Question for all newborn photographers?

mpriest13

Do you use flashes/strobes when doing a newborn shoot? The reason I ask is that whenever a flash goes off around a newborn they sort of flinch and blink really hard... seems kinda cruel.. So...just natural light or stobes etc..? do you leave it up to the parents?

Thanks!

pwp

Personally...never. Although you may find some who do. I use almost all natural light, and if needed, I will use a couple of softboxes and bounce them off the ceiling or a rear wall to soften them even further (not the most effective use of light, but much easier on a newborn's eyes). But I am usually fine with available light, a 2.8L and if I have to kick the ISO a little, not a problem.

sweet caroline

I do both flash and natural light. Most babies I've worked with are kind of amused by the flash. I put it in an umbrella with a diffuser, so it's a pretty soft light. That being said, if I ever get a studio space I will be looking for some huge windows so I can shoot natural light!

Caroline

Photog4Christ

Reading recommendation:

The Sandy Puc' Guide to Children's Portrait Photography

ChatKat

Studio
Yes, I use a softbox in my studio. Not a problem at all.