Photographing a baby is a fun experience. You capturing their joy, their candid moments, and adorable smiles is really something really great. Having said that, it is one thing to take photos of adults who know how to take instruction but working someone who is as unpredictable as a baby can be a bit challenging. As a baby photographer in Buffalo, NY, I completely understand that. So naturally, photographing babies can be tough for the inexperienced. It is all fine when they are relaxed however when they get fussy it can risk the whole photo shoot. Additionally, you have to be extremely careful with babies as their safety is paramount thus you have to be very careful about the props you use. These are some of the tips that you should keep in mind when you are photographing babies.
While you can never prepare completely for the session with a baby, it is helpful to keep few tips in mind while photographing babies.
Here are some tips that will help you get started-
- Focus on the safety:
When photographing a baby first, the first thing you should focus on is the safety of the baby. While the tips on baby safety can go on forever, in general, you just have to use your common sense. Don’t use complicated or sharp things on a prop during the shoot. Also, don’t place the baby on the unsteady or high surface without a spotter as the baby can fall and hurt themselves. You see a lot of photos with a baby on a swing or in a chair, a lot of these images are composite (especially the swing) or there is someone right there with the baby and was composited out. Remember some of the best baby pictures are composites so don’t fuss too much with the complex prop. Adding personal elements will make the baby pictures creative. Therefore, use the props that have some personal meaning.
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- Camera Gear:
One should be able to capture adorable baby pictures with using 1 – 2 lenses or a zoom lens. The key is to get up close so you can communicate with the baby, make funny noises, etc to get their attent. I recommend the 35 mm, 50 mm or the 24-70. You do not want to be too far away. Watch the lighting, make sure any backdrop stands and light stands are properly put together and weighted. A professional camera and knowledge of shooting in manual mode will result in better pictures than an ameture camera. But with proper lighting, an ameture camera can work just fine as well if you are just starting out.
- Keep the baby relaxed:
When you talk about baby photography, people generally go for two looks – happy baby or the serious baby. If the babies aren’t relaxed, they tend to get fussy or start crying which makes the overall session even more difficult. Redirecting the baby and putting them at ease is the ultimate goal. Try to work quickly so you do not miss a moment. I often will play peek a boo behind my camera, I keep a basket of my knitted lovies close by and will use them and hand them to the baby, and if all else fails I pull out my bubble gun and the babies almost always love that. Obviously I do not want bubbles in the scene unless it’s tubby time, so you do a lot of shooting bubbles and redirecting after the bubbles are gone away. I try to use that as a last resort. On the whole, your main goal should be to make the baby comfortable so that you can get the best shots of the baby.
- Select the right timeframe:
Typically a babies happy time is in the morning. I try to hold the session after their first morning nap of the day. That is if they still do morning naps. If they don’t I schedule after breakfast. This is when they have the most energy, and let’s face it, photo shoots take up a lot of energy. Try taking the babies pictures during this time-frame for the most successful session possible.
- Try basic poses for the babies photography:
While being creative is a major part of baby photography, make sure you get the basic shots. Ideally, start with the basic shots and then move towards more advanced tricky ones. In case the baby gets fussy, and you have to end the session at least you will have the standard shots of the baby.
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- Get creative baby props for the shoot:
Props differ from person to person. You don’t have to get expensive props, in fact, you can get, most of the props in your home or nearby antique stores. You can get prop ideas from the parent’s hobbies, their favorite color, their personalities, or their cultures. My favorite is different chairs and the swing. I also love different vintage and garden beds.
- Talk to the parents:
One of the ways to make sure you have successful baby pictures is to talk to the parents and understand what they actually expect. Verify that the baby is well-fed before the session so that they don’t get cranky. Make sure to ask if they are teething, and if they are, find out how they have been. If the child has a fever I always reschedule. If the baby is not feeling well the session will be a disaster. Tell them what to bring, the length of the session, and also send directions to the studio.
- Get your inspiration from the baby:
You must have heard, “Inspiration is everywhere” why not take some from the adorable little one in front of you. While it is great to have some scenes in your mind, sometimes the best shots taken are unplanned and derive from the baby’s uniqueness. Be it his/her big beautiful eyes, eyelashes, dimple or full lips. Every baby has his/her own unique feature, try to bring out that.
- Just go with the flow:
Allow the baby move, stretch, yawn, crawl, walk, sit, lay and grab feet. Babies have wonderful, sweet movements that are perfect as it is. So, don’t stress over having the perfect pose every time, it’s nearly impossible to do it at this age.
- Make it memorable:
Take as many candid shots as you can; try taking pictures while the baby is doing something or interacting with parents or siblings. Candid pictures of siblings and babies add an element of interest in the whole image. However, don’t try to force the friendliness, just let them do whatever they are doing. Take pictures from the background this will give you some interesting angles. The children will also not get disturbed.
It is natural if you find baby photography a bit challenging, but it is like any other type of photography. The more you practice, the better you get. Be relaxed, take your time and just be in the moment. Use your creativity but make sure you put safety first. The success of the baby photographer majorly depends on how comfortable you make the baby. So, make sure you let them be and don’t try to force the things along.
About the Author:
Jennifer of Portrait Pretty Photographer is a Buffalo NY Baby Photographer who’s studio is located in Buffalo, NY by the waterfront. Jennifer specializes in family photography, newborn photography, baby photography and high school senior portraiture. Too book a session with Portrait Pretty Photography you may complete the contact us form here.
