Any tips for photographing newborns?

rheinhessen

rheinhessen

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Hi guys,

I'm due to give birth in 9 weeks or less.. My 450D is arriving on Wednesday.

I don't have a 50mm f1.8 lens yet, unfortunately - just the original 18-50mm kit lens that comes with the camera..

Does anyone have any tips for photographing newborns - settings on the camera/lens, lighting, poses, props etc?

I don't go in for the whole 'staged' photographs, such as putting baby in a whicker basket kind of photography, I want it to be as natural as possible, but as crisp and flattering..

Would LOVE some input from people experienced in shooting newborns (not literally ha ha!)

Thanks in advance!!!
 
Well, this was my attempt. There's a full set at the link below...

Linky Here

Sample Piccy...

 
Wow, they're absolutely FAB!! I'm not sure I'll be taking my camera into hospital - especially as I'm having a c-section and the person being operated on - might be hard to get a good angle behind the green screen when I'm temporarily paralysed ;] haha.

But certainly will be taking pictures once back on the ward with babe on the bed or in her Daddys arms and other family members.. Any tips for working with the awful flouresent lights in the hospital?
 
you don't need a 50mm lens to take picutres of newborns. Also since its your own baby you're not going to care so long as the pics are infocus and well lit.

The only advice I can give is take lots and make sure the light is good other than that enjoy your baby.

samuel 2 days old

4053428286_366f8ce5b2.jpg


Samuel 18 weeks old

4398048544_99b996d24b.jpg


rheinhessen said:
Hi guys,

I'm due to give birth in 9 weeks or less.. My 450D is arriving on Wednesday.

I don't have a 50mm f1.8 lens yet, unfortunately - just the original 18-50mm kit lens that comes with the camera..

Does anyone have any tips for photographing newborns - settings on the camera/lens, lighting, poses, props etc?

I don't go in for the whole 'staged' photographs, such as putting baby in a whicker basket kind of photography, I want it to be as natural as possible, but as crisp and flattering..

Would LOVE some input from people experienced in shooting newborns (not literally ha ha!)

Thanks in advance!!!
Click to expand...
 
I use a 450d as well and the 50mm f/1.8 is a godsend for when there isnt enough light for the kit lens. Having said that, my advice would be to spend a few quid on a cheap flash, triggers and a shoot through umbrella. I got all mine on ebay for very little outlay. I use the YN460 flash, CTR301 triggers. The results are quite remarkable!
 
what fab pics :)

im doing pics for a friends baby and toddler in a few weeks. will watch this thread for ideas too :)
 
rheinhessen said:
Hi guys,

I'm due to give birth in 9 weeks or less.. My 450D is arriving on Wednesday.

I don't have a 50mm f1.8 lens yet, unfortunately - just the original 18-50mm kit lens that comes with the camera..

Does anyone have any tips for photographing newborns - settings on the camera/lens, lighting, poses, props etc?

I don't go in for the whole 'staged' photographs, such as putting baby in a whicker basket kind of photography, I want it to be as natural as possible, but as crisp and flattering..

Would LOVE some input from people experienced in shooting newborns (not literally ha ha!)

Thanks in advance!!!
Click to expand...

Hi, just to say the 450D is all packed up and ready to go. I'll get crazy with the bubble wrap and outer box tomorrow and get it sent so you'll have it on wednesday!

I've also just realised that the above probably doesn't help the waiting!
 
Hey

I found when taking pictures of newborns that it's best to get nice and close (assuming you're using the kit lens?) It doesn't have to be perfectly framed but since the backdrops may not be ideal filling the picture with the subject is a good way to go. The 50mm does end up being a great lens if there is low light, or simply for controlling the background. Lighting is very important so if you can then buy a decent flash or make sure you're in a well lit room.

Of course, if you don't mind setting up a 'natural' shot (contradiction I know) then you can get some amazing results. Some of mine can be found here. I'm in the process of putting the site up. Some of the shots are a great demonstration of good subject/bad background but the aperture ensures the subject stands out. Others are good demonstrations of natural looking (but staged) shots.

The key I think is to be patient and take lots and be prepared to go through them carefully after to see which are your favs. As someone mentioned earlier I doubt you will care as long as they are in focus!

Good luck, and congratulations :)
 
CanonFodder said:
Hey

I found when taking pictures of newborns that it's best to get nice and close (assuming you're using the kit lens?) It doesn't have to be perfectly framed but since the backdrops may not be ideal filling the picture with the subject is a good way to go. The 50mm does end up being a great lens if there is low light, or simply for controlling the background. Lighting is very important so if you can then buy a decent flash or make sure you're in a well lit room.

Of course, if you don't mind setting up a 'natural' shot (contradiction I know) then you can get some amazing results. Some of mine can be found here. I'm in the process of putting the site up. Some of the shots are a great demonstration of good subject/bad background but the aperture ensures the subject stands out. Others are good demonstrations of natural looking (but staged) shots.

The key I think is to be patient and take lots and be prepared to go through them carefully after to see which are your favs. As someone mentioned earlier I doubt you will care as long as they are in focus!

Good luck, and congratulations :)
Click to expand...

Wow, thanks for the tips and those pictures are STUNNING.. I'm SO excited.

She's my long awaited girl after 2 [beautiful] boys. I'm going to have SO much fun with this, I can't wait until she arrives!!

ARGH!! Hurry up and arrive May, you've got my baby girl!
 
Wow, thanks for the tips and those pictures are STUNNING...
Click to expand...

Thanks :)

She's my long awaited girl after 2 [beautiful] boys. I'm going to have SO much fun with this, I can't wait until she arrives!!

ARGH!! Hurry up and arrive May, you've got my baby girl!
Click to expand...

I have a feeling that your new 450D's shutter will be getting hot after all the shots you've taken :) Make sure you keep a spare battery charged up so you don't hit yourself for missing any golden pics!

Be sure to post your fav pics up here in May!
 
CanonFodder said:
Make sure you keep a spare battery charged up so you don't hit yourself for missing any golden pics!

Be sure to post your fav pics up here in May!
Click to expand...

Already sorted, the person I bought the camera off included a spare battery..

I'm sure I will be posting many many pictures for tips and critique - and of course, just to show her off! :love:
 
Before getting into photographing your gorgeous baby girl, can I suggest that you learn how to use your brand new 450d when it arrives tomorrow? Practice on the boys, have lots of fun with it, and get used to handling the camera.

Have fun
Z
 
ZoZo said:
Before getting into photographing your gorgeous baby girl, can I suggest that you learn how to use your brand new 450d when it arrives tomorrow? Practice on the boys, have lots of fun with it, and get used to handling the camera.

Have fun
Z
Click to expand...

Haha, try and stop me!! I'll be sleeping by the front door tonight so I'm right beside it when the courier knocks :lol:

But yes, I had planned to mess about with it extensively and get a feel for it and the settings etc. The lady that also takes pics of my kids has also said she'll come round and show me how to make the most of it before my daughter is born - and the processing software (I have Lightroom and PS Elements)

I really can't wait for it to arrive, I'm so excited - my dad has agreed to buy me the 50mm f1.8 lens before my daughter is born as well, woohoo!
 
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