1. Don't Wait!
Capture them straight away, I mean the minute they're born! As a newborn photographer I can't express enough how wonderful it is to give parents a beautiful gallery of images of their precious baby that will remind them in years to come of how tiny and beautiful they were. But really its you who has the chance to get the best photos and thats during those first few moments after they're born.
My husband took this photo of our daughter minutes after she was born and whilst it may not be the prettiest photo - I might not have it on the mantle piece at home - its one of my all time favorite photo's. Its such a beautiful and powerful image to me and brings back some really foggy memories of how this crazy journey of motherhood began.
Moments after birth
2. Light
Really the most important thing to get right is your lighting! And as you might approach all other aspects of dealing with your new baby the best way is naturally. Turn off your flash is No 1, and look for a window thats gets good indirect sunlight, if the windows in your home get direct sunlight put a thin sheet (bedsheets will do) or sheer curtains over them, this will diffuse the light and Ta Da, beautiful soft light!
You may want to place your baby safely on a bed in a well lit room or put the basinet in front of the window at a 45 degree angle so the light shines down over the baby. (It goes without saying and i'll touch on this later but your baby's safety should be considered at all times, never place your baby in potentially dangerous situation - no photograph is that important - so I strongly recommend getting someone to help you).
Soft diffused light from a window brings a beautiful natural look to your photographs
3. Tiny Details
Its sometimes easy to forget when you have a gorgeous squidgy face to photograph but the little details like feet, a tiny hand curling around a finger, a curl of hair or puckered lips make the most wonderful collages and will remind you in years to come of just how tiny and delicate they were. if you have a zoom lens open up your aperture and get in as close as you can for those lovely close up shots.
Tiny Details
4. Timing
Timing is indeed everything. Depending on whether your baby is newborn or a little older capturing them at the right time will make all the difference. If your baby is newborn then capturing the while they are asleep will mean you avoid those jerky blurry photos. If your baby is a little older then choosing that time during the day when they're the happiest will be the difference between a moody shot and a delightfully happy cheeky baby shot! It may be first thing in the morning or just after their nighttime bath but consider feeding and nap times and when they are at their most smiley gorgeous selves - take advantage and plan a little photo-shoot.
All of these beautiful happy babies were so smiley because their photo-sessions were carefully timed to capture them at their best
5. Get in the Picture!
I think so many Mums (with children of any age) fail to be in the photos with their children, its so easy particularly as a new mum to forget (or even choose not) to be in photos. I personally hate having my photo taken, but after giving birth I was even more camera shy, I felt tired, out of shape and completely not interested in having my photo taken, as a result there are hardly any photos of me with my babies and this makes me so sad. I pour through the old photo's looking for any, and of the few that I do have I treasure.
This one below is about the only one I have with Ella as a newborn, its dark, blurry (I think it was taken with a phone), and not perfect at all but as its the only one I totally love it! Don't make this mistake! Get in the photos with your kids, no-one else but you (and your children in later years) has to see them, but they will give you such wonderful memories!
Newborn Ella and Mummy
6. Be safe
I can't stress this enough. As a member of BANPAS - an association of leading photographers from around the UK who promote safe working practices - no photograph is worth putting yourbaby in a dangerous situation for, always have someone to help you watch the baby, never leave your baby unattended even if you think they are safe and if you do employ a professional make sure they are experienced in dealing with newborns - better still check they are a member of BANPAS. If you would like to know more about the safe practices of newborn photography then click on the link.
