Natural Newborn Photography Training.

Newborn Photography Training with a difference.

So you want to be a photographer?

Or maybe you are a photographer already and want to learn how to handle newborn babies and how to capture them beautifully on camera?

Natural newborn photography is a beautiful and delicate art form, focusing on capturing babies in a soft, organic, and gently posed manner. To get started with newborn photography, there are several aspects to consider, from technical skills to safety and creative vision.  On first view, it is logical to think that natural newborn photography is the easier choice to pursue. Rather than the more posed traditional approach. But if you have done any type of model call or have already started your photography business, you will know that simplicity needs to be perfect.

I have 7 years experience as a Natural Newborn Photographer and have a beautifully simple workflow that I have adapted over time. Regardless of whether baby is asleep or awake – I know how to achieve a beautiful varied gallery that clients will adore.

If you would like to learn about the type of training I offer, pop over to my education page. I specialise in Natural Newborn Photography Training. I offer one to one training, online mentoring and editing videos to help you. I would love to help you be the best you can be.

Here’s a guide to help you with your natural newborn photography training:

1. Understand Newborn Safety

Safety is the number one priority when photographing newborns. Unlike older children or adults, newborns require extra attention and care. Before you start, it’s essential to know:

• Support: Always support the baby’s head and neck. Never leave a newborn unattended during a shoot.
• Poses: Use safe and natural poses. Never push the baby into unnatural positions for the sake of a shot.
• Props: Be cautious with props or backgrounds. Ensure everything is clean, safe, and comfortable for the baby.
• Comfort: The baby should be warm and comfortable at all times. Make sure the room temperature is appropriate for the baby to stay calm.

Even though we are learning a more natural approach, it is essential that we understand baby’s responses to how we are moving them and putting them into poses.

2. Lighting

Natural lighting is often the best choice for newborn photography because it creates soft, flattering tones and a peaceful atmosphere. I adore natural light and love how it allows for a graduation of light across the image. But natural light is not always consistent and you need to understand how to use the light available and how to adjust your camera settings accordingly. Here are some tips for working with natural light:

• Use Window Light: Position your baby near a large window with soft, diffused light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can create harsh shadows and overexposure.
• The Perfect Hour: I personally like the morning light before the sun is too far up in the sky. So around 10am onwards. But this might be different for you and your studio.
• Reflectors: If needed, use a reflector (a large white sheet or a professional reflector) to bounce light back onto the baby and soften shadows.

 

3. Camera Settings

For natural newborn photography, you typically want a shallow depth of field (blurry background) and soft, even lighting. Consider these settings:

• Aperture: Use a wide aperture (f/1.8 to f/4) to create a creamy background and focus attention on the baby.
• ISO: Keep ISO as low as possible to avoid noise, but high enough to properly expose the image in low light conditions.
• Shutter Speed: Make sure your shutter speed is fast enough to avoid motion blur. A speed of at least 1/125 or faster is usually good for a stationary newborn.

4. Composition and Framing

Natural newborn photography emphasizes simplicity, so focus on capturing intimate moments. Some tips for composition include:

• Close-Ups: Focus on details like tiny hands, feet, and the baby’s face.
• Neutral Backgrounds: Use simple, soft, neutral-colored blankets or fabrics. Avoid distracting patterns or bright colors that can draw attention away from the baby.
• Perspective: Play with different angles to capture the baby from above, or try close-up shots of small details like fingers or eyelashes.
• Emotion: Focus on the natural connection between the baby and their parents. Capturing moments of tenderness and love is essential.

5. Poses for Natural Newborn Photography

Natural newborn photography often involves fewer posed shots and instead aims to showcase the baby’s natural movements and expressions. Here are some popular poses and tips:

• Sleeping Poses: Many newborns sleep during their first few weeks, so take advantage of this by capturing them in natural, peaceful poses.
• Tummy Time: If the baby is awake, try capturing them during tummy time (with parental support) to show off their tiny features and personality.
• Family Shots: Include parents and siblings in some of the shots. You might capture moments like gentle cuddling or soft touches.

6. Editing

In natural newborn photography, the editing should be subtle and enhance the natural beauty of the baby. Here are a few tips for editing:

• Soft and Warm Tones: Use a warm color tone to give the images a calm, soothing feel.
• Skin Smoothing: It’s okay to gently smooth out skin imperfections, but avoid over-editing. Newborns have soft skin naturally, so you want to keep that texture.
• Contrast and Exposure: Avoid too much contrast or harsh editing. Keep it soft and airy.

7. Building a Portfolio

As a beginner, practice is key. Build your portfolio with a variety of shots, such as:

• Solo Baby Shots: Close-up shots of the baby in peaceful poses.
• Details: Capture the small, intimate details of the newborn — tiny hands, feet, lips, and eyelashes.
• Family Interactions: Images of the baby with their parents, showcasing love and connection.
• Variety of Poses: Experiment with different natural poses and perspectives.

8. Learning from Others

• Mentorship: Consider finding a mentor in newborn photography to guide you, especially if you are new to the field. Many professional photographers offer workshops or one-on-one coaching.
• Online Resources: Join photography forums or Facebook groups dedicated to newborn photography for tips and critiques.
• Books and Tutorials: There are plenty of books and online courses dedicated to newborn photography, including both technical aspects and creative inspiration.

9. Building Your Business

If you want to turn your natural newborn photography skills into a business, there are several things to consider:

• Pricing: Research the going rates for newborn photography in your area, but be mindful to start with reasonable prices as you build your portfolio.
• Client Experience: Newborn photography is a special experience for parents, so create a personalized and comforting experience for your clients. This includes consultations, a comfortable studio environment, and professional editing.
• Marketing: Use social media to showcase your portfolio, and consider offering promotions or discounts for your first clients to help get the word out.

10. Practice and Patience

Newborns can be unpredictable, so patience is crucial. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at reading the baby’s cues and anticipating the right moment to take the shot. Work on building your skills, perfecting your technique, and developing your unique style.

By focusing on safety, soft lighting, organic compositions, and subtle editing, you can create beautiful, timeless images of newborns that will be cherished by families for years to come. Good luck with your training, and enjoy the process!

 

 

Contact me to discuss your needs!