I am a member of the National Association of Professional Child Photographers (NAPCP) and last summer I had the opportunity at one of their workshops to learn about newborn posing techniques from Kelly Ryden and her sister, Tracy Raver. This is one of the pictures I took of a cute little newborn model. These ladies really did have a special way with newborns and the biggest key of that was the patience to wait and being thoughtful enough to keep the babies safe and secure.
I love the natural look of a baby curled up sleeping. I also love lifestyle images of babies in their mother’s arms. If you are shopping for a newborn photographer or if you are a photographer please keep in mind that a lot of the newborn pictures online of babies hanging in mesh from sticks, or high up on things are composite images completed in Photoshop. Please do not ever hang a newborn from something where they could potentially fall or have an accident. Also, please do not ever put a baby in a glass jar (I have seen this recently online). Have you ever had a glass coming out of your dishwasher suddenly break in your hands for no reason? It is just not worth it and looks unnatural as well as uncomfortable (in my opinion). That was me on my soapbox for just a moment because I don’t ever want a new baby hurt for the sake of a picture or to get the latest and greatest picture.
I will show a set up for a composite image I mentioned before for those interested. These are my pictures straight out of the camera (cropped but unedited). This was to be one of the hanging baby pictures and you will note the firm grip on the baby at all times. Obviously, there needs to be more than just the photographer to hold and support the newborn. I would not try this unless you have been well trained and have an assistant at your session. I prefer the basket image on the far right the most anyway! 🙂
While I may have the attention of new or expecting Mommies, I want to share the What to Expect website with you. The book has long been considered the American Bible of Pregnancy and now their website provides even more info. Try the Baby Growth Tracker. I always loved knowing the progress my baby was making during pregnancy. It got me through some of those hard days of being sick when I could keep my focus on what the greater purpose was!
