As a newborn photographer, you’ll be tasked with capturing some of the most precious moments in your client’s lives. That first smile, that first giggle, those tiny hands and feet… Newborn photography is all about freezing time and preserving memories.
But baby photography is also notoriously challenging. Babies don’t always cooperate, they need lots of breaks and they can be unpredictable (to say the least). So how do you take beautiful newborn photos that both you and your clients will love?
In this guide, we’ll share newborn photography tips on everything from how to prepare for a baby photoshoot to what kind of props to use.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the newborn photography tips and tricks you need to take beautiful photos that will stand the test of time.
25 Newborn Photography Tips from Experts:
1. Get organized before the photoshoot
newborn photoshoots can be chaotic. There’s a lot to remember and a lot that can go wrong. To make sure everything goes smoothly, it’s important to get organized before the photoshoot even starts.
Here are a few things you should do before every newborn photoshoot:
– Choose a theme or style for the shoot. This will help you determine what props to use and how to set up your shots.
– Gather all the props and supplies you’ll need. This includes things like blankets, hats, and Toys.
– Choose a location for the shoot. A newborn photographer’s studio is usually the best place for newborn shoots, but you can also do them in your client’s home or at an outdoor location.
– Make a list of all the shots you want to get. This will help you stay organized and make sure you don’t forget anything.
– Newborns are notoriously unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. Have a list of backup shots and poses in case the baby isn’t cooperating.
2. Keep baby comfortable
Newborns are fragile creatures, so it’s important to handle them with care. Always support the baby’s head and neck, and be gentle when moving them into position.
It’s also important to keep the baby comfortable during the shoot. Newborns have sensitive skin, so make sure the room is warm enough and that they’re not wearing anything that’s too tight or scratchy.
3. Use a simple setup
Newborn photography doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, simpler is often better. A newborn in a diaper on a white blanket is always a good place to start.
Once you get more comfortable with baby photography, you can start adding props and other elements to your shots. But for now, stick to a simple setup.
4. Stick to basic poses
Newborns are notoriously difficult to pose, so it’s important to keep things simple. Newborn photography poses that work well are the classic baby poses like the frog, the basket, and the beanbag.
5. Get creative with props
Newborn photography props can help add interest to your shots and make them more unique. But be careful not to use too many props or your photos will start to look cluttered.
A few baby photography props that work well are hats, headbands, blankets, and stuffed animals.
6. Use natural light whenever possible
Newborns are best photographed in natural light. If you’re shooting indoors, try to position yourself near a window with good lighting. And if you’re shooting outdoors, choose a shady spot out of direct sunlight.
7. Be patient
Newborns are unpredictable creatures, so it’s important to be patient when photographing them. It may take a few tries to get the perfect shot, but it will be worth it in the end.
8. Take lots of pictures
Newborns grow fast, so make sure you take plenty of pictures. It’s better to have too many photos than not enough.
9. Edit your photos carefully
Newborn photography is all about capturing those precious early days, so make sure you edit your photos carefully. Choose only the best shots to keep and edit them using software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. You can use these tools to enhance the quality of your photos, resize image, remove unwanted objects and also add additional effects to your photos. Alternatively, you can also use this useful photo size converter tool in resizing your photos.
10. Offer a newborn photography package
Newborn photography packages are a great way to attract new clients. These packages typically include a certain number of digital files, prints, and/or products.
By offering these packages, you can give your clients everything they need in one convenient bundle. Plus, baby photography packages are often more affordable than buying individual products or services.
11. Use these newborn photography tips
Newborn photography can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. By following these baby photography tips, you’ll be well on your way to taking beautiful baby photos.
12. Keep practicing
The best way to improve your photography skills is to keep practicing. The more you shoot, the better you’ll become at capturing those precious early days.
13. Join a newborn photography group
Newborn photography groups are a great way to meet other photographers and learn new tips and tricks. There are many baby photography groups on Facebook, so take a look and see if there’s one that’s right for you.
14. Read newborn photography books
Newborn photography books can be a great resource for learning new techniques. A few of our favorite books are “The Newborn Photography Handbook” by Emily Lucarz, “The Art of Baby Photography” by Anne Geddes, and “The Essential Guide to Newborn Photography” by Leslie Gabrielson.
15. Attend a newborn photography workshop
Workshops are a great way to learn from other photographers and get hands-on experience. Baby photography workshops typically last one or two days and cover topics like posing, lighting, and editing.
16. Hire a newborn photographer
Newborn photography is a lot of work, so you may want to hire a professional baby photographer to help you out. Newborn photographers typically charge by the hour or by the session, so be sure to ask about pricing before you book.
17. Get inspired by other newborn photographers
There are many talented newborn photographers out there, so be sure to take some time to check out their work. Seeing how other photographers pose and edit their photos can give you some great ideas for your own photography.
18. Invest in photography props
Newborn photography props can make your photos look even more stunning. These props include items like baskets, buckets, blankets, and wraps.
19. Use newborn photography templates
Newborn photography templates can be a great way to speed up your workflow. Baby photography templates typically include preset layouts for common baby poses, so all you have to do is drop in your photos and add your own text or branding.
20. Offer newborn mini-sessions
Newborn mini-sessions are a great way to attract new clients. newborn mini-sessions typically last 30 minutes to an hour and include a certain number of digital files or prints.
21. Advertise your newborn photography
Newborn photography is a competitive market, so it’s important to advertise your business. There are many ways to advertise your baby photography, including online directories, social media, and print marketing.
22. Get involved in the newborn photography community
The newborn photography community is a great way to meet other photographers and learn new tips and tricks. There are many baby photography groups on Facebook, so take a look and see if there’s one that’s right for you.
23. Collaborate with other photographers
Newborn photography is a lot of work, so it can be helpful to collaborate with other photographers. Collaborating with other photographers can help you save time and money, and it can also help you learn new techniques.
24. Find a newborn photographer mentor
Finding a photography mentor can be a great way to improve your skills. A mentor can help you with everything from posing to editing, and they can also offer guidance and support.
25. Educate yourself on newborn safety
Newborn safety should always be your top priority. Be sure to educate yourself on newborn safety before you start taking photos. There are many resources available, including books, online courses, and articles.
Conclusion:
Newborn photography is a beautiful way to capture the precious early days of your baby’s life. These baby photography tips will help you get started. Remember to always put safety first, have fun and enjoy life to the fullest!
