Hey everyone!
So there’s a lot happening right now, like a lot. You all know it. It’s scary, uncertain and there’s a lot of things that we thought we’d be doing right now that we just can’t. One of those is of course photos. I am classed as a non essential business, and therefor all my client’s who were planning on capturing their pregnancies and newborn bundles of joy, now can not. So, instead of leaving you all in limbo, and worrying about missing this incredible time, I’m writing this blog to help you. Tips, tricks and things to remember so that you can still take photos whilst self isolating! So let’s get started.
1. It’s not going to be the same result as a professional photographer.
This is not going to be the same result, plain and simple. BUT it’s going to be more then not trying at all. I say this first so that you don’t get your hopes up that you’re going to end up with the perfect little froggy posed baby, because it won’t happen. Newborn photographers train endlessly and are constantly up to date on safe handling so we can do the poses we do safely for you and your baby. So instead of thinking this will be exactly like a professionally posed shoot, think of it as capturing this time, the first few weeks, and it will come together beautifully.
2. Keep it simple.
This goes with the above point. The simpler you keep this experience, the better, for all of you. Your family has just had a baby! That is an insanely stressful time as it is. Of course there’s beautiful snuggles and tender moment’s and you’re breathing this baby in more than you realise, but having to worry about anything on top of that is to much. So keep it simple. Simple poses, simple outfits, simple expectations and simple settings. You shouldn’t be changing your camera settings for every photo and worrying that it doesn’t look 100% perfect. Throughout this time you need to remember that you are not a photographer, so cut yourself some slack and have fun with it. I’ve put a few examples throughout this blog so you can draw inspiration and see what you can accomplish at home with little to no knowledge about photography.
3. Use your environment.
This is a big one, and it will take away some of the stress you might be feeling of “where will I even take them?” Do you have a big window with heaps of natural light coming through? PERFECT! Do you have a big bed where you can all snuggle in close and get a family shot? Maybe it’s as simple as just being on your lounge and capturing a feed. There are endless opportunities when it comes to capturing newborn, and every little moment is precious and they are forever changing. So, no matter what you capture, it’s going to be special and once in a life time. Some ideas are: Bath time, feeds, sleepy snuggles, holding one of your fingers, their tiny fingers and toes, sleeping in the cot and so on. If you have something sentimental, bring it in! If you have a photo of someone you’d love to be in it, move that frame to be in the shot. Don’t be afraid to make your environment what you need it to be and plan a little while before so that you aren’t blanking on the day and miss the chance.
4. Don’t try to recreate staged photos.
This is really important. As I mentioned above, any credible newborn photographer has studied, researched, and is equipped to safely handle your baby. We know what a baby can and can’t do and we know what poses need help with Photoshop to actually come together. Do not see an image of a baby with her hands on her hands (froggy pose) and think you can do that. That is manipulation in Photoshop with two images becoming one. We know how to SAFELY handle your baby for these poses, you do not. Don’t take this negatively, it is all for the safety of your baby. All the images in this blog, you can recreate at home.
5. There are people who will edit your photos for you.
Yes, it’s true! A lot of us photographers have lost our only income as soon we couldn’t do sessions anymore, so it makes sense that quite a few newborn photographers will actually edit your images for you. So when I say keep it simple, and know what you’re doing for the shots you want to do, it really is that easy. Take your images and then source a photographer who will edit them for you.
6. Use a tripod.
This will be a huge game changer for you. If you can get a tripod for your DSLR, do it. It’s going to save you having to find shelves/stands/tables to rest your camera on, especially while getting the family shot. It’s not essential, but definitely beneficial. You can also use a tripod with your phone if that’s what you’re working with.
7. Get all the family involved.
If bub has siblings, get them in there. Get mum/s Dad/s , pets, brother’s, sister’s, everyone in your house. You might find siblings aren’t to excited to get in the pictures, so shoot them by themselves! It all comes down to you capturing this moment in time, and it doesn’t have to be solely baby. The way everyone in the house has reacted to this new little person is just as important.
8. Learn simple settings on your camera and watch YouTube tutorials.
You want to know where the timer button is, how to set it and how it works. Cameras can do a lot of things, and one of those is having different settings in your timer section, so learn it and find what is going to work for you and your session. Also, watching YouTube tutorials is so helpful! If you’ve only ever shot on “Auto” then mix it up. It can seem very overwhelming at first, but it is so much fun learning what your camera can do. For the most part, all you need to do is type in the model of your camera and you will have multiple videos to choose from. Watching something that has “basic” “beginner” “easy” will help, for obvious reasons. You want to watch something that will easily explain the settings so you can understand what will work for you and your home.
9. If you’re stuck, get some inspiration.
Remember that these images are for you. You need to find the ones that speak to you, the ones that you see and go “That.Is.Beautiful” That’s what you want. A tip for searching for inspiration for a home shoot is to look up “Lifestyle” images. These are not posed, or scripted. It’s the mindset that what happens on the day happens, and I’m going to capture the connection, love, emotions and overall feel for how that day was for this family. I LOVE lifestyle.
10. It’s all going to be okay.
Trust me, I get it. The world is a scary place right now and things are overwhelming and anxiety is sky high and everything is just so uncertain…BUT, remember this isn’t forever, and after all this has passed and our lives can get back to normal, and we can see family and your child can run at the park, you’re going to want to remember this time. You might not think that at the moment, but it’s fact. When you have these images to look back on, you will be flooded with emotion but also love. You’re keeping your baby safe and as much it was surely a disappointment for expecting parents to not be able to capture this time the way you wanted, you can still get something to cherish for a life time.
You all know me by now, and when it comes to real emotions and connections I’m there. I want you to capture raw moment’s, tender touches and the way your baby is right now as well as all of you. If you’re feeding your baby and you start to cry as the world feels to much, someone needs to get that picture, if one of baby’s parents are holding them with such a gentle form, take the picture. There are so many moment’s that won’t seem to big you now, but in 20 years they will mean everything to you. You can do this, and you will. Ask questions, find what you can manage, do what you can do. I am here for you all.
Love, Jess.
