Tips on Photographing a Mother and Her Infant

Make the image of mother and infant last forever with creative photographs.

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage. And right after that comes lots of cameras taking dozens of pictures. Some of the photos might be cute but only a few worth framing. The photo that tells how much the mom is in love with her new child, or the image that shows that baby has daddy’s nose, grandma’s smile and his mother’s gaze, is the one you will want to hang on your wall.

Eye Contact

Capture intimate moments between mom and baby to remember her first days.

Prepare for your photo session by observing mom and baby. Is he cuddly? Is he a fountain of energy? See what interesting moments can come from this little person’s personality. Photographing mom play with him in a relaxed manner can elicit a magic moments, such as his first smile or giggle. No matter how mom and baby are interacting, focus on the eye-to-eye contact between the pair.

Timing

The best time in the day for a photo shoot session is right after a nap, according to photographer Jennifer Loomis, who specializes in child and family photos. The baby will have a good disposition, and the mother will be rested from just having a break. She also advises giving the baby a small feeding before the photo session.

Lighting

Strobes or flashes might agitate the baby, so use natural light from a window and a portable reflector instead. If the light coming from the window is too strong, direct or harsh, lower it with a light screen.

Clothing

Be aware of busy patterns or bright colors in the child's clothing. It can be visually distracting in the composition of your portrait. Light, solid colors work best, but not white.

Location

Take mom and baby outside for some colorful shots.

Keep it simple regarding whatever is going on in the background of your scene. Scan the area for protruding furniture or any unwanted prop that could get into your photo. An easy way to achieve a clear background is to have mom and baby play on the bed. Alternatively, spread a solid-color blanket on the floor. Taking photos with mom and baby situated on the lawn or in a nature setting works well, too.

References

• Sasha Gitin’s Baby Photography Tutorial on Lighting Setup
• Jennifer Loomis Photography: How to Prepare for a Successful Maternity Photography Session

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish