The question is, how do you do that?

If you’re a photographer looking to take your newborn sessions to the next level, here are five unique newborn photography ideas that will not only inspire your creativity but also elevate the quality of your sessions!

Table of Contents

• Newborn Photography Ideas: Incorporate Personal Elements
• Newborn Photography Ideas: Creative Poses with Parents
• Newborn Photography Ideas: Focus on Siblings
• Newborn Photography Ideas: Black and White Photography
• Newborn Photography Ideas: Macro Photography for Newborn Details

Newborn Photography Ideas: Incorporate Personal Elements

Photo by StoryTime Studio via Shutterstock

One of the best ways to make newborn photography sessions feel unique and meaningful is by incorporating personal elements that resonate with the family. By using family heirlooms or items that reflect the parents’ hobbies or professions, you can create photos that are more than just pretty pictures—they become deeply personal memories.

How to Implement:

• Family Heirlooms: Ask parents ahead of time if they have any special items they’d like to include in the session. These could be vintage toys, a quilt passed down from a grandparent, or even an item from the parents’ own childhood. For example, incorporating a father’s old baby blanket or a mother’s cherished childhood toy into the shoot adds layers of meaning to the photos. Make sure the heirloom is carefully placed in the shot to complement the newborn, rather than overshadow them.
• Parent Hobbies: Reflect the parents’ interests in a subtle and creative way. If one parent loves music, you could pose the baby beside a guitar or within a set of drums, surrounded by soft blankets for comfort. If the parents enjoy reading, position the baby with a few children’s books, hinting at the future bedtime stories that will be shared.

By incorporating these personal touches, you not only provide unique imagery but also give the family a keepsake that tells their story.

Newborn Photography Ideas: Creative Poses with Parents

Photo by Halfpoint via Shutterstock

When it comes to newborn photography, including parents in the shots can result in heartfelt, emotionally powerful images. But rather than using traditional posed shots, think outside the box with more creative and artistic approaches that highlight the bond between parent and child.

How to Implement:

• Close-Up Interactions: Instead of focusing on full-body shots, get up close to capture intimate moments. Photograph the parent’s hand cradling the baby’s tiny feet, or zoom in on the father gently holding the baby’s hand. These small details convey tenderness and care and are often more meaningful than posed, smiling shots.
• Silhouette Photography: Silhouettes are a striking way to create dramatic and visually appealing images. Position the parents holding the newborn against a bright window or soft light source, allowing their outlines to take center stage. The contrast between the strong parental forms and the delicate shape of the newborn creates a captivating image full of emotional depth.

These artistic touches transform standard parent-baby shots into something far more unique and visually arresting.

Newborn Photography Ideas: Focus on Siblings

Photo by Anastassiya Bezhekeneva via Shutterstock

Newborn sessions that include older siblings can be particularly heartwarming. Capturing the bond between a newborn and their sibling is a great way to tell a more complete family story. With the right approach, you can create unique moments that highlight the family dynamic and the excitement of a new addition.

How to Implement:

• Candid Interaction: Rather than overly staged poses, let siblings naturally interact with the newborn. Encourage them to cuddle, hold hands, or simply gaze at the baby in awe. These candid moments often produce more genuine and touching photographs that capture the sibling relationship beautifully.
• Coordinated Outfits or Props: If the family has chosen a specific theme or color palette, coordinate the siblings’ outfits or use matching props. For example, placing the newborn and sibling on a soft blanket in coordinating colors can create a harmonious visual while still letting their individual personalities shine.

By focusing on the siblings’ interactions, you allow the photos to tell a story of love and togetherness, making the session more than just a collection of images—it becomes a celebration of family.

Keep Reading: Newborn Photography: Essential Tips for Capturing Precious Moments

Newborn Photography Ideas: Black and White Photography

Photo by Tatyaby via Shutterstock

Black and white photography has a timeless quality that can elevate your newborn photography sessions by focusing on emotion and detail rather than distractions from color. These images tend to feel more dramatic and classic, allowing the viewer to focus on the subject’s expressions and delicate features.

How to Implement:

• Focus on Emotion: When shooting in black and white, the absence of color sharpens the emotional impact of the photo. For example, capturing the way a newborn snuggles into their parent’s arms in monochrome highlights the connection and warmth of the moment.
• Highlight Texture and Contrast: Without the influence of color, texture and contrast become the focal points of the image. Pay attention to the textures of the newborn’s skin, the softness of their clothing, and the way light falls on their face. Adjust your lighting to create dramatic shadows and highlights that add depth to the image.

Black and white photography provides a unique way to add emotion and timelessness to your newborn photos, creating images that parents will treasure for years to come.

Newborn Photography Ideas: Macro Photography for Newborn Details

Photo by Sunny Chan via Shutterstock

There’s something magical about the tiniest details of a newborn—whether it’s the curl of their toes, the delicate eyelashes, or the tiny wrinkles in their hands. Macro photography allows you to zoom in on these details, capturing the things that parents will want to remember forever but may forget as the baby grows.

How to Implement:

• Tiny Hands and Feet: Use a macro lens to zoom in on the newborn’s hands gripping a parent’s finger or their feet curled up under a blanket. These images can stand alone or be part of a larger album, offering a sweet contrast to wider shots.
• Eyelashes and Facial Features: Another great opportunity for macro photography is focusing on the newborn’s delicate facial features. Capture close-up shots of their closed eyes, their nose, or their lips. These intimate photos help parents cherish the fleeting moments of their newborn’s first days.

By focusing on the smallest details, you create an album that captures the full scope of a newborn’s tiny world, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.

Newborn photography is an art form, and by incorporating these five unique ideas, you can transform a typical session into something truly special. Whether it’s adding personal elements, creating emotional black and white portraits, or focusing on siblings and macro details, these techniques will help you stand out as a photographer and provide families with cherished memories that last a lifetime.

Get creative, think outside the box, and most importantly, enjoy the process of capturing these precious moments!

Friendly disclaimer: Our articles may contain affiliate links that support us without costing you more, and sometimes we spice things up with sponsored content—but only for products we truly stand behind!

Learn More:

• Use These Newborn Photography Tricks to Get Better Results
• What is Lifestyle Newborn Photography? 4 Tips for Getting Started

Hero photo by Halfpoint via Shutterstock

The post 5 Unique Newborn Photography Ideas appeared first on Photography Talk.

In this article, we’ll share seven tips and techniques to help you achieve better results in newborn photography. From creating a comfortable and friendly environment to sharing those precious moments with others, these tips will empower you to shoot stunning images that parents will cherish forever.

Whether you’re a professional photographer specializing in newborns or a parent looking to capture beautiful memories of your little one, we’re here to help you take your newborn photo skills to the next level. Now, it’s time to dive into newborn photography and unlock the secrets to achieving better results with the help of our tried-and-true tricks!

Check out the video above by Kelly Brown to see how a professional newborn photographer typically conducts a session and to learn her insider tips. 

Table of Contents

• Newborn Photography Tricks: Invest in the Right Gear and Props
• Newborn Photography Tricks: Have a Good Relationship With the Parents
• Newborn Photography Tricks: Take Posed & Lifestyle Shots
• Newborn Photography Tricks: Family Love
• Newborn Photography Tricks: Lighting & Angles are Key
• Newborn Photography Tricks: Think Creatively & Be Flexible
• Newborn Photography Tricks: Bring All Your Hard Work Together in a Beautiful Print

Newborn Photography Tricks: Invest in the Right Gear and Props

Photo by Tatyana Vycvia Shutterstock

Just like every other genre of photography, having the right equipment is essential for newborn photography. Besides a camera and lens (we recommend having a good prime and macro lens), you will also want to invest in a stable tripod, a lighting kit, and backdrops.

Props and accessories are equally important. Our favorite props are toys, baby blankets, pillows, clothes, and hats/headbands. On the other hand, useful accessories include baby wipes, hand sanitizer, heating pads, and other baby-related items. 

Newborn Photography Tricks: Have a Good Relationship With the Parents

Before you shoot a newborn photography session, you always want to establish a good relationship with the parents. If everyone is on the same page before the start of the photo shoot, your life will be infinitely easier, and the parents will ultimately be happier with your work.

Additionally, they will trust you more with their child and hopefully won’t be continuously looking over your shoulder or trying to micromanage you while shooting. This gives you a lot of confidence, makes you more relaxed, and will improve the quality of your photos. 

Newborn Photography Tricks: Take Posed & Lifestyle Shots

Photo by Katrina Elena via Shutterstock

There are two common types of newborn photography, posed and lifestyle. Mixing in both during a newborn shoot is good practice because it will give your images more variety. Moreover, while playing around with posed shots is incredibly fun, natural lifestyle shots often create some of the best memories. 

Posed shots are easier to do in the first two weeks after the baby is born because this is their “sleepy” and easygoing phase. After that, they usually become slightly more difficult to capture. Alternatively, you can do lifestyle shots anytime during the first two months. Then they graduate and lose the “newborn” title. 

Newborn Photography Tricks: Family Love

Photo by pyrozhenka via Shutterstock

Even though the clear star of any newborn photography shoot is the baby, we love taking a few group portraits, too. This includes mother/baby photos, father/baby photos, parent/baby photos, sibling/baby photos, and family portraits. 

As the newborn ages, these images are often some of the most treasured pictures by the parents and the ones that stay hung up around the house the longest. At the same time, they make ideal gifts for grandparents, other family members, and friends.

Newborn Photography Tricks: Lighting & Angles are Key

Photo by Vad-Len via Shutterstock

As cute as babies naturally are, they can be incredibly challenging to photograph because of their small and uneven sizes. Due to this, it’s critical to shoot in a well-lit space and to choose your angles wisely. If you don’t, you will be shocked (and sometimes downright frightened, ha!) when you review your images.

We prefer working with natural lighting, but you always want to carry a lighting kit just in case. Some of the most popular angles to shoot from are birds-eye-view (overhead), getting level with them, and over the shoulder. 

Newborn Photography Tricks: Think Creatively & Be Flexible

Photo by Svetlana Satsiukvia Shutterstock

Creativity and flexibility are two of the most important skills to be aware of when capturing newborn photography. For starters, the more creative you are, the happier the parents will be, and the more your work will stand out from the crowd and catch the attention of potential clients.

And flexibility is crucial because newborns are extremely unpredictable. You never know what will happen, and everything is out of your control. So, remember, as long as you stay flexible and go with the flow, you will walk away with a handful of good shots, even if nothing goes as planned.

Newborn Photography Tricks: Bring All Your Hard Work Together in a Beautiful Print

Last but not least, you want to display your newborn photos like a pro. And what better way to do that than by having your newborn photos printed as a large-format canvas?

Our yearly canvas print shootouts have revealed over the years that some companies are simply better than others. Namely, Artbeat Studios is frequently at the top of the quality list, and as such, your photos of newborns would be in good hands if you chose to order a print from the Artbeat team.

Not only does Artbeat Studios have a reputation for quality, but you can also rely on tons of choices. You can choose from Giclee or Metallic canvas, a .75-inch or 1.5-inch wrap, and either a white or black frame. No matter your choice of finishes, you will get a print with archival-quality inks and canvas, kiln-dried frames, and the option of ordering sizes as small as 8×8 up to as large as 48×96.

Heck, you can even order a custom-sized print if you want!

In other words, your newborn photos can be as beautiful and touching as you can make them, but if you have a bargain-basement company create your prints, all your hard work might be lost. Instead, rely on a top-quality outfit like Artbeat Studios. We trust them with our images – and you should, too!

A quick heads-up: If you snag something through our affiliate links or check out our sponsored content, we might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. But fear not, we’re all about recommending stuff we’re truly stoked about!

Learn More:

• What is Lifestyle Newborn Photography? 4 Tips for Getting Started
• Newborn Photography: Essential Tips for Capturing Precious Moments

Hero photo by Tatyana Vycvia Shutterstock.

The post Use These Newborn Photography Tricks to Get Better Results appeared first on Photography Talk.

As a photographer, this field offers you the unique opportunity to document the precious moments, expressions, and tiny details that make up the first few weeks of a newborn’s life. Though challenging, the results can be incredibly heartwarming and memorable for both the parents and the photographer.

To be successful in newborn photography, it is essential to be well-prepared and understand the various techniques involved. From choosing the right camera settings to selecting the perfect props, careful planning ensures that you can capture the most beautiful and creative images. Safety is another critical aspect of this genre, which means keeping the baby comfortable and secure throughout the session.

Additionally, mastering the art of posing and editing will enable you to produce professional-quality images that the new parents will cherish for years to come. Whether you are a seasoned photographer looking to expand your portfolio or a beginner wanting to venture into this rewarding niche, newborn photography is a skill that is both creatively fulfilling and in high demand.

Table of Contents

• Preparing for the Photoshoot
• The Photography Session
• Capturing the Perfect Shot
• After the Session
• Frequently Asked Questions

Preparing for the Photoshoot

Photo by Pavlova Nataliia via Shutterstock

Planning the Photoshoot

The first step in taking beautiful newborn photos is to plan the shoot. Whether you’re photographing your child or someone else’s, planning ahead ensures you’ll meet the expectations of the photoshoot.

To plan an effective newborn photography session, consider the following:

• Make sure the baby is fed 20-30 minutes prior to the shoot
• Keep the baby awake prior to the shoot so they sleep during the shoot itself
• Have extra clothes, diapers, and other baby goods on hand in case the baby needs changed
• Keep the air temperature in the space where the shoot will be higher than normal so the baby doesn’t get cold
• Gather blankets, toys, props, and so forth for creating a beautiful background for the images

Essential Newborn Photography Gear

Photo by sippakorn via Shutterstock

Having the right gear and equipment is crucial for capturing high-quality newborn photos. You should use a DSLR or a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses to give you the most features and tools to use to create the best images.

You can spend a few hundred dollars on a beginner photography kit or go for a high-end, professional kit that costs several thousand dollars. In between are various mid-range options worth exploring as well. Whatever your budget, set aside money for the following basic items:

• An interchangeable lens camera
• Several lenses for portraiture (prioritize an 85mm f/1.8 first)
• A sturdy tripod to keep the camera steady
• Soft lighting equipment, such as a reflector and a diffuser, to achieve balanced lighting
• A variety of comfortable props and blankets for positioning the baby
• A white noise machine or soothing music to keep the baby calm during the session
• A heating pad or warm towels to maintain the baby’s body temperature

The video above by My Big Camera explores correct lighting techniques for newborn photography. When adjusting the lighting in your photos, here are two techniques to consider:

Light modifiers: These tools help soften the light from your continuous light source, creating a more natural and gentle effect. Light modifiers are especially important in newborn photography, as harsh lighting can be unflattering on fragile features.

Continuous light: This type of lighting provides a constant and even illumination throughout the scene, so you can easily adjust your camera settings to achieve the desired outcome without experimenting with flash settings.

By considering and incorporating these planning aspects and essential gear into your newborn photoshoot, you can help ensure a smooth and successful session. You can also find helpful Newborn Photography Tips for Parents to further prepare yourself and your family for this special experience.

The Photography Session

Photo by aprilante via Shutterstock

Setting the Scene for Newborn Photos

As noted earlier, creating a warm and safe environment is crucial when preparing for a newborn photography session. Focus on choosing a location with ample natural lighting and enough space to accommodate all necessary posing pillows and equipment.

A studio setting is often preferred for its controlled environment, allowing for easy adjustments of props, backgrounds, and lighting to accommodate the baby’s needs. While natural lighting is ideal, if it’s not available, utilizing soft, continuous lights can help create a cozy atmosphere.

Safety and Comfort During the Shoot

Photo by Yana Rubin via Shutterstock

Ensuring a newborn’s safety and comfort during the photo session is of utmost importance. Keep the room temperature warm and cozy so your baby stays relaxed throughout the session. Consider using a space heater if necessary to maintain a comfortable environment.

Prioritize safety when positioning the baby, such as utilizing posing pillows to cushion and support them in various poses. Never force a pose that seems unnatural or uncomfortable for the baby.

In addition, remember the golden rule of newborn photography: always have a helping hand to assist during the shoot. This extra person can ensure the baby’s safety, assist with posing, and attend to the baby’s needs.

By following these guidelines, you’ll create a comfortable environment for your newborn photography session. Keep the atmosphere warm, prioritize natural lighting, and above all else, ensure your baby’s safety and comfort.

Capturing the Perfect Shot

Photo by Aquarius Studio via Shutterstock

Newborn Photography Techniques

In newborn photography, proper techniques are essential to capturing stunning images of your tiny subjects. Remember to prepare a clutter-free environment, focusing on your newborn and ensuring no distractions are in the scene. Find the right moments to take different poses, such as waiting until they are asleep to capture delicate close-up shots of their fingers and toes.

It’s also vital you have patience when working with newborns, as they can be unpredictable and might take time to settle into the ideal pose.

Camera Settings and Equipment

Photo by Zhuravlev Andrey via Shutterstock

As a newborn photographer, you should be familiar with your camera and its settings. First, choose between the two main types of cameras: DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) or mirrorless. Both are popular among professional photographers, though many photographers have switched to mirrorless due to the technological advancements they offer.

Regardless of your camera choice, it’s crucial to use manual mode to have full control over your photographs. When photographing newborns, consider using a prime lens with a wide aperture to create a soft, blurred background. For quiet, still babies, set your shutter speed to at least 1/160s, and for more active ones, use 1/250s or faster to freeze motion.

Here are some recommended settings for newborn photography:

• Aperture: f/2.8 for a nice shallow depth of field
• ISO: 100-400
• Shutter Speed: 1/160s (quiet babies) or 1/250s (active babies)

These settings, combined with proper lighting and the right choice of lenses, will allow you to capture beautiful images that focus on your newborn subject, providing a memorable experience to the parents.

After the Session

Photo by Frank11 via Shutterstock

After a successful newborn photography session, it’s time to move on to the editing and post-production phase. This stage plays a crucial role in transforming raw images into beautiful, final compositions that the parents will cherish for years to come.

First, carefully sort through the captured images and select the best ones. During this process, identify any photos that may need adjustments in exposure or tweaks in color balance. Pay attention to the textures in your photos, such as the baby’s skin and fabric. Textural details in newborn photography can add an extra level of warmth and character to your images. Get more editing tips in the video below by Mia Landry Images:

Next, consider the impact of depth of field while editing. Creating a shallow depth of field by blurring the background can help emphasize the newborn as the subject and draw the viewer’s attention to the baby’s delicate features.

Be judicious in the use of filters and presets for your newborn photos. Overediting can make the photos look worse, so using a light hand here is often the best way to go. That said, there are many presets for programs like Photoshop that are specifically designed for portraiture that can enhance your images with the click of a button.

Delivering the Final Photos

Photo by Tatyana Vyc via Shutterstock

Once you have applied all the necessary edits and enhancements to the selected images, it’s time to deliver the final set of photos to your clients:

Prepare an online gallery with high-resolution images, ensuring they are easy to view and download. Make sure to include a variety of close-ups, macro shots, and wider compositions that capture the baby in various poses.

Offer physical prints or albums for parents who prefer a tangible keepsake. Ensure that your prints are professionally produced and use high-quality materials, as this demonstrates your commitment to providing the best end product.

If you provide additional services or products, such as framed wall art or personalized photo books, present these options to your clients. Subtly remind them that these keepsakes make great gifts for grandparents and other family members.

Remember to maintain a consistent tone of voice and style throughout your post-production and delivery process, showcasing your expertise as a newborn photographer. By focusing on the details, such as carefully edited images and a seamless delivery experience, you can create lasting memories for your clients while enhancing your industry reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photo by BaLL LunLa via Shutterstock

How can I prepare my baby for a newborn photography session?

To prepare your baby for a newborn photography session, ensure they are well-fed and comfortable. Gently massage your baby to help them relax and try to keep the room warm. Create a soothing environment by playing soft music or white noise. Keep extra diapers, wipes, and blankets handy in case they are needed during the session.

What is the best age for a baby to have a newborn photo shoot?

The ideal age for a newborn photo shoot is between 4 and 14 days of age. During this time, newborns are still quite flexible, allowing for those adorable, curly poses. They also tend to be sleepier, which helps facilitate the photography session. However, if you’re unable to schedule a session within this timeframe, don’t worry, as beautiful newborn photos can still be captured.

What are some creative ideas for a newborn photography theme?

Photo by Tetiana Yablokova via Shutterstock

When planning a newborn photography theme, consider the interests and personalities of your family. You can incorporate elements related to your occupation, hobbies, sports teams, seasonal events, or pop culture. Personalize the session with special touches, such as personalized outfits or sentimental props. Ultimately, the theme should reflect the uniqueness of your family.

Which newborn photography props are safe and comfortable for my baby?

Safety and comfort should always be a priority when selecting props for a newborn photography session. Use soft materials, such as blankets, wraps, and fabrics that will not irritate your baby’s delicate skin. Utilize pillows or small bean bags to provide extra support for specific poses. Avoid using any props that have sharp edges or contain small, detachable parts that could pose a choking hazard.

How long does a typical newborn photography session last?

Photo by paulaphoto via Shutterstock

The duration of a newborn photography session can vary depending on several factors, but in-hospital sessions usually take around 30 minutes. In-home or studio sessions, on the other hand, may take up to 4 hours or more. This is because there may be frequent breaks for feeding, diaper changes, and soothing the baby.

What should my newborn wear for the photo shoot?

For the photo shoot, it’s best to dress your newborn in simple, neutral, and well-fitting clothing to avoid any distractions. Consider attire that showcases your baby’s natural beauty, such as a classic white onesie or delicate knitted outfits. Soft fabrics, such as cotton or linen, are ideal for comfort. Avoid clothing with busy patterns or branding that may detract from the overall aesthetic of the photographs.

Our articles might have affiliate links and the occasional sponsored content, but don’t sweat it – if you buy something, we get a little kickback at no extra cost to you, and we only hype products we truly believe in!

Learn More:

• What is Lifestyle Newborn Photography? 4 Tips for Getting Started
• 4 Newborn Photography Tips

Hero photo by Art_Photo via Shutterstock

The post Newborn Photography: Essential Tips for Capturing Precious Moments appeared first on Photography Talk.

Newborn photography is a popular form of portraiture that focuses on capturing an infant in their first few weeks of life. It’s a beautiful art form, and sessions result in treasured heirloom photographs.

Lifestyle newborn photography moves beyond the delivery room documentation or posing table portraits and shows the infant moving out into the big wide world. Similar to lifestyle portraits for older kids or adults, newborn lifestyle photography incorporates elements around the home or outside.

Let’s explore a few tips to help you capture the beauty of this stage of life!

Table of Contents:

• Lifestyle Newborn Photography in Natural Light
• Go Outside for Lifestyle Newborn Photography
• Include Family in Lifestyle Newborn Photography
• Handheld Camera Frees Up Framing and Posing
• Lifestyle Newborn Photography – Embrace the Fidgeting
• Provide High-Quality Prints of the Images

Lifestyle Newborn Photography in Natural Light

Photo by  Elizaveta Galitckaia via Shutterstock

Newborn lifestyle photography is a little different from the more traditional or formal portraits we may be used to. One of the things that makes this type of photography so special is that it puts the viewer into the image, making them feel a part of it.

Natural lighting for lifestyle newborn photography is a good way to make the viewer feel as though they are right there with the image. Within the parameters of natural lighting, we can still adjust or control certain aspects of lighting.

For instance, a collapsible 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 reflector can be used to great advantage. Not only can we redirect some of the light to create a lighting ratio or a fill light, but we can also change the color balance of that light by using either the warmer or cooler panels of the reflector kit. A gold panel warms things up, while a silver panel cools it down, white being mostly neutral.

Go Outside for Lifestyle Newborn Photography

Photo by Veda J Gonzalez via Shutterstock

Outdoor newborn lifestyle photography is the epitome of a natural look for this style of photography. The natural element is conducive to imparting feelings of unity, growth, togetherness, and the wonders of life.

We do need to exhibit care for outdoor newborn lifestyle photography. Extremes of heat or cold would not be a good idea, nor would windy weather or any precipitation. So, we can look for some alternatives to suggest the outdoors in our newborn lifestyle photography, such as an enclosed porch or perhaps a sunroom. An indoor botanical garden might work as well.

Include Family in Lifestyle Newborn Photography

Photo by  Bandak Dmytrovia Shutterstock

Indoors or outdoors, including family in the lifestyle newborn photography adds to the overall feel of togetherness we’re trying to capture and convey with our portrait sessions.

The newborn child exists within an established framework of family and friends. Remember, too, some friends are actually closer to some people than relatives may be, so it might be worthwhile to check that out during the pre-session discussions. 

Mom and Dad are obvious choices of who to include in the photos, but older siblings can be included if there are any. Some of the best moments come from that sibling reaction to their new baby brother or sister. Grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, best friends, and any of these relationships are proper subjects to include.

Handheld Camera Frees Up Framing and Posing

In many portrait photography, lighting configurations and camera placement are static. They stay in one place with light stands, tripods, camera mounts, etc. For lifestyle newborn photography, freeing up the photographer’s movement by using the camera handheld is often better.

Handheld is a valid method for a lot of lifestyle portraiture. It especially comes in handy for any time we’re dealing with children as our subject matter. Of course, we will want a high enough ISO or fast enough lens aperture to provide usable shutter speeds.

Lifestyle Newborn Photography – Embrace the Fidgeting

Photo by Natalia Lebedinskaia via Shutterstock

Since we’re keyed in on being able to use natural or portable lighting and using our camera handheld, we’re set up better to be able to capture those fleeting moments that come and go so rapidly with lifestyle newborn photography.

You might as well embrace the fidgeting, which can be any movement, not only an uncomfortable or crying child. Being adjustable ourselves is vital for any style of child portrait photography. Just be kind, be reasonable, and acquiesce to the parent’s or guardian’s wishes.

Provide High-Quality Prints of the Images

Once we’ve captured all those wonderful images in our lifestyle newborn photography session, we want to provide our clients with the best possible display methods.

Artbeat Studios has everything you would want in this regard. That perfect picture from the session can be made into an extraordinary, large wall art photo. Canvas prints work exceptionally well for newborn pictures. It has a charm that ties together all those aspects of family togetherness.

Here’s an example of the wonderful reaction you can cause by providing a family with ultra-high-quality photo prints of loved ones. It’s from the Artbeat Studios YouTube channel:

Alternatively, a modern or contemporary look and feel can be provided with high-quality metal and acrylic prints. All three of these printing options will give the family an heirloom piece of photo art commemorating the arrival of that precious newborn child.

The entire process of photographing newborns, from the pre-birth meeting with the client to the final delivery of a high-quality heirloom photo print, is a joy. Use these tips to make your lifestyle newborn photography images part of that family’s joy.

Our articles might have affiliate links and the occasional sponsored content, but don’t sweat it – if you buy something, we get a little kickback at no extra cost to you, and we only hype products we truly believe in!

Learn More:

• Newborn Photography: Essential Tips for Capturing Precious Moments
• Use These Newborn Photography Tricks to Get Better Results

The post What is Lifestyle Newborn Photography? 4 Tips for Getting Started appeared first on Photography Talk.

Newborn photography is a specialty niche of portrait photography that is enjoyable and rewarding and can also be profitable when marketed well.

But there are some tricks you can follow to get better photos of little ones.

Here are some newborn photography tips that have proven to help maximize the rewards of this genre of creative portraiture.

Table of Contents:

• #1 Newborn Photography Tips: Keep the Baby Comfortable
• Newborn Photography Tips for Lighting
• Props, Backgrounds, Clothing
• Create Lasting Memories With a Photo Book

#1 Newborn Photography Tips: Keep the Baby Comfortable

Photo by Zamrznuti tonovi  via Shutterstock

The most important of all of our newborn photography tips is to keep the baby comfortable. One of the ways to make sure the child will be relaxed enough to accept your posing and all of the equipment around them is to carefully monitor the ambient temperature.

Using the air conditioner or heater is important because infants can show signs of discomfort due to being too hot or too cold. Besides making the resulting photos unusable, we really don’t want to be the cause of anything uncomfortable for the child or the parents. 

Mood is vital for good infant photographs. This starts before we choose any lighting configuration or exposure settings. Think peaceful, calming, and affectionate. Even what the child hears is going to affect the mood, which is why we’re including using hushed speaking tones in our newborn photography tips.

Going back to temperatures, the area in which the newborn is placed also should be considered. Some of the more thoughtful newborn photography tips we’ve come across include making sure the material the child is on top of is a soft, natural material. Warming a blanket to use for the newborn’s posing area is often a good idea, even if we need to use air conditioning for air temp comfort.

Making sure that the child is fed about 20 or 30 minutes before the photo session is another one of the newborn photography tips concerning their comfort level. Posing them too soon after feeding could decrease their comfort level, but about 20 or 30 minutes usually has them nicely relaxed.

Newborn Photography Tips for Lighting

Photo by  Tatyana Vycvia Shutterstock

We already mentioned creating a relaxed mood in our newborn photography tips. Creating a soft mood in the images themselves can be enhanced by proper lighting. Soft, warm light is definitely the best, such as diffused daylight coming through a window. 

We can use lighting gear, including a softbox, warm tone reflectors, and color controls on LED continuous lights to create our own window light. There are even specialty scrims that many cinematography lighting specialists use to mimic window panes or blinds that we can adapt for our use.

You’ll notice I already listed using LED continuous lights in our newborn photography tips. A continuous light source has some advantages over studio strobes or camera flash units when photographing newborns, mostly because of the previously mentioned comfort level. 

The bright explosion of light from a strobe may startle a child, even if you’ve diffused the light. And LED lights avoid the heat issue of other forms of continuous lights while also adding in generous levels of control for light intensity and color temperature.

The actual light configuration can vary quite a bit. A standard two-light setup with a 3 to 1 (3:1) lighting ratio between key and fill lights can work well, as can advanced techniques including butterfly lighting, broad lighting, and short lighting, depending on what effect you want, from low key to high key and anywhere in between.

Many successful newborn photographers have related that one of their newborn photography tips for lighting is to use a generally flatter light ratio than even the 3:1 portrait set up. A  2:1 or 1.5:1 ratio can provide enough modeling texture to the light and help soften the mood for beautiful infant portraits. 

Props, Backgrounds, Clothing

Photo by Tatyana Vycvia Shutterstock

This brings us to the setting part of our newborn photography tips, what kind of backdrop, props, and clothing items to choose. Just as with the lighting tips, using soft items, soft colors, and natural materials all help contribute to a comfortable session and good images.

There are stiff, flat top beanbag types of cushions to place on a posing table, bed, or floor that have some give but let the baby sink down into the material that are excellent for newborn photography.

Softer, muted colors work well. You can choose earthy tones or fun, bright colors, but if you opt for brighter colors, pastels seem to enhance a photo more than deep or intense primary colors, which can seem a little harsh. This extends from the posing blankets to include your backdrops. 

As a side point in our newborn photography tips, some of the same backdrops and props we recommend for food photography cross over fantastically into all forms of portrait photography, including these intimate portraits of a newborn infant.

Create Lasting Memories With a Photo Book

All of these photography tips can be key in marketing our portrait work to show potential clients. Photo books can be used as our portfolio, and we should also be offering a photo book to the clients we’re already working with.

Parents love having these to show everyone, and they are a lasting memento as well. Grandparents, godparents, family friends, and other extended family and friends could receive a nice photo book as a gift, or they can purchase one themselves.

Photo Book Press is a premium printer of fine-quality photo books and is the source I like to use for newborn photography. The prices are reasonable and there are so many options for the creation of just the right book style for your client.

When considering the marketing ideas of newborn photography tips, remember to book ahead of time for some follow-up sessions. Some parents may want six-month and one-year-old portraits, while others may prefer less time between sessions.

A series of photo books is a good way to keep their cherished memories intact and is a nice source of extra income for you as the photographer. Combined with all the other newborn photography tips we’ve presented, this will contribute to your rewards and the enjoyment of newborn photography.

Our articles might have affiliate links and the occasional sponsored content, but don’t sweat it – if you buy something, we get a little kickback at no extra cost to you, and we only hype products we truly believe in.

Learn More:

• What is Lifestyle Newborn Photography? 4 Tips for Getting Started
• Newborn Photography: Essential Tips for Capturing Precious Moments

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