Capturing your baby's pictures during quarantine.
Let's face it, this was not the plan. You probably had plans of arriving at your photographer's studio, allowing them to capture your photographs, and then having those fleeting moments captured forever. Your photographer probably told you about the ideal time to have them photographed, and at this time you may be stressed. Breathe in, breathe out and repeat. While it's definitely not the same as coming to a studio for a newborn session, you can capture some beautiful moments on your own to preserve your newborn's first weeks. In this article, I'm going to share a few tips that may help you create better photos while staying healthy at home.
If you're looking for sleepy newborn pictures, plan the images after a feeding. Morning typically works best from my experience.
Prepare your room- lighting is key
The first thing you want to consider when planning to take some pictures of your baby is select a room that has pretty natural light. My preference would be a room with a large window. A back screen door is also a great option. If large window isn't available using a glass door can work as well.
After selecting what window you will be using, hang some kind of sheer curtain over the window. Even a thin sheet can do this. This will help soften the light for your pictures.
To help relax your baby for the pictures, I suggest turning off the air conditioner an hour before you're ready to begin. Newborns are used to being warm, and using a warm room will make them feel more comfortable.
The other thing you may want to consider when preparing the room is playing some kind of white noise. You can use an app or this youtube video that I use in the studio.
The best camera is the one you have
While I could get into super technical suggestions on what kind of camera you should use and their settings, I'm simply to going say use what you have. I personally have the iPhone 11 and have been pretty impressed at its capabilities. Here are a couple of tips when using a camera phone.
- Don't use the flash setting
- If your phone has a portrait mode, use it.
- Adjust the brightness on your camera to have better control of your lighting
- Take both horizontal and vertical (portrait) images
Positioning the baby
A simple setup for the images can be affective in capturing your little ones' first weeks. Consider using a soft clean blanket or fur as what your baby will lay on and layering some of blankets you have to create a soft pallet for your little one. Ensuring they are safe is must during this process.
Another big help for setting up for your session is swaddling the baby. Most photographers prefer stretchy, jersey knit fabric for these, but muslin wraps can be adorable as well. Use colors and patterns that compliment your nursery and wall decor.
In regards to lighting, position the light above and slightly to the side of the little one and avoid placing the light below their face. When using your camera try to avoid shooting up the baby's nostrils.
Pay Attention to the Details
One last thing you may want to consider is taking pictures inside your baby's nursery. Take pictures of the decorations and of course pictures of your little one in their crib. Also consider taking pictures with your baby. Timers are super helpful to do this.
Editing
My go to editing software is Lightroom and Photoshop by Adobe. Did you know there are now mobile apps for both? If you've taken the images on your phone, use one of these apps and ensure you save them at maximum resolution for printing. There of course are other mobile applications as well. To my personal clients, feel free to reach out to me personally, I would be happy to edit some images for you during this time.
I hope these tips help you capture your baby's moments during the quarantine. Please know your newborn photographers were just as excited as you about taking your newborn photos. If you haven't yet, reach out to your photographer about additional suggestions. I know they are eager to work with you. Once your local ban is lifted, we will want to schedule your appointment at the soonest possibility. If you are local to the Hardin County area, I would love to work with you! Just contact me at josh@joshastor.com and I'll help you get on my schedule as soon as it is opened up. Mention this blog article and save 20% off any of the packages I offer.
I'm attaching a few in home newborn sessions I've capture in the past. I hope they will give some inspiration as you take your little one's images. I'll be updating this article as more ideas come to me.
~ Josh
