5 Tips for Photographing Your Own Newborn | One Twenty Two Photography
Like most small business owners and parents during this pandemic pause, I’ve entered uncharted waters. Getting to spend more time with my own family has filled my mom bucket up to the top with calmness, love and craziness. On the flip side, safety measures {which are priority #1 over here} have had me cancel spring in-home newborn sessions… which makes me incredibly sad because those are my jam! I know so many newborn parents are in the same emotional boat of really looking forward in having this precious time documented by a professional photographer and currently thinking, “Now what?”. My heart goes out to you all! I’ve been thinking, “How can I help?” So, I thought I would do it in the only way I know how. I created an easy to follow list of 5 tips for parents when photographing your own newborns. These tips can be used both at the hospital and at home. It doesn’t matter if you are using a point-and-shoot camera or camera phone, the most important thing is to get these days captured!
Find the Light
Walk around your home to find a room with great lighting. It may take pulling back a curtain or two to let in the amazing window light. Make sure the sun is not shooting directly into the room. Softer lighting will be your friend. Declutter a bit if you need to. And as crazy as it sounds - without going into a full out lighting photography lesson - turn off all other lights in the room. All of these tips go for hospital rooms as well.
Simple and Sweet Clothing
Newborns are usually not big fans of clothing changes so keep them limited. Neutral colored blankets or sleepers are versatile. You can mix it up by wrapping the baby in a colored or patterned swaddle.
Self Timers and Playing Switch-a-Roo
Make sure you exist in photos with your new little bundle! Utilize self timers on cameras or camera phones for full family photos. Set up your camera on a nearby piece of furniture then have your loved ones stand where you intend to shoot to get them in the frame and in focus. Gently hit the button and jump in. Split time holding the baby and handing off the camera with your partner so that each of you can get one-on-one images with that snuggly newborn.
Insert Siblings
Find a large cushioned space like a couch or bed to photograph older brothers and sister with the baby. These locations will give you options to photograph the littles ones sitting up or laying flat. It’s a great idea to have a partner in the room who can focus on safety just outside the frame so that you can focus on physically taking the picture. Also, there is no shame in bribing uncooperative siblings or fur babies!
Don’t Forget the Little Things
Those sweet little nuggets change in the blink of an eye. Trust me on that from one mother to another. Make sure to capture all the small details.
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I hope these tips help. Yes, these are unprecedented times but the fog will most certainly clear. Sign up for my newsletter by clicking HERE and be the first to know about all good things as they come. My client family is truly THE best and I’d love to have you join!
xoxox -Jaclyn