Something New :: Newborn photography :: Kenosha Photographer

Okay, so I'm not doing too great on the whole weekly blog posting - BUT at least I'm trying! :)

This weeks post is about all things new. New shoots, new babies, new content.

When I first started my business, my main goal was to shoot newborns. I've evolved into many other facets of photography since then, turning weddings into my main source of income - however I could never turn down the precious, tiny little babies that come my way.

Before we get to the adorable pictures, I wanted to talk a little about the process of photographing newborns. There are so many things that I've learned over the years as I continue to master my craft. I wouldn't be so bold as to say that I have mastered it yet - but I'm getting there!!

First and foremost...infant safety.

With pinterest, people are going crazy with trying to mimick images for their clients. And there are many super adorable photos such as babies hanging from branches, leaning on baseballs, holding their own heads up with their fists, laying on a tiny bed, chair, table etc.
These images are composites! And if they aren't - they should be! No baby should ever be hung from anything or balancing their own head on their tiny fists.  I've done a couple 'hanging' photos, however the parents had their hands on the babies bottom, back of their head, and the baby was only a couple inches above a bean bag. Then everything was photoshopped out. And to be honest, I've stopped doing it all together. I haven't mastered the image and I don't want to 'practice' on paying clients.

As for any other photo of a baby balancing their chin on their fists, laying on top of a scale, towels, tables etc. - a parents hand is on, behind or hovering over the baby at all times - and photoshopped out.

Newborns tend to have very jerky movements and can be very strong when kicking their legs. It wouldn't take much for a baby on it's stomach to kick his or her legs and propel themselves forward (and off whatever it is they're laying on). 

When doing your own photos or attempting to save money by going with someone who will do it for free or a reduced fee - please be sure that they are doing everything in their power to maintain safety first!!

A few other quick notes on shooting newborns...
-full belly makes for a happy baby.  Mom should feed either upon arrival to the shoot, or just before they arrive. And plan to feed during the shoot as well.
-pacifiers help soothe if the baby is starting to stir. Having mom or dad right by the baby ready to pull the plug works out great. (someone if not the photographer - should be within arms reach at all times anyways)
-if baby is fussy, move on. If you're trying to get a specific shot/pose and the baby just isn't calming down - move on. Let Mom cuddle and soothe and either try again or try something else.
-white noise app on ipad or ipod can help keep the baby asleep
-calm a fussy baby by swaddling or holding arms and legs tight to their body with your (warm) hands, gently rock the baby and 'shush' close to them.
-have the studio ready and warm with space heaters, blankets, towels and plenty of props set up and ready to go!

Okay, on to the good stuff....

Last week I had two new ones. First was little Ellie.

She is in for a lifetime of rough and tumble fun, excitment and the protection of her two older brothers.

 

I've been photographing this family since I started my business and I love watching these guys grow! I hope to see Miss Ellie again soon, because she is too precious!

 

Then Jackson came by to visit - and let me tell you, he was soooo easy going!!

 

He slept like a champ and if he got fussy, a few seconds with the pacifier and he was good to go again!

 

(notice in the top photo the back of Jackson's head is resting on his dad's palm - and under that fuzzy blanket is dad's lap - so Jackson is super safe and not suspended in any way although the lighting and editing makes it look like it.  The bottom photo - the basket has weights in the bottom that are heavier than Jackson. It's also lined with towels and blankets and he is all the way inside and extremly secure, with very little wiggle room. Dad had his hand right there the entire time).

 

Thanks for reading!!!

Shannon