Starting Newborn Photography: Essential Equipment and Tips
Starting a career in newborn photography requires specific equipment and knowledge to ensure a safe and successful photoshoot. In this article, we’ll guide you through the must-have basics and provide helpful tips to begin your journey into newborn photography.
- Professional Camera: Invest in a DSLR or mirrorless camera that offers high-resolution images and manual control options. These cameras allow you to adjust settings to capture the best shots.
- Prime Lens: A prime lens with a wide aperture, such as 50mm or 35mm, is ideal for newborn photography. It provides excellent sharpness, depth of field control, and beautiful bokeh. See our post on newborn photography lenses here.
- Light Source: Natural window light is preferable for newborn photography due to its soft and diffused quality. If natural light is insufficient or unavailable, consider using a softbox as an alternative. Softboxes provide even and gentle illumination.
- Heat Source: Newborns are sensitive to temperature. To keep them comfortable during the photoshoot, ensure the room is warm, around 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit). This can be achieved using space heaters or by adjusting the thermostat.
- White Noise: Babies find comfort in white noise that mimics the sounds they heard in the womb. Using a baby shusher or a mini speaker playing white noise from your phone can also help create a calming atmosphere. Avoid using your phone’s speakers as it may not produce adequate volume.
- Hand Sanitizer Gel and Face Mask: Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is crucial when working with newborns. Have hand sanitizer gel readily available and wear a face mask to prevent the spread of germs.
- Wraps: Choose wraps made of soft and stretchy fabric to comfortably swaddle the baby. Wrapping helps create a sense of security and enables various posing options.
- Backdrop: A simple and versatile backdrop can be created using a rug or layered blankets. These items offer texture and a cozy setting for capturing adorable newborn images.
- Props: Consider using props like pillows, big cushions, or even a dog bed for the baby to lie on comfortably. These props provide support and help achieve desirable poses. However, if a posing beanbag is not accessible, you can work around it using alternative props.
- Posing Pillows: Posing pillows are essential for creating safe and cozy positions for the newborn. They help support the baby’s delicate body and ensure their head is positioned at a flattering angle.
- Wash/Burp Cloths: Messes are inevitable during newborn photoshoots. Have wash or burp cloths on hand for quick clean-ups. Avoid using cold and wet baby wipes directly on the baby’s skin to prevent discomfort.
- Step Stool: is incredibly handy for adjusting height and angle while photographing babies and families. Shooting from a higher angle and angling down enhances the flattery of the images, creating captivating and heart-warming portraits.
- Insurance: Protect your photography business by obtaining appropriate insurance coverage. This ensures peace of mind in case of unforeseen circumstances.
- Vaccinations: To prioritize the health and safety of newborns, ensure your vaccinations, such as flu, whooping cough, and COVID-19, are up to date.
- In-Person Workshops or Courses: Consider attending workshops or online courses that specifically focus on newborn photography and safe posing techniques. These hands-on learning experiences provide valuable insights and help refine your skills.
Don’t Forget the Basics: Essential for starting newborn photography
Learning newborn handling is crucial for newborn photographers
It is often neglected as new photographers tend to prioritize props and technical aspects. However, if you are unable to settle a baby, you won’t be able to capture beautiful photos. Furthermore, not being able to create a calm environment can be stressful for both the baby and the parents. Acquiring this knowledge will help you understand the baby’s needs during the photoshoot and boost your confidence in working with them.
Learn manual mode
To become a professional photographer, it’s essential to learn how to shoot in manual mode. Manual mode gives you full control over settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, allowing you to achieve the desired creative vision and produce high-quality images.
Conclusion
By equipping yourself with the right equipment, knowledge, and safety precautions, you can confidently embark on your newborn photography journey. Remember, each photoshoot is a unique opportunity to capture cherished memories that families will treasure for a lifetime.
Meet Jess, a passionate photographer specializing in newborn photography based in country Victoria Australia. With a personal journey starting as a new mum struggling to learn photography while caring for a newborn, Jess understands the challenges and overwhelming experience many parents face.
Driven by a desire to help others, Jess now offers online training programs designed to empower both parents and photographers to capture beautiful moments of settled and sleepy newborns. Providing quick and easy techniques to ensure stunning newborn photographs with ease.
Whether you’re a parent wanting to capture precious moments of your newborn or a photographer looking to enhance your skills in newborn photography, Jess is here to guide you on this beautiful journey.
Join their online training programs and discover the joy of capturing those precious moments that will be cherished for a lifetime.