My 6 Must-Haves for Newborn Portraits
My 6 Must-Haves for Newborn Portraits
Newborn Photography is a niche market that not all family portrait photographers take on. I think it is because it takes some serious practice and patience to photograph newborns! But, I feel that it is worth every ounce of effort that I have put into learning this skill over the past 18 years. You've probably seen the Pinterest fail that shows a beautiful, professional portrait of a newborn girl alongside the failed DIY version. In the DIY photo the baby is posed face down with her legs spread out looking like she just passed out on the floor. It makes be smile every time I see it because I know how challenging it is to get those beautiful newborn shots. Because of my experience, I am confident that together we can make breathtaking art featuring your newborn! My in-home sessions offer portraits in a familiar, well-loved and convenient setting. Sessions at my homestead (studio/farm) offer a peaceful and lovely location for newborn portraits. Check out all of the details here!
With any wall art or print purchase. Now through April 30, 2017
I'm all packed up for an in-home newborn session this afternoon and I thought it would be the perfect time to share my must-have newborn accessories with you. My top priority when photographing newborns is to create a peaceful and comfortable environment for baby. These 6 essentials help me accomplish that goal.
6 MUST-HAVES FOR NEWBORN PORTRAITS
- Space Heater- Keeping a warm temperature is essential! Newborns can't regulate their body temperatures and get chilled easily when they are being undressed and photographed in their birthday suits. I like to give mom and dad a heads up about this so that they can dress appropriately and aren't dripping with sweat when it comes time for a family portrait.
- Waterproof Pee Pad- I get peed and pooped on during probably 98% of my sessions! While these pads don't do anything to prevent that (it just comes with the job!), they do prevent pee from soaking through all of my blankets and props. When baby is not wearing a diaper, I lay the pad under my first layer of blankets to keep it hidden from the shot.
- Cotton Gloves- This has changed everything for me! I can't believe that I just started using these in the past couple of years. My hands are always cold and these affordable cotton gloves allow me to touch newborns without them even flinching!
- Posing Pillows- These multi-sized pillows are just right for adjusting newborns. I often use them to fill baskets and to place under my blankets to be sure that baby is in a comfortable and safe position. I purchased these on Etsy.
- Stretch Wraps- Swaddling can turn a fussy baby into a peaceful one in seconds. Forcing a baby into a pose is dangerous and never recommended. Instead, I swaddle to calm baby and then move on to other poses later if possible. And, who can resist a bundled up newborn! You can purchase these online at shops like Etsy, but I like to buy fabric from my local fabric stores and make them myself. It saves a good amount of money and you know exactly what you are getting.
- White Fur Blanket- I purchased my fur at Hobby Lobby and it has been one of my favorite essentials for years. I simply machine wash it and hang it to dry after each session. It is the perfect fill for baskets and the neutral color goes with everything.
Let's start a conversation in the comments!
With any wall art or print purchase. Now through April 30, 2017