Common Mistakes in Newborn Photography and How to Avoid Them
Newborn photography is one of the most amazing types of photography, as it captures those precious, early moments that parents will cherish forever. However, working with newborns can also be very tricky a lot of the time, and even experienced newborn photographers can be a part of some common pitfalls. Whether you’re an experienced professional or an enthusiast capturing your baby’s sweet first few weeks, knowing what to avoid can help create beautiful images.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most common mistakes that can happen in newborn photography and share tips on how to avoid them.
Neglecting to Focus on the Details
The Mistake:
When photographing newborns, it’s easy to focus only on full body shots or shots that aren’t focused on baby’s face but this can lead to missing out on some of the tiny important details—like their sweet face, little fingers, toes, or soft wisps of hair. Parents tend to love those close-up shots that highlight all their sweet, small features.
How to Avoid It:
- Capture the Details: Make sure to take close-up shots of the baby’s face, hands, feet, ears, and face.
- Zoom In: Use a macro lens or zoom in for detailed shots that emphasize the texture and tiny elements of the newborn’s body.
- Variety in Shots: Mix in wide angle shots with more close-ups, ensuring that you capture the entire baby as well as their face and those special details.
Too Much Editing
The Mistake:
It’s easy to get caught up in the editing process, especially when it comes to skin. Over-editing newborn photos can result in unnatural-looking images. This includes excessive skin smoothing, too much retouching or unnatural composites.
How to Avoid It:
- Keep It Natural: Newborns are sweet and beautiful, and their skin is soft and smooth. Aim to enhance the natural beauty of the baby rather than completely alter it. Keep skin tones warm and soft, but avoid over smoothing which will result in a “porcelain doll” like look.
- Subtle Retouching: Focus on removing minor distractions (like baby acne, redness, blemishes, etc) without making the baby look overedited. Less is often more when it comes to newborn photography editing and over smoothing skin can make parents dislike the images.
- Proper Lighting/Settings: A huge key to getting proper skin tones and avoid overediting is to be sure you’re lighting baby correctly and are using correct settings.
Not Paying Attention to Proper Lighting
The Mistake:
Proper lighting is so important in all photography, and with newborns, it’s especially important to get it right so you’re images stand out amongst the rest. Poor lighting can make a newborn appear overly shadowed, washed out or overexposed, or unnaturally lit. This can result in blown out images and can result in muddy, gray skin tones if too underexposed.
How to Avoid It:
- Use a Soft, Diffused Professional Light or Soft, Diffused Natural Light: Soft, diffused light is ideal for newborn photography because it gives such a beautiful, soft glow to your images and to baby’s skin. Avoid harsh lighting, ambient lighting and direct sunlight, as it can create strong shadows, strong highlights and discolored images.
- Know How to Use Proper Light Placement: Knowing how to use your light and the proper placement is key to lighting your images. Photographers should avoid uplighting baby (having light come from below and up baby’s face). Your lighting should come down baby’s face for the best results.
Forgetting to Ensure Baby is Comfortable
The Mistake:
When photographing a newborn, sometimes it can be easy to get distracted and forget that babies need to be kept warm, fed, and comfortable. A fussy baby makes for a difficult time shooting and can lead to extended sessions and anxiousness.
How to Avoid It:
- Warm Your Shooting Area: Newborns are used to being in a warm, cozy and snug environment. Make sure the room is heated to a comfortable warm temperature so baby is kept warm at all times during the shoot. Using a space heater responsibly can help with this.
- Feed the Baby Before the Shoot: A full baby is a happy baby. Make sure the baby is well-fed and comfortable before you start shooting. This will help reduce fussiness and make the session smoother. Having a session prep guide for parents is super helpful.
- Take Breaks: Newborns need breaks to rest and recharge. It is totally ok to pause for feeding, burping, or soothing. A calm baby will always result in a smoother session and better images.
Not Preparing for the Unknown
The Mistake:
Newborns can be unpredictable as they are tiny people with their own little personalities. They may cry, need frequent breaks, or take longer than expected to fall asleep. Not being prepared for the unknown can result in frustration for both you and the parents. Preparing for the unknown is just being ready for everything and stay calm.
How to Avoid It:
- Be Patient and Flexible: Allow extra time in your schedule for breaks or unpredictable moments. It’s so important to remain calm and patient during the shoot as newborns can sense tension and anxiety.
- Have Many Backup Plans: If a certain pose or setting isn’t working, be ready to adapt and change course. Have a variety of poses and props prepared in case you need to switch things up.
Newborn photography is a beautiful and amazing art form, but it does come with some unique challenges especially if you are a newer, inexperienced photographer. By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on the baby’s comfort, safety, and natural beauty, you can create amazing images that parents will cherish forever.
Remember, patience is key! Whether you’re an aspiring photographer, and experienced professional or just capturing your own baby’s first days, keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be steps closer to creating stunning newborn photographs that are both beautiful and safe.
