Photographing a baby may seem like the easiest task in the world, so tiny, innocent, that they don't move... That's because you've never tried it! If you have ever done it, you will know that it is a high-risk mission for your mental or even physical health if we talk about older babies. A baby, whether newborn or eleven months old, will test your patience, your creativity, your planning and resolution skills. Said like this, you may have wanted to run away if you see a baby and walk with the camera in hand or if a family member asks you for a session. I do not recommend it, because despite being complicated it is most rewarding. Also, a great test to practice photography! Are you going to miss it?
Now, you can throw yourself into the ring like a gayola porter or keep a few aces up your sleeve so as not to throw in the towel after five minutes of the session out of desperation. If you stay, I'll tell you some simple tricks that can make the session a little easier. In addition to what I am going to tell you about today, you have many more tips and tricks in the mega guide on baby photography that we have published on the blog for you. To photograph newborns you have this other very complete guide with tips for newborn photography.
1. FIND A HELPER
Photography is a hobby that is usually practiced alone, alone with your camera, of course. You don't need anyone else, unless you're photographing people, but that's something else. Or that you are doing a more professional session and you need a Sherpa assistant, holding the reflectors, with the flashes, etc. The other case in which you need an assistant if you don't want to end up pulling your hair out is in a session with babies. It doesn't necessarily have to be someone who understands photography, but they do have kilos of patience, especially to put up with you if you get on your nerves ? but above all to also deal with the baby. It could be the baby's father or mother or someone you trust who is willing or willing to hold a blanket, clean a baby's bottom, make sure it doesn't fall,
2. PLAN THE SESSION
With babies on many occasions you must resort to improvisation, for this reason, everything you can plan in advance, better than better, so you leave your daily dose of improvisation for whatever arises, which will arise. Plan the props, the clothes, the postures, have the equipment ready, the site... Everything you bring ahead will be welcome, although later there are things that you have to rethink or modify (which there will be, for sure).
3. WHITE NOISE
To put newborns to sleep, there is a trick that works very well and that is to use the well-known “white noise”, which is a constant noise like that of a vacuum cleaner, dryer, etc. You can plug in a vacuum cleaner nearby or much easier: download an application like this.
4. SLEEP WITH THE POSITION YOU WANT
Since you are with the white noise in the background to put this delicious creature to sleep, if you sleep it in your arms, place it in the position you want it to have for the next photo (or the closest thing), so you run less risk of it waking up when moving or rattling it.
5. USE TISSUES
We continue with the advice for newborns (until further notice). Since you most likely want to take pictures of her without her clothes (and therefore without a diaper) the most likely, if not the most likely, is that she will pee (at least). Using a wipe is tempting, but better if you dry them with a tissue or gauze, so they won't wake up (with what it cost you), the wipes are very fresh and there will be time to clean their bottom.
6. FROM COVERED TO UNCOVERED
Newborns need to be very wrapped. They have been nine months in a tiny space, tight, safe. For this reason, try to start the session with the newborn well wrapped, for example, in a blanket, gauze or in a peanut and gradually uncover him, leaving the photos without clothes for the last ones. If the baby is comfortable, she will cry less and everything will be easier.
7. USING A PLASTIC CHANGING PAD UNDER THE FIRST BLANKET.
If you don't want to make a brown mess at the first change, put a plastic changing table under the first layer of blankets on which you are going to put the newborn. In this way, when you pee you will only have to change a blanket, the puff and the rest of the textiles will be safe. If you are not going to spend more time putting washing machines than the duration of a photographic session and its subsequent edition.
8. RESORTING TO "ATTENTION-GRABBING" DOLLS
I am now going to tell you tricks for slightly older babies, who see and fix their gaze on what catches their attention. And I say about the look because there are some dolls to be attached to the camera that are very funny and most likely their looks will not resist. For example, the one in the following image, although you have more here.
8. MAKE USE OF BUCKETS OR BASKETS
The baskets and buckets do not have a merely decorative function. They are used with babies who are already crawling, crawling or walking so that they do not run away. As calm and cute as they may seem in the photos, they are actually little earthquakes, sweet and wonderful, yes, but earthquakes ? Put your mini model in a bucket or basket (put a weight in the bottom so it doesn't tip over) and You save having to go chasing him ?
9. PREPARE AN ELEMENT OF SURPRISE
For when the slightly older babies begin to get tired of someone chasing them with an artifact in hand, you must have an element of surprise prepared, say paints, bubbles, balloons, streamers or even an animal. Any accessory that serves to attract his attention, make him smile or prevent him from throwing a tantrum out of boredom will be welcome.
10. LET THEM PLAY
They are not models, they are babies. They do not know what a camera is, or what it is to pose or stand still, therefore, you cannot expect them to position themselves where and as you say. Let them play, move, explore, investigate, when they are in their element, shoot. Move yourself to follow them and catch their gestures, don't wait for them to come to you.
11. THE SMILE IS NOT EVERYTHING
Don't be obsessed with smiling. You can take wonderful photos without the need for a smile, also, the more you smile, the more your eyes close and a good look can become a great photo ? And if you want them to smile, don't ask them, earn it.
12. PLAY WITH THEM
While you take photos of a baby, you can play with him so that he gets to know you, so that he gives you the most beautiful expressions, so that he doesn't get tired, so that you can have fun too. He plays, dances, sings... bring out your craziest side and let that boy or girl who still lives in you flow.
I know that I have not just given you some great tips for photographing babies, but for this you already have this entry , or the mistakes that you should avoid . The objective of today was to give you little tricks to make your task easier, I hope I have achieved it, if so, this article will have been worth it. And before saying goodbye, I have to add that if it's your baby, don't forget to take a self-portrait with him.
If you think that these tricks can be useful to someone around you, please share it on social networks. Thank you and see you soon!
