Oh baby! Rocking Out Newborn Photography

I have taken more pictures of my son than I thought possible.  Even before he was born I was snapping away at my wife’s every growing belly, anxious with anticipation as if my camera could see through her skin and into his very soul.  Hundreds if not thousands of photos were taken before he was born and now as he is beginning his terrible two’s, Facebook tells me he has over two thousand pics available to friends and family and my computer testifies to thousands more (not counting the ones in the recycling bin as they did not make the cut).  So for your internet viewing convenience and, hopefully, pleasure I have compiled some of the tips and things to think about when photographing the mother-to-be and the bundle of joy.

Almost Mommy

Future moms are beautiful.  Even though skin may stretch and body parts may swell, the love a mother has for their unborn child needs to be captured and documented for everyone to see.  There is that “glow” and there is a tenderness that is practically tangible.  Fortunately for all your photographers out there most moms are usually very open to being photographed during this period, no matter how camera-shy or big they may be.  Some things to consider:

Skin or no skin?

While the concept of showing skin on camera may cause some models and some photographers discomfort, I would recommend living on the wild side and showing some skin!  How much is really up to mom.  The baby bump in question doesn’t have to be exposed, but there is a certainly reality and uniqueness that can be captured; light seems to shine off of it more brightly, belly buttons go from “innies” to “outies”, loving hands caressing the baby within are all moments I would highly encourage capturing.  Of course some moms are ready to bare it all (made famous by Demi Moore’s magazine cover)!  One thing to remember, you will probably showing this picture to your kids one day; this may help you decide how far you want to take it!  If you choose to remain covered, try and select clothes that show-off that tummy.  Plain white T’s and jeans are always a good bet but you can also try shirts and skirts with parallel lines.  These lines will distort when stretched and will really highlight that hidden beach ball.

Props

The obvious focus is mom and her stomach, but adding baby related props can also contribute allot to a picture and give an insight to the mom, parents, and even the child’s destiny!  For example, since my wife and I are fans of body art, we went to a tattoo parlour and had a painting done on her stomach (not a tattoo!!).  The artist had never had that request and experienced another first when our son decided to kick where he was painting!  However, more commonplace props are available; think of baby clothes, toys, or even the nursery itself.  These props can often stand alone or be shot in conjunction with mom and/or dad.  The most classic of prop related pictures is the toy blocks placed in front of the belly, spelling out the baby’s name (if that has already been decided of course).  One photographer friend of mine took a picture of a bun in their oven to announce the upcoming birth of their child. (Click here if that reference is a foreign concept.  It may not apply in all parts of the world!)

Keep it in the family

It is important to get pictures of close family members and friends with mom and baby.  Since I was always the photographer, I really regret not having been in any of the pictures leading up to my son’s birth.  Not only does this help preserve and cherish special and fleeting moments, it can also mentally prepare older siblings for their future roles!

Plus one

Now that the little one is here, the real photography work can begin!  After many days of painful labour my son appeared to the world.  I had the privilege of actually being the first person to hold him as the doctors allowed me to “catch” him.  Minutes later my DSLR started to take shots.  To take those first pictures of his life outside the womb were amazing.  To compare them two years down the road is an even greater thrill.  There are so many creative ways to immortalize your infant, so let your imagination run wild!  Here are some ideas to help give you some focus:

Age

Remember these little ones can’t do all the things you wish they could.  For the first few days, baby will sleep most of the time.  Very little will wake him, except when it’s feeding time!  So at this point don’t try waking her for a photo shoot.  Avoid using flash and don’t force any shot.  This is a great time for sleeping shots and to keep your little one close to you.  Juxtapose her size against mom and dad, her siblings, your strong adult arms.  After the first couple of weeks is another great time to shoot some more pics.  At this point his eyes are open and trying to take in the world.  Allot of the bruising and misshapenness (you should have seen my son’s nose!) will have cleared up and he should be looking more like mom or dad.  This is the time to get some portraits of just the baby (because the family is demanding proof of this miracle) and family group shots.  If, as a photographer, you are one of the parents, get a solid tripod or a friend to help you out; do not miss out on these opportunities to be photographed with your child!  Get pictures with any older siblings, because you do not want to leave them out.  As the months go by, make sure you capture the important milestones: lifting their head, sitting up, crawling, first solid food, and first steps.  Besides the important milestones, everyday life becomes interesting seen from a child’s eyes.  Bath time, playing with toys, discovering bugs, being scared of a vacuum cleaner, and playtime all become photo opportunities.  Don’t miss out!

Angles

When taking pictures of your little one, the angles they are shot at make a huge difference; even more so than other occasions.  When shooting from higher up (as in standing at regular adult height) you will be looking down on your mini-model.  This makes him seem small and presents the reality of how small they really are in this great big world.  If you shoot at their eye level (this may mean crouching or even lying down) you are now capturing the child as she truly is compared to the world.  This also is an interesting angle because this is what she sees and what her world is like.  The photos have a different feel as they often seem to deal with the child as they are and what they are currently experiencing.  If you can manage to shoot them from a lower angle, they seem larger than life and this may be a very accurate description of how a new parent may feel.  These pictures are often optimistic as the child is usually the focus and larger than the other objects around him.

Close-ups

Do not forget the close-ups.  This will make or break your family photo album or a job you are doing for a client.  Parents want to have some sort of permanent record of how small their child was.  Zoom in on their feet and hands; their tininess and wrinkliness always leaps off the page.  Do not be afraid to zoom in on their face.  A baby’s facial features are hilarious and precious at all times.  Once a baby figures out how to contort and twist their face to get a laugh, they will do it non-stop.  Besides funny faces try and get different emotions: wonder, laughter, confusion, frustration, and even tears!  Junior will often resort back to their regular photo faces (since everyone asks for a smile), so getting a range of emotions will enable you to have more successful and standout pictures.  As in the pregnancy pictures, getting close-ups of favorite toys will also speak volumes to the child’s personality; a love-worn teddy bear will say something different than a rattle.  Also, if you can get a picture of the little one drooling, that’s always a favorite!

Basically when taking pictures of a little one, you are documenting joy and wonder.  You are capturing a parent’s pride and joy.  You are witness to the future and endless possibilities.  Just as a baby’s potential is limitless, so are your chances for memorable moments and great photography.  Be patient and always smile, because the little miss or little man may not always be up for your photo shoots.  The more you know the child’s moods and patterns, like and dislikes, the easier it will be.  If you have success or have had success feel free to add to the Fuel Your Photography Flickr pool.  Simply tag your shots with “fypbaby” and I will be sure to check out the new life you have brought to photography.

Photo Credits (from top to bottom):

Pic 1: © Photo-Fenix
Pic 2: © Glenn Karlsen
Pic 3: ©  Michael Sharman
Pic 4: ©  Photo-Fenix
Pic 5:  © Sean Molin
Pic 6:  © Ozyman
Pic 7: © Photo-Fenix
Pic 8: © Photo-Fenix
Pic 9:  © John Ryan
Pic 10: © Miltiadis Kapodistrias
Pic 11: © Photo-Fenix