We opted to head out later in the afternoon so that the sun was lower in the sky and we were able to make the most of the amazing light that filters through the trees at this time of day!
Amani was a very well behaved little boy, and together with his enthiusiactic family, we managed to not only take some lovely shots of him by himself, but also group photos and even individual portraits of everyone there.
It was a lovely afternoon for this fun little first birthday photoshoot and I hope they enjoy their delightful family photography!
A woman will not be pregnant forever, and believe it or not, it is a life stage that will fly by quickly even though during the hard parts it can seem like it’ll never end. To celebrate this momentous event, women often have a maternity photo session. It allows them to document their precious moments and the magical journey that their bodies go through as they create a new little life. Photos from the shoot will serve as a forever reminder of the excitement and joy of bringing a child into the world.
Whether you are a photographer looking for some maternity photography tips to make this photoshoot session a success or an expecting mom looking for some pointers on how to take your self-portrait or act in front of a camera, here is some useful information that can help you refine the experience.
Maternity Photography Tips
On Composition
Some women love seeing their pregnant figure, including all the extra weight. To capture this look, opt to shoot photos at eye level. This composition will put your client’s face and body front in the centre of the shot.
Other clients are the exact opposite. They are conscious of their body and weight, and some are even bothered by the added puffiness on their faces. In these scenarios, try to shoot from an angle above the model. A distance of around one or two feet will do. It will slim down all her features, giving her more flattering photos.
Belair Maternity Shoot
What to Wear
The truth is some expecting moms do not feel beautiful about the changes their bodies go through. As a result, some may try to cover up by wearing loose or large clothing. On the other hand, others will want to pose nude or close to it.
Every client is different, so it is essential to make sure that what they are wearing makes them feel comfortable. If you feel that the client needs a little confidence boost, encourage her to wear something elegant and beautiful. Putting on nice clothes can immediately add a certain level of sophistication to the shot and the woman’s self-esteem.
Reminders for the Maternity Photographer
Understand Maternity Poses
You might have come across this a lot: a mother smiling while her hand touches her belly. That is the usual pose that people expect from a maternity shoot. While this is an almost mandatory shot that a soon-to-be-mom would expect to have, the photographer should not only get her into the pose. They have to capture her in that position while ensuring that she is comfortable and beautiful as well.
Direct Your Client
Finding the right poses that your client can execute well can be challenging since not all moms are professional models. That being the case, you need to unleash your direction skills. Prepare for this by researching the different poses your client can imitate. Come prepared with not so much instructions on how to pose her body, more some activities that someone would be doing while on location, where she can look, what to do with her hands, and what expressions to put on her face. An example light be to simply walk through some trees while flicking her hair or something.
I find the most beautiful shots are taken during some sort of action – this is a good tip to understand, not just when thinking about maternity photography tips!
Make sure not to be so strict or bark out instructions to your client to avoid making her feel miserable. You can start by going over a few posing ideas you have so she knows what to expect from the shoot.
Always Consult Your Model
You can always discuss the composition and types of poses you want your client to do, but if she gets uncomfortable with any of them, you need to have backup plans. There will always be a time when looking relaxed and smiling for a pregnant woman can feel unnatural. Remember that she can be in pain during the whole process. What you need to do is check on her frequently and ask whether she is comfortable with what she is doing. She may also have some ideas to make both your lives easier.
Leaning against a tree
Over a pond
Amongst the tall grass
These friendly maternity photography tips and reminders can make the whole maternity shoot session a victory. The main idea is to always keep your client happy, and just remember traipsing around a forest in lingerie isnt exactly the most natural feeling in the world, so try and make it fun! Put these tips into practice to capture a great photo that will serve as a remembrance of this special period.
The birth of a newborn is always an exciting time, especially for the parents. With their tiny hands, feet, and toes, babies have a way of bringing joy and happiness to anyone. As a parent, these feelings are meant to be treasured and never forgotten. However, since babies grow surprisingly quickly, you would want a way to easily store these memories forever.
Our answer to you is with newborn photography. More specifically, you can have your family together for photos that you cherish for a lifetime.
That said, you must keep your baby safe during photoshoots as a top priority. This means that during the shoot, the baby must be safe and cared for at all times.
Tips to Keep Your Baby Safe During Photoshoots
To make sure that you keep your baby baby safe during photoshoots, here are some things you must do:
Keep them warm or cool
Babies cannot regulate their body temperature properly. For this reason, if they are placed in a room that is too cold, their temperature will drop. Also, if they are in a room that is too hot, they will feel hot quickly.
To ensure that your baby stays at a comfortable temperature and that they do not start crying, make sure that the room you are taking your photos in has the temperature controlled. Or if taking photos outside, simply make sure you have ample clothing or coverings available.
As a precaution, learn of the symptoms and signs a baby will show if they are too cold or hot so that you can then take the appropriate action when these signs show up.
In a basket
Do not hold them too tightly
As a parent, you might unknowingly hold your baby tightly in an attempt to keep your baby safe during photoshoots. having a photoshoot done can be quite annatural for a lot of people and this is simply a natural thing to overcompensate doing. This, unfortunately, can hurt the baby since it can stop blood from properly circulating throughout their body.
With this in mind, ensure that you are not accidentally pinching any part of the baby’s body. Try to regularly shift positions, as keeping a baby in one position for too long might block blood from reaching certain areas of their body.
Looking over Mum and Dad’s shoulder
Maintain a clear airway
Sometimes, when your baby’s head is in a particular position, their airways might be constricted. They will not be able to tell you that they cannot breathe, so it is always vital that you make sure the baby’s head is positioned correctly. Also, if you are wrapping your arms around the baby, do not press around their neck too tightly.
Baby in Basket
Talk with the photographer
Ensuring that your baby is safe does not only fall on your hands but the photographer’s as well. They, too, must ensure that your baby is comfortable and can breathe properly.
You should always check that your photographer has a current working with children check issued by the government, as it’s a legal obligation in Australia to do so. While also checking if they are specially trained for working with children.
Because of this, when you choose a photographer, have a chat with them first. Talk about some of your concerns regarding your baby and speak up during the actual session if you experience anything you’re not comfortable with.
Quickly sidestepping into my own personal case – I happen to be a registered teacher in South Australia with special training in working with young children.
Hadley sitting pretty
Remember, safety is always the priority, especially for your baby. Before you go for a photo-taking session, always be prepared. This can mean either packing up some food for the child or bringing in extra clothes in case the venue is cold. Just try to think of any contingency to keep your baby safe during photoshoots!
Never forget to have a chat with the photographer beforehand. Ensure that he or she knows of your concerns and that you are entirely comfortable working with them. Otherwise, look for someone else you can trust who has more experience working with babies.
Things to Avoid When Taking Photos of Newborn Babies
Newborn photography is something that excites many parents. Photos of babies are beautiful mementoes, and they can also make great gifts for when these children are older. However, it can be challenging to pull off these types of photos. Here are some mistakes people make when photographing newborn babies and how to remedy them.
5 Things to Avoid When Taking Photos of Newborn Babies
Mistake #1 – They shoot in poor lighting
One of the common errors that beginners make is that they shoot without regard for exposure and lighting. Since cameras record differences in light, illuminating a subject is the quickest way to improve picture quality.
Photo editing software can do many things; they can crop photos, modify the background, and even remove red-eye in subjects. However, no software can solve lousy lighting. Although there are tools that can adjust lighting, a post-processed photo will still look subpar to one taken in good light.
baby mirella
Mistake #2 – They want to capture a ‘perfect’ photo
Like anything that has to do with young children, it is a lot of work trying to photograph babies. Newborns, especially, will not hold a pose unless when asleep. Even then, they might shift around. If you are aiming for Anne Geddes-level pictures, know that there is a lot of planning involved.
The best photos are taken when the little ones are not posed awkwardly. They are just sitting, sleeping, or playing as they would, and the photographer only captures them as they are. Let your child go about his or her business, and snap the photos without overthinking.
baby shoot
Mistake #3 – They are not always ready to shoot
Seasoned newborn photographers are always ready with backup cameras, batteries, and memory cards. It will be a letdown if you miss important moments like your baby smiling, laughing, or seeing something for the first time.
Experience is the only way to learn how to avoid the special moments, which is why the better photographers out there can charge quite a bit more for their work, while cheaper photographers may not have as much experience and/or equipment under their belt.
Happy bub
Mistake #4 – They rely on DIY too much
Though it is perfectly fine if you want to document your child’s everyday life, there are moments when hiring a professional is the better choice. For example, if you are sending birth announcements, a professional photo that your loved ones can frame is the best option.
Birthday or holiday cards are also better if professionally shot. In the end, you will be the one to compile all of these in albums, so you should get something classic which you can look back on fondly.
Happy bub in the grass
Mistake #5 – They do not make backups
Backing up your data is essential for work and school documents, but you should extend that to your photos as well. Losing your photos is definitely one of those things to avoid when taking phtoos of newborn babies! These photos show memories that you cannot otherwise retrieve. If you lose your only images of an event, these are gone forever. You can revisit the place and retake those photos, but the memories you will have are different from the original.
Capturing a baby’s first moments is priceless, and SvenStudios can help you with that. We work out of Adelaide and specialise in newborn photography, and we have been accredited by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography while also being a registered teacher! Get in touch with us today to learn more.
Capturing the first few months of your child’s life is a wonderful way to keep the memory of these moments that will pass by quickly. However, those adorable newborn photos that you see online or in a friend’s photo album actually take lots of effort. If you’re one of the many parents who want to have an infant photoshoot, you will need to find an exceptional newborn photographer who specialises in this field of photography.
Get an Exceptional Newborn Photographer With These 5 Tips
With the number of professionals in today’s photography market, it is understandable that you might be a bit overwhelmed in choosing the right person for your needs. Fret not; here are five practical tips on how to make your search for an expert easier:
Baby Chloe
Research Early in Your Pregnancy
Research is vital if you want to get the best photographer for your newborn child. The months leading to the end of your pregnancy and the first few weeks of your baby’s life could get really busy. This is why researching early in your pregnancy is more advisable because this is when situations are less hectic. You can even personally visit the newborn photographers that are available in your area. When you have more time to research, you get to weigh your options better and find a photographer who will suit all your needs.
You’ll also be more likey to book one in as some of the best newborn photographers book out very quickly.
Baby
Check for Credentials
For a photographer to be able to accept newborn clients, honestly not much more than a police check is needed legally. However as an exceptional newborn photographer, they would first undergo safety training. As parents, you want to make sure that the photographer and their staff are well-trained to handle a delicate being. Even if you are around during the shoot, the team will be the one handling your baby to get the perfect shots.
This is also why it’s a great idea to start your research early in your pregnancy so that you have time to get these factors. Be sure to ask for their credentials, and perhaps pay them a visit get a feel of how the process will be during your session.
Baby foot
Consider Your Budget
The budget for newborn photography is essential and should be taken into utmost consideration. However, keep in mind that this shouldn’t be your only basis when making a decision because not all photographers offer the same quality of service, which is why you should not decide on the price alone.
More often than not, an exeptional newborn photographer would not exactly be ‘cheap‘. Often with higher charges deliver high-quality services that you may not get anywhere else. Despite the many factors at play when choosing a photographer, the budget is a huge consideration, which is why you should set a considerable budget based on your financial standing.
Newborn Foot mould and photo
Check if they can work at your home
The best way to conduct a newborn photoshoot in surrounds familiar with everyone involved. A studio is nice, but it can be lovely to have the shoot done in your own home. An exceptional newborn photographer would have a portable studio setup ready to go.
Newborn photography
Go for the Photographer Whose Work You Admire
There’s no point in hiring a photographer whose work you don’t like, which is why you must choose the one whose work you do admire. With that, you can guarantee that you’ll receive the results that you are expecting. Additionally, working with someone you believe in will translate into an incredible experience.
In a basket
Having beautiful newborn photos is a necessity for many parents because the images can be put up on the walls, saved on the mobile phone, and digitally-printed to place in an album. These newborn photoshoots are an excellent way to acquire professional photos that will last for a lifetime and the benefits of having family photos put up around the house are well documented.
If you’re looking for a newborn photographer in Adelaide who will not disappoint, check us out at Sven Studios. We are an award-winning photography studio with experts who will guarantee an excellent experience. Connect with us today to book your appointment!