're either cliche or weird to me. The black background seems a particularly odd choice for me.

However... they all seem sharp and reasonably well exposed, if a little hot.

And the one where mom(?) is holding the baby... is absolutely PRECIOUS. A WONDERFUL WONDERFUL image.

tirediron · Mar 21, 2013

allison_dcp said:
I thought there may be too many images :S thanks for the advice on DOF. If I were to get only one response.... I'm pleased it was from you, lol. You always give the best advice(in my experience)

:er:

PropilotBW · Mar 21, 2013

I just shot some pics of my son...attempted it on my own. I struggled, but managed to get a handful I could print. A couple things I can suggest, maybe?
There's a lot to be said about a baby's skin, so you want to see that wrinkled fresh new skin! If you're trying to keep the baby warm, I'd suggest a small space heater, versus that blanket. You'll then be able to see the adorable features of the entire body, and not just a head in a burrito.
Im not much into props. But when I tried incorporating two different blankets, it was just too much. Multiple textures and different colors took the focus away from the baby. Try this: lay the naked baby on the blue blanket, (laid flat) while he's napping. Use the space heater close by the baby to help him nap. Shoot away. And don't be afraid to get in close. When you think it's close, get just a little bit closer.

Hope my opinions help.