Today’s guest post is from Natalie Rose of ‘Dare to Dream Photography’, she has been a baby photographer for five years and a mum for seven. You can read more photography tips and tricks or book in your own session with her HERE. How to take better photos of your baby
As phone camera quality increases, fewer and fewer people are buying ‘real’ cameras and are choosing instead to become phone ‘mum-tographers’. Whether you are wanting to print out photos for Nana’s brag book, or to update your followers of your little one’s latest milestone, taking quality photos has become more and more important to a new mum’s daily life. I am amazed there are any great photos at all in my own baby album as my Mum certainly never took more than one photo of anything! While we certainly have many advantages with the advancement of technology, there are still some basics ofphotography that haven’t changed. Light No matter how cute your baby is or how adorable her outfit,the lighting will always make or break your photo. Early morning or evening sun light is soft and flattering, while afternoon sun is harsh and throws dark shadows. If the room you are taking the photo in is too dark, your phone will struggle to properly expose the image and your picture will look grainy. If you are taking photos outside, try to utilise sunrise or sunset for soft, dreamy light. Overcast days can work well, and if you must shoot in full sun, place the subjects in front of the sun to avoid squinting and dark shadows under your child’s eyes. Direction I recommend planning to take your photos of baby first thing in the morning, next to (not in front of) a window on the sunny side of your house. You want to have the light coming across baby’s face from the side, not behind. If baby is laying down, you want to have the light coming from the top of his head not under his chin, like those spooky faces you make with a flashlight to scare your friends at a sleepover. Emotion If your baby is cranky, tired or hungry, you aren’t going to get the photos you’re hoping for. Just put down the phone and try again later! Play peek-a-boo, make silly noises, and dance around with your baby when they are fresh up from a nap and full after a feed, and you’re certain to get the best giggles and smiles. Background Pay attention to what is in the background of your photo. Move the washing basket out of the way and clear any clutter or bright toys that might distract from your adorable subject. Baby should be the focus of your photo. Storytelling There are loads of ways to tell a story with your photos. Some people get creative by placing baby into a scene they’ve made with blankets, or on a chalkboard or on a blanket marking their age in months. Others take a photo in the same chair each month to document your baby’s growth. Consider including a favourite toy in each photo, or a number of how many months old baby is. Placing sentimental items in the photo with the baby can make a beautiful memory, like Grandma’s blanket, or baby clothes you wore when you were small. Family Try to get photos of baby with everyone special in your life. These are the photos that become most important to you later in life. The first photo of a sibling or grandparent holding the new baby is so beautiful and precious! Candid or posed, human or furry family members, make sure you capture your baby interacting with all your favourite people.
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Karla RoseI'm a Christian, a wife, and a mother of two living in the wonderful Waikato Archives
April 2021
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