A CNN Health report on birth rates found that nearly 3.7 million babies were born in the US in 2021, which is a 1% increase from 2019. Although it’s not a significant increase, this number only points toward more established families— opening the opportunity for family photographers to secure photography deals. Parents especially want to capture the early stages of a baby’s life. To capture the best moments, it’s crucial that baby photographers are not only mindful of photography concepts but also tailor their approach to best suit babies. We list below our top three baby photography tips and techniques.
Find ‘happy’ moments
Depending on how old the baby is, you may need to consult the parents on when is the best time their child is most happy in order to take a good photo. Newborns are generally well-behaved, as they’re asleep most of the time. Therefore look to schedule the shoot around the baby’s daily routine when they have wide open eyes and an expression of contentment, such as after a bath or feeding.
If you’re shooting an older baby, getting the parents involved is vital to make them feel comfortable. They can also help by coaxing their baby to smile. It also helps to have a high enough shutter speed to capture these fleeting moments, ensuring you maximize the most out of the baby’s patience during shoots.
Have the right camera
A lot of people rely on their smartphones to capture instant moments in their child’s life. But as a professional capturing close-ups and other meaningful shots, you will need a more advanced camera for top-quality photographs. The range of DSLR cameras on Adorama show the vast array of lenses, flashes, and models a photographer can choose from. Photographers need to choose the right camera for the shoot. For example, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a versatile option for baby pictures as it has a 27 MP sensor that is good for capturing detail. Furthermore, it hosts low-light capabilities, which can make up for dimmer environments. One key feature you should look for in newer cameras is high-speed continuous shooting, as seen in the Pentax K-3 Mark III. This has a maximum speed of 12 images per second in the AF.S mode, which allows photographers to capture every moment of a baby’s expression.
Work with natural light
For newborns, it’s best to minimize the use of bright studio lights so it isn’t too harsh on the baby. On the other hand, natural light may only come from one side, making it essential to use additional tools to ensure even lighting, and this can be achieved through a photo reflector. ARTnews’ list of photo reflectors outlines how they give you greater control over your light sources. When photographing babies on the floor, the Neewer 5-in-1 light reflector can be a portable option that allows you to switch between common reflective surfaces of silver, gold, white, and black. It also comes with a diffuser to soften harsher light on the baby’s face, ensuring the best details are captured on camera.
By finding key happy moments, using the right kind of camera, and working with natural light, photographers can maximize the quality of their photos. For the best results, it’s crucial that you edit all your chosen pictures to reflect babies’ cuteness. Our Newborn Photo Retouching Service allows baby photographers to leave one of the most time-consuming processes to professionals and instead focus on working with families. Through photo retouching and editing, you can showcase your best work and grow your photography business.
