Newborn Photos - A typical "I have a shoot and not sure what to do" thread.

[runnah]

Key points to remember:
I am not getting paid.
A good friend
Not my first rodeo
I did not seek this out
This is a favor to a needy family
Low expectations

So a good friend had a baby recently and wants newborn photos. Since I am a nice guy (I keep telling people this) I offered to take some shots for free. Now initially expectations are low and I explained my lack of newborn experience, but both parties are comfortable with it. I, being the overachiever type would like to do a better than expected job and produce some quality images.

Now onto the questions.

Are flashes/strobes generally frowned upon?
Can it hurt a newborn?
Natural light better?
Should I use hot lights?
What are some good props to bring.

Anything else to consider?

 

[lambertpix]

Re: flash harming a newborn: Is camera flash actually harmful to infants or newborns? - Photography Stack Exchange

Nothing definitive there, but the consensus is that there's no physical danger.

 

[ronlane]

runnah, i'd love to help with this one but I have no experience at it. There were some discussions about certain poses of a baby being harmful to the baby being able to breathe.

My suggestion would be to search pinterest for baby photography. There is a ton of stuff to look over and read about, ideas.

 

[pixmedic]

Flash wont hurt baby. The only actual concern would be whether it would wake baby.

As far as actual baby photography tips....i only have a few.

1. Make sure the lens cap is off.
2. Make sure camera is pointed towards baby.
3. Don't shoot everything at the widest aperture possible.
4. Don't hit on mom unless you think you have a good chance.

That's about all I got man....Hope it helps.
I'm fairly confident you will take good pics.

 

[ronlane]

Flash wont hurt baby. The only actual concern would be whether it would wake baby.

As far as actual baby photography tips....i only have a few.

1. Make sure the lens cap is off.
2. Make sure camera is pointed towards baby.
3. Don't shoot everything at the widest aperture possible.
4. Don't hit on mom unless you think you have a good chance.

That's about all I got man....Hope it helps.
I'm fairly confident you will take good pics.

addendum to #4 - and only if she's single or there without the father.

 

[Designer]

Are flashes/strobes generally frowned upon?
Can it hurt a newborn?
Natural light better?
Should I use hot lights?
What are some good props to bring.

Anything else to consider?

I would definitely use flash (at appropriate power levels) and not right in baby's eyes, but with a modifier.
I doubt if the short-duration of flash is going to hurt the newborn's eyes.
Mother might freak out over the flash, so if they have any "natural" light, be prepared to use only that, depending on the concern level of the mother.
I would not use hot lights unless it is chilly in their house.
Bring some clean blankets to fold up, or use theirs. Mother is going to be wary of any stuffed cushion, so don't bring anything stuffed. Oh, maybe a stuffed animal, freshly laundered, of course.

Be ready to shoot either the sleeping infant or an awake infant, depending on the infant.

 

[robbins.photo]

Ok, well not sure about all that flashy stuff so I'll let those far more qualified get into that. But props - easy. Everybody does the standard stuffed animal/soft fuzzy blanet thing. BORING. I say go for a Clue theme. For props, a lead pipe, rope, handgun - umm.. ok, might want to put a waiver in with the modeling release.. lol.

 

[wyogirl]

OK... given its not your first rodeo but babies are out of your comfort zone....

1. Something will be pooped or peed on....100% of the time...promise.
2. Soft blankets are the best backdrops. Stick a puppy pad under the blanket to help with any leaks.
3. Bean bag chairs are pretty good baby posers if you don't have one, mom will likely have a boppy pillow (just ask) and those work ok too.
4. Flash is fine... use it all the time but always bounced or modified in some way.
5. Naked babies are cute but you will need the room to be about 85 degrees for a naked baby to fall asleep and allow you to pose it.
6. Help mom do the posing, but leave it up to her and her comfort level.
7. Baskets are the best props and hats/headbands.... mom probably has some of those too.
8. Try to schedule the session right after a feeding when baby is sleepy.
9. Keep a pacifier in the mouth right up until you are ready to shoot and put it back in between shots.
10. Swaddled babies are happy babies.

ETA: Expect to spend between 2 and 4 hours.... babies need lots of changing and feedings during the session and they don't always cooperate.

 

[robbins.photo]

OK... given its not your first rodeo but babies are out of your comfort zone....

Now why would a stinky midget who projectile vomits with zero warning be outside anyone's comfort zone? Lol

Oh, and the naked baby thing? To parents, ya, that's cute. To the kid 12-14 years later, it's an absolute nightmare.

 

[runnah]

OK... given its not your first rodeo but babies are out of your comfort zone.... 1. Something will be pooped or peed on....100% of the time...promise. 2. Soft blankets are the best backdrops. Stick a puppy pad under the blanket to help with any leaks. 3. Bean bag chairs are pretty good baby posers if you don't have one, mom will likely have a boppy pillow (just ask) and those work ok too. 4. Flash is fine... use it all the time but always bounced or modified in some way. 5. Naked babies are cute but you will need the room to be about 85 degrees for a naked baby to fall asleep and allow you to pose it. 6. Help mom do the posing, but leave it up to her and her comfort level. 7. Baskets are the best props and hats/headbands.... mom probably has some of those too. 8. Try to schedule the session right after a feeding when baby is sleepy. 9. Keep a pacifier in the mouth right up until you are ready to shoot and put it back in between shots. 10. Swaddled babies are happy babies. ETA: Expect to spend between 2 and 4 hours.... babies need lots of changing and feedings during the session and they don't always cooperate.

Thanks for the tips! I have a son so the newborn stage is something I am familiar with. Luckily it's not the moms first and she is a professional childcare specialist so between the two of use we should manage.

 

[wyogirl]

Can't wait to see the results!

 

[pjaye]

Hot water bottle under layers to keep baby warm and something to create white noise in the background.

 

[runnah]

Hot water bottle under layers to keep baby warm and something to create white noise in the background.

Hot water bottle? Do they even make those anymore?

 

[paigew]

Do you have shots in mind? Honestly I would stay away from posing and go for more natural poses of baby on bed/couch/being held. Swaddle is your friend! Prevents flailing arms and legs. If they are awake=swaddle! I shoot newborns at 2-2.8 natural light.


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[runnah]

Do you have shots in mind? Honestly I would stay away from posing and go for more natural poses of baby on bed/couch/being held. Swaddle is your friend! Prevents flailing arms and legs. If they are awake=swaddle! I shoot newborns at 2-2.8 natural light. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've seen stuff on Pinterest that seems like a good place to start. The mom has some ideas as well.

As far as lighting I was thinking a large soft box with a speed light above the camera and pointing down at 45 ish degrees.

I am not sure on the room and access to natural light.