5 Tips for Newborn Photos
There are a handful of big events in life that almost universally involve hiring a professional photographer. The wedding day is obviously one of those, but bringing a newborn home can also be a pretty photo-worthy event. The trendy thing at the moment are the Anne Geddes inspired shoots that wrap babies in shawls and baskets and stuffed into tin cans. I have to say, I personally find some of these images a bit creepy. I mean, sometime the babies don’t even look real… or alive? Sorry, too far but it had to be said. Personally I always gravitate toward real, in-the-moment image that capture this tiny slice of time and also tell a story.
What you may not realize is that most of those shoots you see splashed across your Facebook newsfeed actually take place pretty early – the ideal time range for a newborn shoot is between 7 and 14 days old. So start contacting photographers while you are still pregnant if you hope to arrange a newborn shoot. You may not be able to set an exact date, but your photographer can keep space open for when your little one arrives.
Of course, there is more to a newborn photo shoot than just timing – so what else does a parent need to know when it comes to photographing the tiniest of models?
Pee Happens
It wouldn’t be a newborn shoot if a little urine didn’t go flying. To parents (particularly new parents) this is often distressing – no one wants their kid peeing all over the place! But just remember that your photographer has dealt with this a thousand times before. We aren’t concerned about a little bit of baby pee on the blanket we have set out as a prop, and there is always a funny shot to be had when baby boy is caught peeing on mom or dad. You may not think it’s all that hilarious in the moment, but trust me… you will. One day at least.
Poo Happens Too
See above. You have no control over your newborns bathroom habits, and when you take away the diaper to capture the perfect angelic pose, well… shit happens. The hilarity of poo-sasters is that we have no way of predicting them. While you can expect a little bit of pee at nearly every newborn shoot, it is hit or miss whether your little one will let number 2 fly while naked and being photographed. But even if they don’t do it now, rest assured – it will happen. At some point (and likely several points) during your tenure as new parents, your baby will poop outside the diaper. Best to prepare yourself now.
Tears are Inevitable
Babies cry, and photographers know this. A good newborn photographer will try to create the most soothing environment possible for your little one, cranking up the heat and utilizing a little white noise, but tears are still likely going to occur during your shoot. That’s OK. Don’t be afraid to take breaks and comfort your little one as needed.
Stress is Contagious
While it is natural to want to capture some great photos of your newborn, stressing about how to achieve that outcome will only make it harder. Your baby can sense your stress, and if they feel you starting to grow anxious or upset, they will too. Leave the picture taking up to your photographer and trust in their abilities in all this – you just do the mommy and daddy thing, loving on your little one and enjoying the moment for what it is.
All it Takes is a Few Good Shots
You may think there is no way a good photograph could have been produced from an entire session of peeing, pooping, crying and stressing, but you would be wrong. Photographers are constantly snapping away, and a good photographer will capture more incredible photographs than you would have thought possible. They will be shots you will cherish and treasure for the rest of your lives. So take a deep breath and trust in the photographer to get the images you truly will love of your precious new addition.