HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH Your
newborn AT HOME
I know there are many of you who booked newborn session which have been cancelled due to COVID-19.
It broke my heart to cancel sessions, but I completely understand it is for everyones safety that the lockdown is in place. I wanted to try and find a way to help those parents who can no longer have newborn sessions, so I’ve written this blog as a way to help. I photographed both of my boys when they were newborns, Elliott at the end of 2016 and Aidan last year. I am all too aware of the haze, tiredness and excitement you feel after having a baby. These are a few simple tips so you can take the best possible photos of your baby. Please don’t worry if you need extra help. You are welcome to contact me, if you have any additional questions.
Also, together with Lindsay from Mummas & Beans Byfleet, Woking & Weybridge. We have created a friendly Facebook group for Mums & Mums to be, in Woking & the surrounding areas. As well as being a friendly community, it has a variety of classes from antenatal to tots by some amazing suppliers.
We would love you to join. Just click the button below to join. I’ve got a special treat for those members of the group who are taking their own newborn photos, just search ‘How to take Newborn Photos at Home’ to see my post.
Find your Light
In my photography I used both natural and studio light. For natural light look for non directional window light. Here is the window I used in my studio. You can used any window, it doesn’t have to be floor to ceiling. The main thing is that you don’t have hash light flowing through the window creating mottled light. See how in this photo the sun isn’t streaming directly through the window? This is what you want. Alternatively if you have netted curtains, you can use that to diffuse the light.
Set up:
If you have the right light you can take photos with your baby on your bed. For situations where the light is not by a bed, you can use your Moses bed or cot bed mattress. Pick a time when your baby is most sleepy. I’ve always found morning is the best time to photograph babies. To help get baby sleepy, try using some white nose or wave sounds.
What to wear:
If you want to photograph your baby in a baby grow, plain non patterned natural colours work best. It’s always lovely to photography babies naked or with a nappy on with a simple wrap covering that nappy or any little bits that might be on display.
How to position your baby in the light:
In this diagram, see baby is at an angle to the light. This is to create some lovely soft shadows. Position your baby so the light is falling from her forehead.
If you want to create an image of your baby face on then have the window above and behind your baby like this. The most important thing in every position is the light should never be pointed up your baby’s nose.
BABY POSING
Keep this simple. I have been trained in newborn posing safety and have years of experience in posing newborns. Do not force your baby into poses. Try simply positioning your baby to his side or on his back. Look at how your baby naturally positions himself in your arms so you can see where he is most comfortable. When he is asleep in your arms, you can simply transition him from that position to the bed/ mattress.
Lastly, have fun with it. If you have any questions about photographing your baby at home, you are welcome to contact me.
Warmest wishes,
Lorraine
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