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Shooting babies...


12 years 11 months ago #82591 by TheNissanMan
Right then I need your help peeps (and of course peepettes)...

I've just got of the phone with a good friend who has just had a newbord who has asked if I would like to shoot some baby photo's for them. This is an area I would love to play with but have no experience of so there are no expectations from either party, but as usual there is a but!

The newborn will be 13 dyas old on Wednesday and although I have clearly said this is somethinhg I have never done before I would love to have at least one photo that would be good enough for a nice canvas/large print so need your help.

Looking atmy camera bag realistically it will be the 50mm and 430 fired off camera by the 7d but what suggestions do you guys have, does anyone here regularly shoot babies or have advice that would help...
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12 years 11 months ago #82615 by Trudehell
"They shoot babies, don't they" Hey Nissanman, now you got me thinking weird here!

Sorry I can't offer any direct advice, just wanted to point you to this search , and then specially the top 6-7 sites there. Guess, well hope, they might come in handy!

If all else fails, consider this a helpful bump of the tread. The best of baby luck!
A user friendly computer first requires a friendly user.
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12 years 11 months ago #82623 by icepics
I worked as an early intervention specialist w/babies and toddlers who had developmental delays. When we'd take pictures (for families in our program and of course w/the parents' consent), I'd stay focused on the child so I was ready when they smiled etc.

That young you'll probably get whatever face the baby makes or a photo of a sleeping child. When the baby's a little older it might work to have mom or dad behind you for the baby to look at; w/younger babies the connection is still w/the parents and not toys yet. Younger babies usually respond to mirrors or faces, or you could try using whatever the parents have found that their baby responds to.

It might help to find out from the parents when is the best time to schedule so you aren't getting there just when the baby's ready for nursing/a bottle etc. But then again, sure enough when you show up is the day they're off schedule... w/babies you just have to go w/the flow.
Sharon
Photo Comments
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12 years 11 months ago #82625 by chasrich
Whoa... I can relate, really I can. Can you hire a baby model to practice on?

I've seen some very nice baby shots all frilly with bows and knit hats but if it comes down to it I would not have a clue where to start. Start by looking at baby galleries. You might get some ideas fresh off of someones camera.

Mathew, are there any famous baby artists you know of?
“Amateurs worry about equipment, professionals worry about money, masters worry about light, I just make pictures… ” ~ Vernon Trent
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12 years 11 months ago #82637 by Cre8tivefix
I take baby photos a lot. I do it because I enjoy it and people keep asking me too, not because I'm that good at it. LOL

But tid bits of advice. Avoid using the flash as it will startle the baby (although some babies don't care). Soft diffused light such is that from a curtained window will help keep the soft look of a newborn. If you want a sleepy baby keep it warm. Don't get too quiet, but have some background music or constant soft chatter going. Simple clothing works best for parents and baby. If you are going to do naked butt, then be ready for the baby to pee on everything cause they will. LOL Allow lots of extra time for feeding, calming, and changing outfits. Anything you can do to set the mom at ease will help the session go smoothly. If she is tense then the baby will be too.

As far as actual shots or poses... they will depend a lot on the baby. Some babies don't like laying on their back, others don't like tummies. Some love being snuggled into a ball, others like sticking out in all directions. As much as a new parent may hate having their sleep deprived face immortalized it is really great to have some picture including them later. Hope that at least a little helpful. Google newborn shots and find a few examples to try and emulate. Good Luck!
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12 years 11 months ago - 12 years 11 months ago #82651 by MLKstudios
chas,

Anne Geddes.

;)
Matthew L Kees
MLK Studios Photography School
www.MLKstudios.com
[email protected]
"Every artist, was once an amateur"
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12 years 11 months ago #82659 by Baydream
Took this with a Canon XT, kit lens at 35mm, f/4.5, ISO 100 and 1/8 sec shutter speed. On a tripod with no flash, just a broad spectrum lamp nearby.



Practice with a doll and try some similar conditions.

Here's a sepia conversion that also seemed to work.

Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork
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12 years 11 months ago #82665 by MLKstudios
Rachel does some good baby pics:

www.rachelrehartphotography.com/

HTH :)
Matthew L Kees
MLK Studios Photography School
www.MLKstudios.com
[email protected]
"Every artist, was once an amateur"
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12 years 11 months ago #82699 by Baydream
Also, check out the work of Kirk Saint (Truro, NS)
www.uniqueimages.ca/studio.php
and Anthony Rumley (Richmond, VA)
www.shoot4u.com/

Both inspire me to work harder.
Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork
Photo Comments
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12 years 11 months ago #82735 by icepics
Particularly if the baby's a newborn, but in any case, I think it would be best to go w/what the parents are comfortable with. I'd be careful positioning babies in netting/swings, on baskets, etc. - especially 'on' something; even on a bed or couch babies can flip over in a heartbeat so you want to make sure the positioning is safe. It depends on the age what would be appropriate.

This sounds like a situation that's more a favor of sorts rather than you being an experienced baby photographer. If you were established in doing baby portraits then a family could look at your portfolio and select a photographer who uses a style they prefer. In this case you might need to let the parents guide you as to how they'd like the photo done, w/one of them holding the baby, having the baby in his/her seat, etc.

Good point by Crea8tivefix about lights; I'm not sure at what age you should use a flash around a baby, I know their eyes are still developing as newborns.
Sharon
Photo Comments
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12 years 11 months ago #82839 by TheNissanMan
Thanks for the input guys keep it coming, will look at those websites after work. If I have to use flash will definately be bounced with the on board diffused, will post my results :)
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12 years 11 months ago #82849 by Stealthy Ninja
Don't fall into the idea that they have to be sleeping to get a photo of them. So many newborn pictures have the baby sleeping (because they sleep a lot). But you don't need to have it this way.

Crying babies can look cute too.
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www.aevansphoto.com
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12 years 11 months ago #82985 by Rockin Joe

Stealthy Ninja wrote: Don't fall into the idea that they have to be sleeping to get a photo of them. So many newborn pictures have the baby sleeping (because they sleep a lot). But you don't need to have it this way.

Crying babies can look cute too.


I agree, it adds a twist of realism to the photo
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12 years 11 months ago #82989 by Baydream
The last post on this thread has some more good examples.
www.photographytalk.com/forum/new-to-pho...it-photographer#7136
Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork
Photo Comments
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