I have 3 children of my own so I know the importance of having good photographs of babies. I made the mistake with my first child, waiting till he was bigger before I had professional photos taken (other than the ones in hospital). Even though I had photography experience, I did not have the equipment back then, nor did I have the specified expertise in newborn photography. He was so tiny so in all of the photos I have of him he is so small you can hardly see him, if I got any closer he was out of focus. By my next child I had a much better camera and was able to take much better photos, though I still did not have the training in newborn photography. I still have some nice images to hold onto, but looking back I wish that I had just paid a professional newborn photographer to capture the tiny details. How small he was, from his button nose to his tiny little toes.
Now after having training specifically in newborn photography I can see for myself the hard work that goes into capturing these images. It's not all about having the best camera and a back drop, it's handling the baby, timing everything just right, setting up studio equipment perfectly, incorporating Mum, Dad and siblings and knowing how to deal with a fussy newborn.
I now have a guide I give Mum's of newborns to ensure baby is well settled for the session and allowing plenty of time, as babies do not run on our clock (any parent would know this), we need to work around them.
The best time to photograph a newborn is before 10 days of age. This doesn't mean it should not be done after, it only means this window of opportunity is greatest for capturing those beautiful sleepy shots as baby sleeps the majority of the time and in most cases is easier to settle. Sometimes Mum's and Dad's need to be a distance from the baby for him/her to settle. The scent of the parents can sometimes make baby feel insecure knowing it's not Mum or Dad holding him/her.
There are a lot of little tricks with setting the mood and getting the baby in a relaxed state, once achieved the outcome can be nothing short of amazing!
Once a baby gets to around 8-12 weeks of age, they generally become fussy and this can become a more challenging session. Less sweet sleepy shots and the majority of the session is spent rocking baby back to sleep rather than taking photos. So overall, for value for money, before 4 weeks of age would be my suggestion.
I had a session today, Mr 7 weeks just wanted to be awake and check out what was going on. Too knowing at this age, he knew something was going on and he didn't want to miss a trick! It did make it more challenging for me, but we got creative and some stunning shots were the result of the session. Something original and fun!
There are little tricks for babies and children of all ages, but the biggest one of all is to let them do what they do best... Have fun! Capture them as who they are today, doing what they love. Real smiles, not forced smiles. The candid shots as they look back over their shoulder at you to see if you are watching them. Capture them discovering the world and it's beauty for the first time. Many people will comment that they never get good photos of their kids, Children behave differently to a stranger. They are more likely to listen and follow simple instructions. In some cases they want to show me things, which is great! The way I interact with the children plays a huge part in the end product. Having 3 of my own helps, I can read their key signals when they have had enough and it's time to play.
I have also learnt how to get a shy child to feel comfortable with me. Time is always left for this in my sessions. It is very important.
There are little tricks for babies and children of all ages, but the biggest one of all is to let them do what they do best... Have fun! Capture them as who they are today, doing what they love. Real smiles, not forced smiles. The candid shots as they look back over their shoulder at you to see if you are watching them. Capture them discovering the world and it's beauty for the first time. Many people will comment that they never get good photos of their kids, Children behave differently to a stranger. They are more likely to listen and follow simple instructions. In some cases they want to show me things, which is great! The way I interact with the children plays a huge part in the end product. Having 3 of my own helps, I can read their key signals when they have had enough and it's time to play.
I have also learnt how to get a shy child to feel comfortable with me. Time is always left for this in my sessions. It is very important.
I am constantly updating my skills and training, as well as learning new ones from every newborn, infant and child I photograph, every single one is so unique they each have something new to teach me.
While some people may feel that newborn photography is over priced, with the time and cost involved with the experience and training and the beautiful memories you get to cherish for generations to come, in my opinion is something money can't buy! Looking back when your babies are grown and their babies are having babies, you too will agree it was the best money you could have spent.
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