Babies! Babies! Babies!

I love babies!

They seem to be everywhere these days! Every few years it seems that there is a trend to have babies. (This sounds callous but isn’t supposed to sound that way.) I love babies, after all.

I especially love to photograph babies. This can be quite difficult as a new parent and I usually say leave it to the professionals. But, not everyone can hire a photographer 24/7 until the boy/girl is 18 years old. So here, I will give you some pointers.

1) Get down to their level

You will find that most amateur baby pix are from an adult perspective. How boring. Get down to baby perspective. You will see what they see and you will ‘become one with baby’. At this level you will get the facial expressions you see but can’t capture. Also this is at a more personal level and this personality will show in your photos.

2) Come in closer

You can’t hurt your baby by coming in a little close. You want them to engage with the camera. A hand on your lens will not wreck it forever. Believe me when I say a little baby spittle on your lens is easily cleaned off. Take photos of details of your boy/girl: a finger, an eyebrow, or just an eye.

3) Black and White

All your other photos are in colour why not make these pictures classical by photographing in black and white? Black and white is more about people and their personalities. There is a time for colour, too, but maybe this isn’t it.

4) Direct flash is a no no

Try to use available, soft light. Natural light coming in a strategically placed window (or a window near a strategically placed baby) is perfect. A harsh direct light will not compliment the soft baby bum you are trying to capture.

5) Uncluttered backgrounds

You don’t need a backdrop to do nice portraits all you need is an uncluttered background. Why not take the baby photos on your bed surrounded by a white duvet? Or, even on your white/off white carpet? Just keep the background uncluttered and your photos will look professional. Your baby is the subject matter not the rowing machine in your living room.

I hope these tips help in your next baby photoshoot. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for this or any other subject please write to me.