Tips For Shooting a Newborn??

Cuties02q

I have a newborn shoot this week (9 days old) and I have only done one other newborn shoot and it didn't go well =( The baby cried the whole time and it really seemed to fluster me :dunno The only plus to this shoot is I did their maternity shoot so I have already been to their house and know them a bit. So any tips???

quark

When they cry I use the time to focus on those up close shots of little feet and little hands until the parents can restore calm.

Bring some solid colored fabric, the baby blankets usually make the photos more difficult.

saurora

Would be a great time to get shots including the new parents as well, rocking and soothing the little one.

jeffreaux2

Right after feeding time would be good. The little one will be content, and probably will snooze. Just have to watch out for spit ups.

Cuties02q

Thanks for the tips...I hope it goes well

urbanaries

Steph,

I've found the best results when i've tried to create a calm environment. Bring a new-agey lullaby cd, or ask them to play the baby's favorite music wherever we're shooting. More for the adults than the babies! I've found the parents get more flustered than the newborn...the pressure of you being there combined with the fact that the baby WILL have some crying spells.

I usually try to swaddle them in something, have a parent rock them to sleep for some interaction shots, then lay the sleeping papoose down near some window light and of course, don't use flash!

good luck! They're definitely tough, my least favorite type of shoot, they can be very rough on your nerves. try meditating before and after for best results (where's the Zen smilie??? we need one!) :cavig