Let us look into the quite challenging task of how to take newborn
photos. Babies usually sleep most of the time, they don’t smile when you would
want them to, they can’t sit up on their own or hold their heads up, and they
don’t understand instructions. Here is some advice that hopefully will make it
a little less difficult to take newborn photos.
How To Take Newborn Photos
The Camera
With the invention of digital photography, how to take newborn
photos has becomes so much easier. In the old days you could use up several
rolls of film without being able to see the results until after the film has
been developed. Today we can see what the photo looks like immediately, and can
take another one if the first one didn’t look acceptable. Add to this the
ability to edit and enhance the photos on the computer at home. One important
thing to remember is; always have the camera close by so you can snap those
one-of-a-kind photos during a special moment. You are not only photographing,
you are creating memories. The ability to edit digital photos has become an
important part in the process of how to take newborn photos. There are many
versions of editing software available. You can change images into black and
white, which also gives the advantage of not showing blotches and marks on the
face of the little one. Most editing software has airbrush capability, which
allows you to retouch the image and erase unsightly items.
Angles and Positioning
One of the greatest problems, when planning on how to take newborn
photos, is finding the best angle to take the photos from. The common procedure
seems to be standing above the baby when taking the photos. These kinds of
photographs tend to be rather boring as they all look basically the same.
Change the angle and the positioning of the camera. Get down to the same level
as the baby, photograph from the sides, talk to the baby, make sounds that make
the newborn look at you. Taking close-up shots is also a great way. However,
this is when a camera with zoom capability is important. Sticking a camera
right next to the baby’s face can be scary, avoid this by staying some distance
away.
How to take newborn photos in the days immediately after delivery
can be difficult. Newborn babies tend to be all wrapped up in baby blankets and
all you see is a little red face. Often there are also other problems, such as
scratches, red spots and uneven heads. This makes it difficult to find an angle
that makes the newborn look cute instead of plain ugly.
Using Flash or Not
If to use a flash or not is often part of the discussion on how to
take newborn photos. It seems that even pediatricians disagree on how damaging
the use of a flash could be on a newborn’s eyes. However, the general advice is
to avoid using the flash of the camera as much as possible. Newborn babies have
sensitive eyes, and you do not want to scare them by using the flash of your
camera. Shoot in natural light if at all possible, and compensate by adjusting
the exposure on the camera. If it is absolutely necessary to use a flash, use
indirect light by bouncing the flash off the ceiling. If the camera has a fixed
flash and this is not possible, cover the flash with thin tissue.
Using Macro Mode
Another great advantage of the modern digital cameras is the
ability to use macro mode. Newborns are made up of many little cute body parts.
If your camera has a macro mode you can use it to photograph the baby’s hand,
foot, mouth, and so on. Doing this gives attention to some of the small details
that make up the uniqueness of a baby and should be part of how to take newborn
photos. They will be great additions and complement the photo collection of the
newborn. “Hey, his ear looks just like his daddy’s.”
The Environment
It is great to have photos of the newborn being nursed by the
mother. This is one of the few times when the baby is in a more upright
position being in the mother’s arms. Also, there is nothing wrong in taking
photos during diaper change, etc. Remember, we are not taking all portrait type
photos. How to take newborn photos can be seen as making a documentary of the
first days and weeks of a baby’s life. When friends or relatives come to visit,
photograph them with the newborn. They are great memories, and much nicer than
having only photos with the baby alone. If there are siblings, of course take
pictures of the newborn together with the siblings.
Shoot, shoot, shoot.
Babies change as they grow. Newborns look different every day and
week during the first few months. We often get excited right after delivery and
take lots of photos in the first few days. When the first excitement wears off,
the camera is easily forgotten. Remember to continue taking photos, at least a
couple every day. Later it is amazing to see the gradual changes. Another
difficulty is that newborns do cry more than they smile. A secret in how to
take newborn photos is to check for those times when the baby seems most
satisfied and settled. The newborn may not smile yet but there are times that
are better than others for photos. One of these may be the bathing time, and
another one is during daytime nursing. These are times when the baby is often
very happy, and it may be possible to capture a smile or two. Remember to keep
a warm, wet face wash cloth nearby to wipe away any milk, vomit, or mucus you
don’t want in the photo.
How To Take Newborn Photos – The Conclusion
As mentioned earlier, it is not only a question of shooting pretty
pictures; it is about the creation of lifelong memories of the first days and
weeks of a human life. It is important to learn as much as possible of how to
take newborn photos.
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