So, you love photography and you love babies. You want to get started with newborn photography. Maybe, you want to go over the basics of what you need. Well, you have come to the right place. Below is a beginners guide to newborn photography. I have put together this guide to cover the very basics of getting started. These steps are not necessarily listed in order of importance although step one is definitely paramount (in my opinion). I hope this helps you to get an idea of what to expect as you journey into the world of newborn photography. Be sure to leave a comment or email me if you would like more detailed information on any of the topics below or just to let me know if you found this article helpful.
If you would like tips on starting a newborn photography business check out 5 Steps to Starting a Newborn Photography Business.
Step 1. Safety and Cleanliness
The first thing I want to mentioning this guide is safety. I can’t emphasize enough how important this step is. I see “photographers” attempting different poses that could potentially seriously injure a newborn baby if not done properly. Remember, this is someone’s child and no photograph is worth risking safety of their precious baby.
Newborns need to head support at all times! The froggy pose and images of babies “hanging in a hammock” are done by compositing two images together. The baby is never hanging in the air without a beanbag under them or without hands supporting their head and neck at all times.
Having a spotter on hand (whether it’s a hired assistant or mom or dad) is important. Never leave a baby unattended.
NEVER force a baby into a pose. Not all babies will do all poses. You need to learn to read the cues of baby your working with and pose accordingly.
Another thing to consider are the props you are using. Always be sure they aren’t top heavy!! For instance buckets should be weighted down securely so they don’t topple over with baby inside.
I would also like to mention cleanliness. Please be sure to wash your hands throughout the session and keep some antibacterial lotion at your side. Trust me, mom will be expecting you to do this! Babies this young haven’t built up their immune systems yet. In addition to cleaning your hand, all wraps, blankets and outfits must be washed after every session. Preferably with a baby safe detergent. One without perfumes or harsh chemicals. Make sure your studio is sanitized and cleaned after every session.
Step 2. When Should the Session Should Take Place?
I typically photograph newborns between 5-14 days old. 10-12 days is usually my sweet spot, but every baby is different and so is every photographer. Some photographers prefer newborns younger 5-12 days, while others will photograph a newborn at 8 weeks. Remember, babies tend to “unfold” as each day passes, so if your wanted the typical “curled up” newborn poses under 2 weeks is ideal.
Step 3. Prepping the Parents
Make sure you prep your client!! It is so important that parents know what to expect. It truly makes for a much smoother and successful session. Be sure to let them know the session will take some time. Usually between 2-4 hours. Also, remind them it will be warm in the space so dress in layers!! Most parents aren’t sure what to wear so have a What to Wear guide to send them. I can’t tell you how much this makes a difference!! Some other things to discuss with them is when to feed the baby (when you arrive at their home or when they arrive at the studio, how to dress the baby, etc.
Step 4. Equipment for Newborn Photography
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I will write another blog post with a complete list, but for this post I will keep it streamlined.
- Camera: Obviously, you will want a DSLR camera. I recommend going with a full frame. I’m a Canon girl, but Nikon is also a great choice.
- Lenses: I use 50mm 1.4 in every newborn session! This lens is affordable and a work horse. I am never without my 50!! Another great lens is the 85mm. You will also want to have a lens for macro shots. I use a 100mm lens for lashes, toes and lips.
- Lighting: Well, this could vary depending on if you are using natural light or studio lighting. This is a topic I can go into in much more detail in another post. If you have a nice big window for natural light, all you may need is something to diffuse light and a reflector. If you are interested in studio lights I am a fan of Einsteins by Paul C Buff with a PLM.
- Memory Cards and Battery: Always make sure you have backups!!!
- Backdrop stand: something sturdy.
- Seamless paper: These are great for parent and family shots with the newborn.
- Props: Wraps, a beanbag, buckets or baskets, headbands, hats, posing fabric and posing beans/small towels are the basic necessities. Also, a good quality flokati or two is a great thing to have!!
- Editing Software: I use Lightroom and Photoshop! Adobe Creative Cloud is about 10. a month an well worth it!!
- Misc: Hand sanitizer, extra new pacifiers, a shusher or white noise sound machine, baby wipes, extra clothes and blankets, a heating pad and space heater, squeaky or funny toys for older siblings, clamps for blankets.
Step 5. Posing Newborns
This step requires lots of practice and patience.There are so many fabulous newborn photography educators out there to teach you the art of posing. Learn a few basic poses and wrapping techniques and master those first! You can get a full gallery of images with just two or three poses if you incorporate a few different wraps and hats/headbands for variety, as well as shooting from different angles. The important thing is attention to detail and again patience!! Please, promise me that you will avoid attempting poses until you have studied and practiced and know how to do them SAFELY!!
Don’t forget! Enjoy yourself and have fun! After all, isn’t that why you started?
Newborn photography can be an extremely beautiful and fun genre to specialize in. I have met some truly wonderful families and connected with the most incredible moms through my work. It’s not “easy” to be a newborn photographer. It takes commitment and dedication like any other craft, but has been an extremely rewarding and heartwarming experience for me.
Please be sure to leave a comment below if you are starting out in newborn photography or what your struggles are or where when starting out.
