Newborn photography is a beautiful way to seize the precious moments of a baby’s early life.
From their tiny fingers and toes to their first expressions and interactions with their parents, newborns grow and change quickly, making it essential to capture these brief moments before they are gone forever.
A professional newborn photoshoot can preserve such memories for years to come, creating treasured family mementos that will be cherished for a lifetime.
In this guide, we will provide a complete overview of newborn photography and everything you need to know to capture beautiful newborn photos, including:
- Preparing for a Newborn Photoshoot
- Techniques for capturing beautiful newborn photos
- Lighting in Newborn Photography
- Black and white newborn photography tips
- Editing Newborn Photos
- Pricing and business considerations
- Legal and ethical considerations
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting, this guide will provide valuable insights into the world of newborn photography and how to capture the precious moments of a baby’s early life.
Preparing for a Newborn Photoshoot
Tips for preparing for a successful newborn photoshoot
Preparing for a newborn photoshoot is important to ensure that the session runs smoothly and that you capture the best possible photos of the baby. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a successful newborn photo shoot:
-Schedule the shoot within the first two weeks of birth:
Newborns are easiest to photograph during the first 2 weeks of their lives when they are sleepy and more likely to stay in a single position. Schedule the photo shoot in advance, ideally before the baby is born, so you have plenty of time to prepare.
-Keep the room comfortable for the baby:
Babies need to be comfortable to stay calm and relaxed during the photoshoot. Make sure the room is warm enough, and dress the baby in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
-Choose the right time of the day:
Newborns tend to be sleepier, usually earlier in the morning to mid-morning, with right after nap time as a close second. Choose a time of day (maybe around 10 a.m.) when the baby is usually the sleepiest to schedule the photoshoot.
-Plan for Breaks
Newborns need frequent breaks for feeding, changing, and soothing. Plan for breaks during the photo shoot to ensure the baby stays comfortable and relaxed.
-Have Props and Set-Up Ready
Prepare the props and set-up for the photoshoot in advance so you can quickly transition between shots. Some essential props for newborn photography include blankets, swaddles, hats, and headbands.
Equipment needed for newborn photography
Newborn photography requires specific equipment to ensure that you capture the best possible photos of the baby.
Here are some essential pieces of equipment you’ll need for a successful newborn photoshoot:
- Camera: A high-quality camera is essential for newborn photography. Choose a professional camera that allows you to shoot in manual mode and provides high-resolution images. Mirrorless cameras would be a great choice but some high-level DSLRs work great too.
- Lenses: Investing in a good quality lens is essential for capturing sharp and detailed photos of the baby. A 50mm or 35mm lens is an excellent choice for newborn photography.
- Lighting: Proper lighting is necessary for creating beautiful and natural-looking photos. Natural light is ideal, but if you’re shooting indoors, you’ll need additional lighting equipment. Softbox lights or diffused umbrellas are excellent options for newborn photography.
- Props: Props are an essential part of newborn photography and can help create a unique and personalized look for each photoshoot. Some essential props for newborn photography include blankets, wraps, baskets, and headbands.
By investing in high-quality equipment, you can ensure that you capture beautiful and memorable photos of the baby’s early life in high quality.
Props and set-up suggestions for the photoshoot:
Props and set-up can help to create a distinct and personalized look for each photoshoot. Here are some suggestions for your newborn photo shoot:
Blankets and wraps:
Soft, textured blankets and wraps are essential props for newborn photography. Choose pretty blankets and wraps made of natural fibers, such as cotton, wool, or muslin, to avoid irritating the baby’s skin.
Baskets and crates:
You can use baskets and crates to create a cozy and comfortable environment for the baby. Make sure to choose baskets and crates that are sturdy and large enough to accommodate the baby comfortably and safely.
Headbands and Hats:
Such accessories are fun and playful props that can add personality and style to your newborn photos. Make sure to choose headbands and hats that are comfortable and don’t irritate the baby’s skin.
Set-Up:
The set-up for your newborn photoshoot should be simple and uncluttered, with a focus on the baby. Choose a neutral-colored backdrop and avoid patterns or distracting elements.
Techniques for Capturing Beautiful Newborn Photos
Different styles of shooting newborn photography
Posed and candid are two different styles of shooting that can be used to capture different types of moments and emotions in newborn photography. Here’s an explanation of each:
1) Posed Newborn Photography
Posed newborn photography involves positioning the baby in a specific pose or position and taking pictures of them from different perspectives.
Props like baskets, blankets, and hats are frequently used in this fashion to achieve a particular aesthetic or theme. To ensure the baby’s comfort and safety, posed newborn photography is frequently performed in a studio environment with regulated lighting and temperature.
Posed newborn photography can produce beautiful and timeless photographs that highlight the baby’s delicate and small features. To obtain the proper positions and expressions, this style can be time-consuming and require a lot of patience and talent.
2) Candid Newborn Photography:
In candid photography, the baby is photographed casually in their normal context, such as at home or in the hospital, for a more authentic and natural picture.
Instead of putting the baby in a particular position, the photographer tries to capture their natural expressions and movements.
The intimacy and emotion of candid newborn photography can result in photographs that beautifully capture the personality of the baby and the relationship between the newborn and its family.
Such photoshoots can be more creative and flexible with this technique because it is frequently less structured.
Both posed and candid newborn photography can be lovely and memorable in their own ways, and many photographers decide to combine the two to capture a range of moments and feelings during the shooting.
The client’s expectations for the photos and the photographer’s personal preferences often influence the choice of style.
Newborn photography poses:
The Classic Newborn Pose
The baby is positioned on their back in the classic newborn pose, with their arms and legs tucked in. To create this pose, first, make sure the baby is at ease, and then use blankets or wraps to support the body and create a natural curve in the spine.
The Froggy Pose
In the more advanced “froggy” pose the baby is placed on their stomach with their hands tucked under their chin. To ensure the baby’s comfort and safety while performing this pose, two individuals are needed—one to support the baby’s legs and the other to hold the baby’s head.
The Side-Lying Pose
In the side-lying position, the baby is positioned with their head resting on their arm or hand. This pose is perfect for capturing the baby’s delicate facial features and can be achieved by using blankets or props to help support the baby’s body and create a comfortable position.
The Parent Pose
The parent pose involves including one or both parents in the photoshoot, holding the baby, or interacting with them. This pose creates a beautiful and emotional photo that captures the bond between the baby and their parents.
Lighting in Newborn Photography
Lighting is an important element in any kind of photography, and it can greatly affect the mood and quality of your images. Here are some tips for using natural light and studio lighting to capture beautiful and memorable photos of newborn babies:
Natural Light
Natural light is a favorite option for newborn photos since it is gentle, warm, and pleasant. A north-facing window is advised for taking beautiful photos in natural light.
Windows that face north offer gentle, indirect lighting that is ideal for baby photos. Position the baby facing the window to capture the soft light on their face.
Avoid harsh light
Harsh shadows and overexposed areas can be caused by direct, bright sunlight. Avoid taking pictures of your newborn in the sun or during the bright midday sun.
Use reflectors:
Reflectors can make the baby’s face look more even and attractive by reflecting light onto it. White foam boards or blankets can be used to reflect light on the baby.
Studio Lighting:
Studio lighting provides a controlled and consistent light source that can be adjusted to suit your preferences. Here are some tips for using studio lighting for newborn photography:
Use softboxes or diffusers:
The light can be softened and diffused using softboxes. For a gentle, even light, place the light source 45 degrees from the baby.
Use a light meter:
You can use a light meter to measure the light and change the settings to get the exposure you prefer. This is particularly important as the light can be adjusted to create different moods and effects.
Consider the background:
The background of your images can have a big impact on how they look overall. If you want to create a timeless and classic style, use neutral and soft colors. And add props if you want to create a whimsical and lively ambiance.
Black and white newborn photography tips
For newborn pictures, black and white photography can create a timeless and classic aesthetic. Here are some pointers for taking stunning black-and-white photos:
- Importance of lighting: Black-and-white photography requires good lighting. Your photographs can have stunning contrast and texture with even and gentle lighting.
- To provide depth and complexity to black-and-white photos, contrast is an important element to adjust. Boost the contrast in your photos to give them a bold, striking appearance. For newborn photography, you can use soft and subtle tones to give the picture an adorable look.
- Focus on texture: Black and white images can highlight the texture and details in your images. Focus on the baby’s tiny fingers, toes, and features to create beautiful and artistic images.
- Use neutral and simple props and backgrounds to create a timeless and classic look. Too many props can be distracting so keep them at a minimum.
- Experiment with post-processing: Black and white images can be further enhanced through post-processing. Use editing software like Lightroom to adjust the exposure, contrast, and tone of your images. Experiment with different colors, hues, and tones to create a unique and artistic look.
Editing Newborn Photos
Editing is a crucial step in the newborn photography process that can significantly improve the beauty and quality of your pictures. Here are some suggestions for enhancing newborn photo editing:
Adjusting the exposure:
Adjust the exposure to ensure that the baby’s skin tones are perfectly balanced and that the details in the highlights and shadows are visible.
Skin smoothening
Skin smoothening is an important part while editing newborn photos and their skin can often have blemishes, redness, or dry patches. Use a skin smoothing tool or brush to gently smooth out any imperfections and create a soft and flawless look.
Eye enhancements:
The eyes are the window to the soul, and they can greatly enhance the beauty and emotion of your images. Use an eye-enhancing brush to brighten and enhance the eyes and make them stand out in your images.
Basic Color:
Saturation, hues, split toning, and color of your photographs can all be changed using color-correcting techniques. By doing this, you can create skin tones and colors that are realistic and look natural in your photographs.
Retouching
Retouching tools can be used to remove any distracting elements from your images, such as blemishes or flyaway hairs. However, it’s important to use this technique with caution to avoid creating an artificial look.
Editing newborn photos can make your photos go from good to amazing, however, it is also important to remember that editing is not a replacement for proper technique and composition.
Pricing and Business Considerations
Pricing your newborn photography services can be a difficult task, as there are many factors to consider. Here are some tips for determining the right price for your services:
Consider Your Experience:
Your experience is one of the most important factors to take into account when determining the cost of your newborn photography services.
You might need to charge less than a more seasoned photographer if you’re just starting out. You can gradually raise your pricing as you get more experience and expand your portfolio.
Research the Market:
Your experience is one of the most important factors to take into account when determining the cost of your newborn photography services. Research how much other newborn photographers are charging.
You might need to charge less than a more seasoned photographer if you’re just starting out. You can gradually raise your pricing as you get more experience and expand your portfolio.
Factor in Your Expenses:
It’s critical to consider your costs, such as those for studio rental, equipment purchases, and props, when establishing your pricing. Make sure you are able to pay your bills while maintaining a competitive edge in the market.
Determine Your Value:
While setting your service fee, take into account the value you provide to your clients. This involves the quality of your work as well as your experience and knowledge. If you’re offering high-quality services, you can bill more than a young photographer.
Offer Packages:
Consider offering packages that include multiple sessions or prints. This can help provide multiple options to your clients and help increase your overall revenue.
Be Transparent:
Be clear about what is included in each bundle and any additional costs customers might face when describing your charges to them. By doing this, you may increase client trust and make sure they know exactly what they are paying for.
You may establish a reasonable and competitive price for your newborn photography services by taking these elements into account. This price should reflect your experience, knowledge, and the value you provide to your clients.
Tips for starting a successful newborn photography business
Build a Strong Portfolio:
It’s important to have a strong photography portfolio that reflects your talent and style as your portfolio serves as your showcase for potential clients.
Consider providing free or deeply discounted sessions as you develop your portfolio and promote your work on your website and social media.
Establish Your Brand:
You should differentiate yourself from other photographers in the industry with a brand that reflects your personality and sense of style.
Think about coming up with a distinctive brand name, logo, and color palette that represent your brand’s identity and utilizing them consistently in all of your marketing materials.
Define Your Niche:
Even though newborn photography is a specialized field, there are ways to stand out. Think of specializing in a certain sort or style of newborn photography, such as lifestyle or posed newborn photos, or think about providing unique sets or props.
Legal and ethical considerations:
In order to preserve some of life’s most priceless moments, newborn photographers must take into account the moral and legal implications of their job.
When working with newborn photography, it’s crucial to keep in mind the following moral and legal issues:
Safety:
As newborns are so delicate and vulnerable, their safety should always come first in any photo shoot. To ensure the baby’s safety, it’s crucial to use secure setups and props and to always have a spotter nearby.
Consent:
Always ask clients to sign a contract outlining the specifics of the session, including how the pictures will be used.
Copyright:
The photographer is the copyright owner of the photo captured by them. (including the photos of the newborn!)
In your contract, it’s crucial to specify the conditions for using the photographs and to make sure that clients are aware of the restrictions on their usage rights.
Editing:
It’s essential to prevent manipulating baby images in a way that could be seen as misleading. This includes changing the baby’s characteristics, features or positioning them in unnatural ways.
Marketing:
It’s important to make sure that all representations of your knowledge and expertise in newborn photography marketing are accurate and truthful.
Privacy:
It’s crucial to protect your clients and their newborns’ privacy. When posting images on your website or social media, make sure you obtain their permission. Also, be selective about the kind of photos you post publicly.
By keeping these legal and ethical factors in mind, you may establish a reputation as a competent and ethical newborn photographer who prioritizes the safety and well-being of your clients and their newborns.
Conclusion
Newborn photography is an amazing and fulfilling experience for both the photographer and the clients. To get the best outcomes, it needs careful strategy, preparation, and execution.
You can make beautiful, classic photographs that capture the innocence and beauty of newborns by following the pointers and suggestions provided in this guide.
Make sure to do your work with originality, passion, and professionalism. Prioritize the safety and well-being of your clients and their babies at all times, and approach your work with creativity and passion.
