Source: Pexels
The first few weeks after you bring your baby home are precious. The way they look and behave are unique to this period, and you can never get it back. Newborn photography can capture them for posterity.
However, working with newborns requires a newborn photographer’s unique skills and knowledge. Find out what to expect in newborn sessions to get the best photos.
What is Newborn Photography?
Newborn photography is a niche specializing in newborn babies. Much like wedding and family portrait photography, it requires special skills regarding setting, lighting, and posing of the subject. Many people may think a maternity photographer might be just the person for the job.
However, baby photography is more challenging than these other niches because the subject cannot take direction. The type of camera is only a secondary consideration. The baby might be shy or cranky, not playing up to the photographer. Capturing images in the first few weeks of a baby’s life requires a lot of patience.
Newborn photographers must also prioritize the safety and well-being of the subject over the technical requirements of the newborn session. For example, if the baby starts crying, the photographer must stop to find out why. They should ensure the lights are not too strong or the position is comfortable for the baby.
The good news is new parents are often eager to assist in the photography sessions. They hold and pose for the baby, and their presence can reassure the child.
Source: Pexels
What Are the Types of Newborn Photography?
You know you need a newborn photographer for your baby, but that’s only the first step in the process. When choosing a baby photographer, you must decide on the type of newborn photo session you want. In most cases, you would like to schedule the photography sessions within 7 to 14 days after birth. Here are the most popular ones to consider.
Posed
Most think of posed photography for newborn sessions, and it is a favorite because of the controlled environment. Posed sessions typically take place in a photography studio or at home. That makes it easier for the family photographer to ensure the infant’s safety during a photoshoot.
The primary aim of posed photography sessions is to show the newborn in a flattering or artistic way. The props and styling highlight tiny details like the fuzz on your baby’s cheek or headshots.
Professional photographers specializing in newborn poses have a lot of training in using angles and lights to capture these elements. The family may join the action at some point, so the photographer must also allow for that. That usually means quite a bit of editing to correct uneven skin tones and puffy eyes from lack of sleep.
Lifestyle
As you’ve probably figured out, lifestyle newborn sessions focus on the home and family rather than the baby alone. The newborn photographer sets up in the house to capture candid shots of the family interacting with the new baby. Think of lifestyle newborn photography as a documentary of your life as you welcome the newest family member.
Lifestyle photography sessions are a little easier on photographers as they won’t need to position the infant all that much. However, they need some experience in family portraits and lifestyle positioning to ensure the poses look natural but flattering. The photographer should know how to use the camera flash in case your home doesn’t get much natural light. This type of family photography requires minimal retouching.
Posed and Lifestyle Combo
Some photographers specialize in posed and lifestyle photography, which is ideal if you want both for your baby. Typically, mixed photography sessions occur in a studio with posed and natural sections. The session will include artistic and lifestyle poses for newborn portraits. However, some photographers will bring their equipment to your home and set it up there.
Fresh 48
A fresh 48 session requires some planning as the goal is to capture images of the first 48 hours of your baby’s life. You need a photographer who can quickly come after you give birth. The sessions often occur in the birthing center, hospital, or home.
Unlike lifestyle photography, fresh 48 is a documentary focusing on the baby, not the family. However, there may be images of family members and friends seeing the baby for the first time.
For hospital births, the photographer will include shots of the baby charts and ink stamps on the feet. Typically, they will capture the baby in a hospital blanket and inside the clear hospital bassinet.
Whatever type of birth you have, the photographer will capture tiny details of the child in close-up images. While it documents a newborn’s natural setting, these images often have an artistic flavor.
Birth Story
Not everyone relishes the idea of an outsider documenting the birth process, but the birth story is becoming more popular. This style of newborn session requires the photographer to capture intimate moments of the birth without getting in the way.
An elaborate setup is not possible in such a setting. The quality of the images will depend solely on the photographer’s skill.
The birth story focuses on the mother and her support system rather than the baby. It celebrates the fleeting moments of pain, strength, love, and emotion of birth. The birth story photographer catches milestones like cutting the cord and the mother holding the baby for the first time. The birth story is a powerful documentary about childbirth.
Did you know?
“A photo can provide valuable and life-saving information about the health of a child’s eyes from “red eye,” the reflection of the camera flash off the retina (red reflex).”
Take High-Quality Newborn Photographs with Contrastly
Newborn photography requires special skills and knowledge to work with subjects who might not take too kindly to being posed. Different styles of newborn sessions play on various strengths and talents of the photographer, so ensure you choose well.
If you want to acquire and hone skills in newborn photography, check out the resources, guides, and tools on Contrastly. You can also learn awesome portrait photography tips and tricks on Photzy.com if that’s more your speed.
Discover how to capture those precious moments with newborn photography by reaching out to Contrastly today! Grab your free photography articles to guide your photography upskilling on our website.
FAQs on Newborn Photography
How much do newborn photography sessions cost?
The cost of a newborn photography session will depend on several factors. That includes the type of photography, the experience of the photographer, and any special request you might make. However, the average price range is from $200 to $500 an hour.
Will using a camera flash blind a newborn?
No, a camera flash is not intense enough to cause blindness. It is perfectly safe to use one for newborn photography sessions.
What does red-eye in photos mean?
Red-eye in flash photography, or red reflex, means unobstructed and healthy retinas. The camera flash reflects off the blood in the retina, causing the distinctive reddish cast to the eyes. If they happen to both eyes, it means both are healthy. However, if it only happens to one eye, it may mean some eye problems such as strabismus.
