Photographing Newborns-The Miracle of Life Unfolding
Tuesday, September 22nd 2009 @ 6:07 PM (not yet rated)
I am always in awe of the miracle of life and the creation of a new human being. Completely and utterly helpless, constantly overflowing with bodily fluids at both ends, and no matter how red, wrinkled and scrunched up they are, to their parents, that baby is the most amazing and beautiful creature that ever existed.
These images are extremely meaningful to everyone involved in this new life so it is important to do it well. Showing the relationship between the newborn and the parents on whom he is utterly and completely dependent is the focus of the session. In this article we will talk primarily about posing, some about clothing and just touch on lighting. Lighting is very important but we cover that in other articles here at MyPhotoMentor.
I offer the maternity session and the newborn session as a package (two sessions for the price of one). During the maternity session we talk about the importance of calling to schedule the newborn session as soon as the baby is born. I like to do this session in the first two weeks of life, if at all possible, because they are changing so quickly. They might be prettier at one month than they are at one week, but there is something magical about the tiny ones, peeling skin and all!
What to Expect
All a newborn does is eat, spit up, sleep, and poop. Oh, and don’t forget…they cry. Newborns do not see very well so they can look cross eyed, at times, and they are visually drawn to bright lights or edges of things. For instance, you will find that they tend to look at your hair or the window, not your eyes.
Instructions before the session
I prefer the baby naked or just in a diaper. I like to have both parents there, if possible, because this is the perfect time to focus on the relationships. I will only do a few of the baby alone. The baby does not need a change of clothes but Mom and Dad do! Because we want the baby completely naked for many of the poses, they may get wet on at some point during the session and will want dry clothes to go home in. I prefer Mom and Dad to wear all black (or black shirt with dark jeans)or all white (or white shirt and khaki pants). Long sleeves are usually best but mom in a tank top and dad with no shirt is great if they have the right look (reasonably slim and muscular). Black clothing is my first choice. It is a more dramatic look, looks great in black and white, and hides the extra weight that mom is still carrying from her pregnancy. At the beginning of the session, have Mom and Dad remove watches and empty pockets so there are no unsightly bulges.
Here are some standard “poses” that work well.
Mom and Dad holding the baby. Mom and Dad are interchangeable. These poses can work with either parent.
1. The Nest -Mom’s arms are in a cradle position, baby is facing out with the back of his head against her chest. His bottom and genitalia are hidden by her arms.
2. The Lion King -Baby’s head is in Dad’s left hand, baby’s bottom is in his right hand with Dad facing the main light on his left (or reverse the pose and light, if you prefer). Bring the faces close together and photograph them looking at each other, Dad kissing her cheek. Holding her this way, Dad can easily bring her face up next to his so they are cheek to cheek and both looking toward the camera or lift the baby high in the air for the “Lion King” shot.
3. The Cradle -Dad’s arms in the cradle position with baby lying on her back in his arms. This works best if dad and baby are looking at each other. Make sure that Dad keeps his shoulders relaxed and down.
4. The Circle Complete –This pose is good for babies up to 6 months old but can work with newborns, as well. You will need a comfy chair with a back and no arms or very low arms. I throw a black cloth over the chair so it disappears. This works best with mom sitting in the chair, leaning back with a leg crossed, facing the light and sideways to the camera. Mom’s arms are in a cradle position with the baby’s bottom in Mom’s arms and the back of her head against Mom’s chest. Mom’s hair needs to be out of her face so hair clips can be useful. Add Dad in by having him sitting behind Mom’s chair on a stool that is just a little taller. He needs to straddle Mom’s chair and lean forward so that his face is not too much farther from the camera than hers. I want Mom and Dad looking at the baby. If Dad drops his head too much, we will be looking at the top of his head. He will need to keep his chin up more than feels natural to look good from the camera’s perspective.
5. The Gift - One parent holds the upper body and the other holds the bottom, then they step back so that you only see their arms and the baby.Mom and Dad need to push their sleeves up for this one. I like the accent light to be high, off to one side and behind the family and it often becomes the main light with two more stops of light than the fill light.
Baby Alone
6. The Portrait -The parents are going to want something of the baby’s face. I lay the baby on its back on comfy and attractive fabric. She is wearing a diaper and I use the fabric to cover the diaper and legs so just the upper body is exposed. I hand hold the camera above the baby and move the camera as needed so she is always looking in the direction of the camera and look for interesting expressions and hand positions. I like to capture a profile, as well.
7. Precious Moments -There is nothing more precious than a sleeping newborn baby. Getting a good image is not always as easy as it looks. My favorite images are the ones of the baby completely naked, lying on its stomach. It can be pretty easy for mom to nurse the baby to sleep, all it takes is a little patience. Moving the baby to the spot you want them without waking is the tricky part. Having the room warm and the spot you are putting them warm helps. It looks best if the legs are tucked up under like a bunny rabbit. The first thing they will do as they wake is to stretch out their legs and then, if you have them on something soft and fuzzy, they start burying their face in the fabric looking for some warm milk. Be ready to take the image as soon as the baby is in place in case he starts to wake.
Body Parts
8. The Bare Cheeks- this is a good one to take while Dad is holding her. Have hi hand and arm framing the “tush”.
9. Little Fingers –wrap them around Dad’s finger.
10. Hands and feet- I put a piece of black fabric over Mom’s lap and lay the baby in her lap with the head on Mom’s stomach and the feet near Mom’s knees. Mom cups her hands so that baby’s feet lie in her hands. Drape mom and baby in a second piece of black fabric so that only the feet and hands are exposed. Position the feet so the heels are together, toes pointing to the ceiling and Mom’s hands are slightly cupped.
The parents are completely focused on this new life, and it is completely dependent on them for every need. This relationship is unique. This moment will be gone in a blink of an eye. Memories fade. Capturing these moments with beautiful, touching images is important. Do it well.
