Few things are as addictive as taking pictures of our children, and even more so when a new born has just come home. When you look at what pops up regularly on your Facebook, you have to want to have your baby looking like one of Anne Geddes’ models? Yes they are models; they are babies made to pose by a professional photographer, with the help of a few props. It is, of course, always the best choice to invest in a professional if you want amazing portraits of new-borns and children, yet, and knowing that, you may not have the budget to spend on a photo session and may just be motivated to take your own pictures. You are not quite sure how to start? Here are a few tips for you to take great pictures of your baby at home.
Plan ahead
If you can, start getting organised before Baby is born. New-borns grow and change so fast in the first few weeks, you don’t want to miss any of this; so be prepared.
Select a shooting spot
Light is a major player in portrait photography (you can’t use a flash light); so make friend with light in your home. For instance, pick a spot by a large window and observe when during the day this spot gets the best natural lighting. If your baby was born in the summer, you may be able to photograph him outside.
Organise a couch
Look around and find what you could use to make up a comfortable couch for Baby. Baby should be lying off the ground. You should be able to take pictures from different angles. Plan some soft little pillows to help position and a rubber sheet to protect your cushion (accidents will happen).
Prepare a back-drop
A large board from a DIY shop would do well. Later, you will be able to make it interesting by covering it with blankets offering different textures and colours.
Props & Accessories
Your stage is now set, all you need to add style to it: colorful knit baby wrap, faux fur, lace, chiffon, headbands, hats… be creative with what you can find in your home that can safely be used as a cocoon for Baby to look absolutely adorable.
Your camera
You will be working in a small area with little distance between you and your subject. Use a normal lens (50mm). With some digital cameras, you may have to compensate for additional magnification.
Use a large aperture (small F-Stop) to let in more light.
Set your camera on high ISO if needed to compensate on light.
Why not use a macro lens for tiny details such as fingers and toes? For macro, a tripod is recommended as the slightest movement would result in a blurred picture.
Use a fast shutter speed. You will be using a hand-held camera, so you’ll need a fast shutter speed to avoid image blurring. Recommended: 1/250 sec.
Author: Annie R. Teo
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