How to Best Photograph Newborn Babies
Do you have a new baby in your life? Is there a newborn dozing next to you while you read this? If you have recently found yourself with endless opportunities to take baby photos, we have some suggestions for you!
- Safety should always come first. Don’t use hard or sharp objects as props. Never place your newborn on high or unsteady surfaces without a spotter. Use common sense!
- Try different angles. A lot of kids are all swaddled up when they’re first born, so it can be hard to get more than a little red face in your photos. So try different photo angles: Get down low next to them, take some close-ups, stand on a stool while they’re sleeping in their crib, or even get a photo of them nursing.
- Keep an eye out for happy times. Newborn babies don’t really spend a lot of time smiling. (Let’s be honest: They don’t spend a lot of time doing much of anything!) But keep an eye out for the times when he or she seems to be at their most settled and content. They may not smile yet, but there are times in a daily routine which are better than others for photos.
- Go Macro! If your camera has a macro mode (or if you have a macro lens) use it to isolate a single body part and make that the focus of your shot.
- Keep taking photos. Babies change every day, especially in the first few months, it’s exponential and quite amazing to watch. However, unless you’re looking for the changes you can easily miss them so it’s it’s important to take shots regularly.
- Remember that your baby is not the only potential subject – grandparents, parents, siblings, and friends all can add context to the scene. You’ll appreciate having more than just photos of the baby by themselves!
