Baby Photography

Seven tips to make your baby's photograph session a success:
1. Make sure your newborn is well. It sounds a little elementary but remarkably folk "don't like to abort and put out the studio". If you have a poorly child and do keep the meeting, the one thing you will remember is that your little one was not at his/her best on that day. In fact you will be wasting your payment and time as well as the photographer's!
That said, with the wonders of pc retouching now available, it is not mandatory to cancel for a mark or minor flaw. Go through with your photographer and be genuine about what can be done. A little face spread with with a teething breakout can be a pricey touch up job. Consider waiting a few days until the rash subsides.
2. If at all available, have the newborn well rested and fed. A baby who is due for a sleep is often irritable. Many studios are satisfied to make another meeting or perhaps just another time slot the same day, where possible. Come prepared to give the baby a beverage even if he/she is not due for a while. This can often assuage an unsettled baby quickly. Your studio should be able to offer you some seclusion whilst the newborn is fed.
3. Attire should be comfortable and fit well. An outfit which is nearly grown out of and fits well looks better that something thebaby 'will grow into'. This is particularly important with small babies-loose necks and slack garments make the newborn look feeble and underfed! Bear in mind to bring at least one substitute or alternate outfit . Your photographer should be delighted to advise you on the best choice for your picture session. Now and then our 'favourite' get-up is just not going to give the best results-conceivably it is much too fussy or the colours swamp the 'star'- your baby. If you have a teething newborn extra bibs are a good idea. And don't overlook the nappies!
4. Once your little one can sit up the most successful duds might include well-fitting, all-in-one suits for a little boy and possibly a skirt for your newborn daughter. If you choose a dress try to make sure the dress is fairly full and doesn't 'ride-up' when the newborn is sitting-this covers the nappy and keeps things simpler.
Avoid overalls or pinafores with a 'bib and straps' as these tend to ride up under the newborn's chin.
Until your newborn is moving, bare feet or outfit-matching socks or bootees look best. This avoids seeing the soles of shoes (even baby ones) which tend to make little feet look huge!
Apparel with collars can look untidy around child chins and necks, often turning up and 'cutting' into the infant's face. Keep it simple.
Check whether you can see the singlet. Yes? Take it off. This reduces the need for artwork and retouching later.
5. Colours? For early babies with pale complexions, lighter colours work best. Avoid the 'busy' patterns and logos which diminish from your baby's face and complicate the impression. Once again -keep it simple. Stripes, very bright colours, bold patterns, big checks etc. all draw away from the subject-your baby.
6. You may like to personalise your session with 'props', playthings, special blankets or hand-knitted shawls which are individual to your family. However any doll larger than infant is best left at home as this can compete with the most important subject, your child.
7. Adults are often expert at achieving smiles from their infants. Listen to your photographer to be in the best angle (lighting, angle) for a great shot. Make sure the newborn can see you but be prepared to step back if your photographer asks you to-sometimes a 'new' face is just what child loves! Also, one 'cheerleader' at a time please, otherwise it can all become very bewildering for infant.

About the Author

This article is supplied by South Western Studio. Professional photographers located specialising in newborn baby photographs Victoria, Australia.