5 Photography Tips for Shooting Baby Photos in a Studio

5 photography tips:

I know having three babies inspired me to make changes in my career each time. It was a chance to reflect on where I was career-wise and what made me happy. I started this blog when my first child Oliver turned 10 months old, I combined a lecturing career with growing my business online when my second son, Alexander, was born and now that Florence, my third child is a toddler I am focusing on my TV and radio work alongside my digital career whilst also writing my first children’s book.

Many of my fellow creative friends are pivoting or changing their careers since having children. Several of my professional photographer friends have spent the past few years pivoting into newborn and family photography since having their own children as it’s a smart and lucrative move if you’re considering retraining or working in this sector.

If that’s you and you’re looking for a studio to photograph families in and are not sure where to start, simply search, photo studio hire near me for a studio to shoot in.

I spoke to a few photographer pals for their tips on capturing photos with a baby or young child, as we all know they are not always the easiest of subjects so if you’re considering branching out into family photography or want a brand new career, check out these tips.

 

Over to the photography tips:

 

1) Communicate with the Parents

Effective communication with your parent clients before, during, and after the photo session is essential for a successful baby milestone photography session. You and your clients should be on the same page throughout the entire experience.

Begin by establishing clear expectations and goals for the session through initial consultations or pre-session questionnaires. Ask about and take note of the parents’ preferences regarding poses, props, and the overall desired aesthetic so that you can work with them to realise their vision.

During the session, discuss any concerns or adjustments as needed. Keep the parents informed on the flow of the session and involve them in decision-making processes, such as selecting props or adjusting lighting setups. This creates a collaborative and enjoyable experience that leads to more natural and authentic photographs (and rebookings as the child grows)! People remember the experience as much as the quality of the photographs.

After the session, follow up with the parents to discuss the final images, delivery options, and any additional products or services they might be interested in. Solicit feedback on their experience to identify areas for improvement and demonstrate your commitment to providing exceptional customer service for clients of all ages.

 

2) Create a Safe, Comfortable, and Welcoming Environment for the Family

You’ll also want to prioritise the comfort and safety of the baby and their parents so the atmosphere is relaxed and calm. You want the parents to trust you and your creative vision and making everyone feel comfortable is the key to achieving this.

Make sure that your chosen studio space is clean, well-lit, and equipped with all of the necessary amenities for baby care such as changing facilities, feeding areas, and comfortable seating areas. You should also maintain a comfortable temperature in the studio too for parent and child.

Consider playing soft music or white noise to create a calming atmosphere and to minimise distractions and prioritise the baby’s needs and safety at all times.

Use secure and stable props, and never leave the baby unattended on elevated surfaces. Having a spotter or assistant on hand to help with posing can help you oversee the baby’s safety throughout the session.

 

3) Use High-Quality Props

Props and accessories in the photos can elevate the images, adding depth and personality.

Examples of props that are often used in first baby milestone photo sessions include soft blankets and wraps, simple wooden blocks or letters, stuffed toys or plush animals and cute headbands or bonnets. Some photos are themed with woodland fairy themes or favourite shows. Discuss the parents’ ambition in advance of the shoot so you can see what is achievable.

When choosing props, opt for high-quality items that are safe, durable and appropriate for the baby’s age and developmental stage. Avoid props with sharp edges, small parts, or potential choking hazards.

 

4) Use Flattering Lighting Techniques

Lighting can enhance the baby’s features, create dimensionality and evoke a sense of warmth and intimacy in the photographs. You’ll want to know which lighting techniques to incorporate to achieve professional-quality baby milestone photos so test out different lighting set-ups in advance of the shoot.

If you’re shooting with natural light, position the baby near large windows or doors to maximise the effect of soft, diffused light. Avoid harsh sunlight which can create unflattering shadows and highlights, and instead opt for indirect or filtered light for a more flattering effect. Use reflectors or diffusers to control the intensity and direction of the natural light and to achieve a balanced and even illumination.

Conversely, if you’re using studio lighting, invest in high-quality lighting equipment such as softboxes, umbrellas, or strobes to create soft, flattering light that wraps around the baby’s features. Experiment with different lighting angles, intensities and modifiers to sculpt the light and create depth and dimension in your photos.

Regardless of the lighting setup you choose, pay attention to the baby’s skin tone and features, making sure they are evenly illuminated and free from harsh shadows or overexposure. Adjust the lighting as needed throughout the session to maintain consistency and achieve the desired look for each photo.

 

5) Focus on the Details and Close-Ups

Take advantage of close-up shots to highlight the baby’s tiny features such as their chubby cheeks, tiny fingers, and adorable toes. Use a macro lens or adjust the focal length of your camera to get up close and personal with the baby, capturing every intricate detail with precision and clarity.

Pay special attention to details that reflect the baby’s stage of development and personality such as their first tooth poking through, the dimples on their cheeks when they smile or the way they clasp their hands in curiosity. These close-up shots will not only showcase the baby’s individuality, but will also serve as cherished mementos that parents will treasure for years to come.

When capturing close-up shots, focus on achieving a shallow depth of field to create a soft, dreamy background that draws attention to the baby’s features. Use a wide aperture (low f-stop) to blur the background while keeping the baby’s face and features in sharp focus. Focusing on the details and capturing close-up shots in this way will allow you to create a compelling narrative that documents the baby’s milestones in exquisite detail.

Photographer friends have shared that capturing baby and family photos is a uniquely rewarding experience. I hope these tips are useful!