Parents want to capture as many memories about their children as possible. This moment in a child’s life is fleeting. You don’t notice it, but it passes by so quickly. Children grow up so fast that if you blink, you may miss it. Taking your own sweet time to capture the moment is probably one of the best things you can do for them.
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However, having a baby may make it difficult for parents to take their newborn photos at home without professional assistance. Most parents don’t have the time or money to hire a professional photographer for their newborn’s photo session, either.
Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do at home that will ensure your baby is perfectly captured in his/her most innocent moments. Here are some tips to help you get started!
Create a Comfortable Space
Babies have sensitive hearing and prefer quiet spaces with very little light. The best spots for pictures are often found in living rooms or bedrooms with soft, natural lighting. If possible, hang up white fabric nearby so it can be used to diffuse harsh sunlight coming through windows.
Make Sure Your Baby Is Well-Fed And Hydrated
Feeding them before taking photos will make sure they’re nice and full, which means they’ll sleep through the photoshoot. If you feed them water or formula beforehand, make sure to do it at least an hour before taking pictures since babies can get really fussy if they’re thirsty.
Be Careful When Selecting A Camera
Cameras with lots of functions are great for adults who already know how to use them. If you’re a first-time parent taking photos of your newborn, it’s better to choose something simple over sophisticated. Try using a camera with automatic settings and an LCD screen that’s angled for easy viewing from above. Make sure that it also has a setting that minimizes blur because you can’t tell a baby to sit still for the perfect shot.
Use Natural Light Whenever Possible
While harsh sunlight may cause problems such as red-eye, leaving direct sunlight on your baby can be hot and dangerous for him/her, so it’s best to use natural light. If possible, place the camera near a window at a high angle to capture your baby’s best side.
Natural light also prevents you from having to use the flash which can startle the baby.
Use A Tripod
To minimize blur, use a tripod to keep your camera steady. If you don’t have one, try resting your camera on top of something high like the back of a couch or dresser. You can also place it on a flat surface like an end table or windowsill. Just make sure that whatever surface you choose is clean and free of hazards that could harm your baby.
Take Lots Of Pictures
The more pictures you take, the better. It’s way too easy to forget about shutter speed and focus if you’re new to photography, so don’t be afraid to just click away until you get the perfect shot. This is especially important when it comes to catching spontaneous moments such as yawns, smiles, and coos.
Make Them Smile
Newborns don’t really know how to smile on cue, but you can encourage one by tickling their feet or gently blowing against their toes. You can also make funny faces to make them giggle or stare at them lovingly until they fall asleep (which is great for close-up photos).
Don’t Panic If It’s Not Perfect
Even the most seasoned photographers don’t always get it right, so if something goes wrong or you miss capturing a moment, don’t panic. You can still take more pictures later on down the road to make up for what you missed.
Moreover, you will have to touch up the photos anyway to clean up mistakes and make it look better. There are photo editing services for newborn babies. These services employ professionals who are trained to use photo-editing software programs to improve photos that clients have taken. They can make the photos you’ve taken at home look more professional.
Keep Photo Shoots Short And Sweet
If the pictures look like they’re taking too long, it’s easy for the baby to get cranky and ruin your shots. Try 10 minutes at most with each sitting – longer than that will just tire out your baby. Doing multiple set-ups in one day is also a good idea. Remember to take breaks in between sessions so your baby can eat, play, and relax before you start your next one.
Taking memorable baby photos at home doesn’t have to be difficult – you just need to follow these simple tips. From ensuring your baby is well-fed and hydrated to using natural light, taking lots of pictures, and making funny faces, we’ve got you covered. Just remember to relax and have fun during the shoot – after all, it’s a once in a lifetime experience!
