The first few weeks of a baby’s life are transformative for both the newborn and the parents. This is the time where parents begin to meet their baby and get a feel for his or her personality. The baby takes its first look at a big, new world. This is also the time when friends and relatives clamor to see the new addition. All of this activity combined can make the days and weeks go by at an unbelievable speed, making it difficult for parents to truly capture all of their baby’s newness. Newborn photography helps to resolve that by creating permanent keepsakes of the moments that otherwise quickly slip away.

The First Week

The first week of a baby’s life seems like a short period of time, but many things happen in that brief string of days. Inevitably, the baby experiences a number of “firsts;” first bath, first time meeting grandparents, first booties, etc., all of which are photo-worthy. During this time, the baby still naturally curls into the fetal position and sleeps a lot, making him a soft, cuddly-looking photo subject. They are best “posed” in the embrace of parents or while lying in blankets, bean-bag chairs or pillows.

The Challenges of Photographing Newborns

Though they are people in their simplest form, newborn babies come with some unique photography challenges all their own. To start, newborns often have blotchy skin, scratches and/or misshapen heads that can make it difficult to find a pleasing photographic angle. This challenge can often be overcome with soft, natural lighting, black and white photography or simple digital airbrushing of photos.

The other interesting challenge of photographing newborn babies is that they don’t show a lot of facial expressions in the first few weeks. Smiling is almost unheard of, and what few eyebrow raises or gurgles that do show are quick to pass. By taking photographs during meal or bath times or other periods of contentment, parents have a better chance of catching their baby’s expressions of happiness, no matter how subtle.

Style and Substance

There are lots of different ways to take pictures of newborn babies. Parents or photographers can get down low to the ground and take pictures at that level, get close up to the baby from a position overhead, or even focus in on shots of the baby’s tiny hands, feet, ears, etc. A variety of photographic perspectives can add interest and depth to a collection of newborn photographs.

Since trends and styles are bound to change over time, it’s best to keep newborn photographs simple and clean. White or solid clothing, plain bedding and simple settings can keep photos from looking dated and highlight the natural purity of a newborn baby.

Professional Photography

While parents and family members can and will take lots of pictures of the newborn, professional photographers can add an artistic touch to a baby’s first few days. When looking for a newborn photographer, be sure to ask for:

· A brief history of their experience as a newborn photographer.

· Samples of their previous work.

· References.

· Prices and photo packages.

Since newborn photographers might be present in the hospital room or in the home, it’s a good idea to spend some time with them in advance to ensure that the person is professional and a good fit in terms of personality.

A baby’s first weeks are precious and few, and newborn photography captures them in all of their simple wonder. By putting some thought into how, when and where they will photograph their baby when he or she comes, parents can spend time enjoying their new baby rather than worrying about what they might be missing.

Baby Photography