7 min read Tips for baby photography

Baby photography is a flourishing business these days and we want to help you make it really big! Our handy guide will show you how to become a pro in baby photography whiz. If you are a baby photographer, you’ll never run out of clients. The market is exploding with baby photoshoots because everyone is having babies and everyone wants super cute photos of their babies.

This is great news for photographers who want to try out various types of photography or make a little money from your photography. Baby pics are also a wonderful addition to your online photography portfolio; a great baby photoshoot can show off your skill and range as a shooter. Want to learn how to take amazing baby photos so you can get a piece of this well-paid business? Our baby photography guide will show you how to produce baby pictures like a pro within no time. Ready? Let’s go!

Know your client’s expectations:

Time is important when you’re doing baby photography, so it’s critical that you establish the setting for the shoot before the little one arrives on set. Spare some time to work on which kind of baby photoshoot your client wants.  You have two types of baby photos: posed and lifestyle.

Posed baby photos:

Posed shots can happen either on location or in the studio. A well-posed baby photoshoot should occur when the baby is still just a few weeks old because they are still pretty sleepy most of the time. They are generally snapped with a few well-placed baby photography props, like almost a “one-month-old!” Typically, a posed baby photoshoot can take around 3 to 4 hours. This will include feeding, set-up, changes, managing the parents, and yeah clean-up.

Lifestyle baby photos:

Lifestyle baby photo shoots are meant to be a little casual in style. They are generally staged at the house of the client and shot with natural light and many newborn photo props. Babies can be up to a few months old as they’re still moldable and sleepy at that stage. The objective of a lifestyle baby photoshoot is to capture more candid shots of the newborn in their own environment, and, usually, include their parents in the photoshoots, as well. These shoots are typically quicker because as long as the lighting is good, there’s less set-up and thoughtful styling. You can do in advance maybe two to three hours in the client’s place for these lifestyle baby photoshoots. Now that we are into the different types of baby photography, let’s dive into what you will need for a successful newborn photoshoot.

Be prepared:

Having the correct equipment on hand is very important—especially when a baby is involved! Here are some things you should have to hand for your baby photo shoot to make sure you get the best baby pics possible.

Two portrait cameras:

It’s always wise to have the backup just in case, you know?

Fully formatted memory cards:

Ensure you have plenty of room in your memory cards for all the lovely baby photos you’ll be snapping.

Multiple portrait lenses:

Consider all the possible different shots you can take of the baby and bring the corresponding lens with you.

Stepstool:

Stepstool is the key to getting that lovely bird’s-eye view of newborn pictures.

All set? Now it’s time to pleat up some more baby photo props, including:

Heater:

If your studio is cold, that will make little one unhappy, very awake baby!

Toys:

You want to ensure that you have a good number of funny and cute toys with you; if you need to hold the baby’s attention in a baby’s direction, clapping your hands or snapping fingers doesn’t always work.

Large, Soft Cushion:

Try to picture a large cylindrical soft cushion, or something similar. The baby can rest on this and allows you 360-degree shooting access, and it is the key for newborn pictures.

Pillows:

These are great for adding a pop of texture or color and they help make the little one a little cozier.

Waterproof pads:

Essential for any unexpected baby photoshoot messes.

Theme prop:

This is the fun part: have a bunch of options in hand, including barrels, baskets, oversized flowers, etc. Refresh your prop trunk a few times a year with trending items.

Cute baby accessories:

Think cute hats, toques, headbands, mittens, booties, etc.

Change of clothing:

It is always good to have it in hand when you are working with a little one.

Soothing music:

Have a playlist on your iPod or phone filled with soothing music to help drown out your shutter’s sound as well as to help keep the baby fast asleep. Sleep time is crucial in the baby photography game.

Complement it:

Want your baby to pop in the baby photos? Place them against contrasting colors, like dark purple or emerald green, or yellow or sea green.