Ideas for Photographing Infants
Photographing infants is a labor of love for many aspiring and seasoned photographers. Unlike photographs that feature adults as subjects, or even older children, photographing infants requires patience, props and practice. If you are new to photographing infants, there are a few techniques and pieces of equipment you can use to improve the quality of the shots you get and to capture that special, intimate bond between parents and their newborns.
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Towels and Ribbon
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The key to successful baby photographs is to keep your props simple. You have a small window of alertness and contentment with newborns in between the frequent feedings, naps and diaper changes they require. Coordinate with mom and dad on the best time of day, when baby is most alert, and start your photo shoot then. Arrive early to set up your background (if shooting on location) or make sure your studio is set up before parents and baby arrive. Set up a stack of about 10 white towels against a white sheet and place the baby on his tummy on top of the towels. Wrap a pink or blue ribbon around the baby and towels, and snap a few shots.
Special Props
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Ask parents to bring a few items of importance with them to the shoot. If the family members are big fans of a particular sports team, suggest that they bring a small football, basketball, soccer ball or pom poms to the shoot. Prop the baby up around the item; if its a ball of some sort, place the ball on a black drop cloth and position the baby's forearms on top of the ball. Surround a baby girl with team pom poms or fill a color-coordinated box with pom poms and set the baby inside of it. Position one on top of her head.
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Big Hands
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Parents' hands make wonderful props for infant photos, particularly because of the intimacy and size differential they convey. It's easy for parents to forget how small their precious little ones start out as since they grow so fast. Position babies on their daddies' forearms and outstretched hands or, snap a shot from behind while dad holds baby against his chest with baby's chin resting on his shoulder. This is particularly moving if dad has a tattoo on his back or shoulder of special or family significance, such as a tattoo of his children's names.
Wedding Rings
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Similar to the idea of using big hands to communicate intimacy and the sweet smallness with which we all start life, placing mom and dad's wedding rings around baby's toes and fingers make moving shots. This kind of shot visually portrays how a baby can be a product of a couple's enduring love for one another. It's also a great way to capture the intricacy of newborn hands and feet.
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References
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