DIY Newborn Images
During this time of quarantine I am not able to be in your homes wrapping and posing your babies. A fact that, above all else, is breaking my heart. BUT since we are in this time, and I can not be with you, I thought it might be helpful to make a quick guide of how to photograph your newborn.
First let me say this, the reason newborn photographers make the money that they do is because we’re highly trained in the safety of your newborn as well as the correct camera angles, lenses, and editing of your newborn images. What you take on your cell phone or even with your DSLR camera, won’t compare in many ways. That being said, what’s most important is that you have a record of your little one during this time. They will change so quickly- you won’t recognize that little face from week one to two- they change FAST! So do your best, and get that baby photographed in any way that you can. When this time passes, and it will pass, we’ll see each other soon and get your family photographed together!
Watch my Youtube Instructional Video Here!
Use Your Cell Phone or DSLR Camera
Start with what you have. Cell phone cameras have become our go to for instant images of our family and pets. Use what you’ve got. A DSLR camera with a kit lens ( usually this is a zoom lens) will return a higher definition photograph, then a cell phone image. DSLR camera images will be easier to blow up in a large format, it will also make it easier to edit the photo without pixelation. Whatever you are using be sure to allow one adult to hold the baby and the other to work the camera or cell phone. I recommend taking a ton of photos. The more photos you take, the better the chances that there is one or two in there that you’ll love. Babies move- so be sure to keep your finger on that trigger button and shoot fast and repeatedly.
***If using your cell phone try some images in portrait mode- this will blur your background and provide bokeh. I don’t recommend taking every photo in this format as it has a slow shutter speed and can cause some blurred images.
Wrap Like A Pro!
Wrap the babies hands and legs inside of a swaddle. See the videos to watch me wrap. The swaddles that newborn photographers work with are much different then what you have on hand- but the key to any successful swaddle is is making it tight enough to keep babies hands and legs tucked inside. When baby has her hands loose she will hit or scratch her face. She will also without fail, wake herself up! I will have many clients who tell me, “she hates to be swaddled.” This just isn’t true while the baby is still fetal. You’re simply not making the swaddle tight enough. Wrap those little legs and arms safely inside- and tuck the back of the fabric underneath babies shoulders or back. Avoid wrapping babies neck. I always start below the neck, at the shoulders. Make sure that baby is okay with your swaddle. If you’re afraid to swaddle too tightly just be sure to tuck the extra material into the folds of the swaddle, or place the extra material behind the bak of the baby. Even a loose swaddle, should give you enough time to place the baby down on your mattress and photograph him or her from above. Most babies will respond well to being swaddled and go into a deep sleep- making them easier to move into poses.
*Once baby is swaddled you can add a little hat or headband for your DIY session.
Angle Your Camera Down The Nose!
Babies are all beautiful but if you shoot up their nose, you will have a terrible image. See my video for more on this… The key to pretty newborn images is shooting down the nose. When staring at your baby, angle the camera down the brim of their nose. Angle your lens or cell phone down front of the forehead so you can’t see the babies nostrils. This will give you clear lines and angle to shoot with. You’ll see the shape of the babies face, as opposed to up their nose.
*Once you’ve mastered the basic swaddle shot, you can remove their hands or untuck their legs for detail shots of their feet or hands.
Pull the duvet on your bed so there are no wrinkles in the fabric. This will help you concentrate on the face of the baby and not everything on the duvet. Choose a solid color if you can. If you don’t have a solid colored comforter use a baby blanket.
*Add in fresh flower petals or a family heirloom too!
How To Photograph The Baby On Your Mattress!
Follow this video to see how to photograph your baby on your mattress for a good looking announcement photo!
Send Me What You’ve Shot!
Once you’ve photographed your little one, send me your favorite images. I’m happy to edit those professionally so that you can send out your babies announcement and brighten the days of all of those around you.
Good luck!
