I was inspired to write this to help all those new Mums and Dads who have welcomed babies into the world before or during this crazy time of social distancing. Perhaps you had a newborn photography session booked in but it has been postponed because of the lockdown rules. If so, why not have a go at doing your own baby photo session at home with your phone or camera! Here are my top tips for creating some very special photos to capture those first few days, weeks or months.
1. Find the light
The most important consideration is where you are going to place baby for their photos. Find the room in your home with the biggest window and try and place baby on the bed (or other comfortable surface!) so baby's face is well lit from the light coming in from the window. Position the baby so their face is as close as possible to the window.
2. Think about colours
I know you probably have plenty of cute outfits that you or your family bought for baby, with gorgeous colours, patterns and cute animals on them! I would try and resist putting baby in anything that has bold colours, patterns, pictures or logos because it will detract from your baby. Instead I would start off with a simple white vest or with baby wrapped in a neutral blanket. Then you can always pop them in something else for more photos later! It is also worth putting some plain and neutral bedding or a blanket underneath baby. This will ensure nothing is distracting from baby in the final images.
3. Capture the details
Take photos of your baby's feet, hands, skin, eyelashes and lips. These details shots are always so cute and if you plan on printing your images they look great on the wall alongside the full body photos.
4. Use Selective Focus
Most smart phones will have the ability to put the camera in Selective Focus. You can usually find this in the settings menu once you have turned the camera on. Try putting the focus on baby's eyes and then you will see the focus drop off the rest of the baby creating a really lovely portrait effect. This works well for baby's photographing fingers and toes too.
5. Work the angles
Once baby is in a comfortable position, on their back, side or front, try taking photos from the side, from above, from the feet and from the crown of the head. Different angles make for some interesting photos and you might find you prefer those perspectives. If you are taking photos from above just make sure your camera strap is around your neck or you hold tight to your phone!
6. Grab a selfie
Lay down next to baby (works best on a bed obviously!) and take a selfie snuggled in to him/ her. Photos with you in will be priceless for them (and you) to look at in years to come!
7. Editing apps
There are loads of editing apps out there that have some really great features. You can straigten and crop your photos, add some brightness or contrast, or turn it to black and white. Lightroom for mobile is brilliant so have a look at that when you have taken your photos and play around with what you like to enhance your images!
8. Have fun
Lastly have fun and enjoy! Doing your own little photoshoot with baby is such a special time to bond with baby and you get some lovely photos at the end!
I hope this has been useful. Please share if you know anyone who has recently had a baby and feel free to leave a comment below or contact me with any questions!
Helen x
