A to Z of Photography: Babies

Hey there, fellow camera carriers! If you’re diving into the world of baby photography, buckle up because you’re in for a wild, adorable ride. As a seasoned baby photographer, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that have transformed my sessions from chaotic to captivating. So, grab your camera and let me share my 20 tips for capturing those precious baby moments.

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1. Patience is Key: Believe me, in the world of baby photography, patience isn’t just a virtue; it’s a superpower. Babies operate on their own clock, and it’s our job to sync up with it.
2. No Late Afternoon Sessions Before 8 Months Old: Afternoons and babies don’t mix well. Trust me; you don’t want to deal with a cranky, fussy little one during a photoshoot. Stick to mornings or early afternoons depending on your lighting situation.
3. Opt for 4-Month Sessions: In my experience, the sweet spot for baby sessions is around the 4-month mark. The results are super sweet, capture the essence of that stage of life, and rescheduling becomes a rare occurrence. They also can hold their head up while laying on their stomachs.
4. Reschedule When Necessary: If baby ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. Don’t hesitate to stop a session and reschedule. We’re on baby time, not ours.
5. Keep It Simple with Props: Trends come and go, but simplicity is timeless. Choose props wisely, and don’t get too caught up in the latest fads.
6. Learn from Seasoned Moms: Moms who’ve been there, done that, are your golden ticket to wisdom. Seek their advice, and you’ll be amazed at the insights they share.
7. Encourage New Moms: A little encouragement goes a long way. Be a source of positivity for new moms; they’ll appreciate it more than you know.
8. Embrace the Space Heater: Newborns love warmth. Invest in a good space heater to keep them cozy during their first photo session.
9. The Bean Bag is the Real MVP: Your bean bag isn’t just a comfy spot for babies; it’s a game-changer for getting those perfect angles and shots.
10. Blanket and Moses Basket Magic: Outdoor sessions? A blanket and a Moses basket are your dynamic duo for stunning baby pics. That’s how I got my start.
11. Indoor Shots for Non-Sitters: Pre-sitters and bright lights don’t mix well. Capture those early moments indoors where the lighting is gentler.
12. Mind the Temperatures: When shooting outdoors, keep in mind that cold temps and babies aren’t the best of friends. Reschedule for warmer days or bundle them up to keep those smiles coming.
13. Bring in the Assistance: An extra pair of hands is a godsend. Whether it’s catching drool or blocking light, an assistant or a helpful friend can make all the difference so that you can capture those smiles.
14. Master the Art of Reflection: A reflector or light blocker can be your secret weapon for shading baby’s eyes or face when needed.
15. Build Relationships by offering Baby Plans: Baby Plans aren’t just business; they’re a gateway to lasting relationships with families. Trust me; those bonds are worth their weight in gold. Set up a discounted plan to encourage families to schedule with you all year.
16. Backdrop Variety: Add pizazz to your sessions with different backdrops. It adds a touch of variety and keeps things interesting.
17. Choose Vignette-like Outdoor Locations: When outdoors, opt for locations with a vignette-like feel. This directs the focus squarely on the baby, and eliminates busy distractions.
18. Allocate 2 Hours for Newborn Sessions: Newborn sessions require time and patience. Allocate a generous two hours to ensure you capture those delicate moments flawlessly.
19. 4 month Speed Sessions: Blink, and they’re sitting up! 4-month sessions require speed; aim for a 30-minute window to keep those tiny models engaged.
20. Swaddle for Success: When in doubt, swaddle it out. Swaddling is the ultimate trick up your sleeve for a successful and peaceful newborn session. You want baby snoozing for ultimate success.

So there you have it, my 20 nuggets of wisdom for navigating the world of baby photography. Remember, each click captures a moment that parents will cherish forever, so make it count! Happy shooting!