Newborn Photography and Posing
This little boy was 3 weeks old but he had some 6 weeks early so he was only 5lbs. He was so sweet and perfect with very little redness or blemishes. I've learned over the years of photographing babies and newborns that it is important to get the the most important images (to you and to the parents) first. After an hour, two if your lucky, the baby will start to sense the commotion and could get fussy or have a hard time getting into a deep sleep.
When a newborn is sound asleep you can really move them easily in all the positions your want. For me these were the most important poses and so were done immediately. I started with Tiki in his father's hands, knowing I wanted this shot because of his size. Then we moved right on to the parents and into the above bean bag shot. It is important to have extra small towels to tuck where he might need more support and to clean up any accidents, and there will be accidents!
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I love the tender moments between a parent and child. This is their first child and they have already been through a lot with him coming 6 weeks early. So I knew that the emotions between the parents and each parent to the child was going to be beautiful. To start here and to capture that feeling I felt was the most important during the shoot. As time goes by and the baby fusses or needs feeding, and the parents get tired, there is less of a chance of getting that pure emotion and less of a chance the baby will be sleeping sounding.
I wish I had ironed the blanket. I am sure most people look at these images and only see the baby but as the photographer I see all the imperfections and the background. I thought I had pulled the blanket tight enough, attaching it to my light stands, but afterwards I noticed just how wrinkled the blanket was. I can fix this in post-production but it will take some time. It is better to have it right in the camera.
This was my favorite shot. You can really get a sense of size with Tiki's dads hands holding his little head. I chose to alter the coloring to almost a sepia tone, really emphasizing the simplicity in the image.
It is important to capture the emotions between the parents just as much as between the parents and child. This moment happened right before a kiss and I just love it.
Usually I request the fathers to take off their shirt and jewelry. He wanted to keep his jewelry on, but I find it to be distracting. I do love the skin to skin contact, it really conveys the connection.
Nothing better then a smile!
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