I think we have the only seven-week-old baby who can look at the camera on cue…! Mark has seen me so often with the Nikon that he probably thinks I have a lens glued to my eye, like some kind of mommy-cyborg.
I didn’t like having my picture taken when I was pregnant because I felt strangely self-conscious. I still sent updates to my parents, i.e. the classic “belly bump” shots, but I can’t say I enjoyed it much. I couldn’t wait for the baby to make an entrance into the world and take pictures of him.
We documented the birth—I took pictures between contractions up to the moment I was actually pushing and nothing else around me mattered. At this point, I handed the camera to Feng, who took great shots of that special moment—and none of them are too gory, yay! (okay, still not showing the placenta pic to guests at home)
I took countless pictures of Mark since he was born (I think he is about one minute old on the first one!) but as I quickly found out, taking pictures of a baby can be a challenge. Babies move a lot, they don’t open their eyes much at first, and their skin can get quite red.
So I practiced daily with Mark and… ta-da, we are getting better every day!
Here are my ten best tips and tricks to take better baby pictures.
Do take pictures when baby is happy
Sure, the classic pic of a wailing baby can be fun but snapping shots of a baby when he is tired, hungry or just fussy is a pain. I usually take pictures of Mark in the morning, after he eats and while I’m changing him or just after. He is more relaxed and doesn’t move too much, and since he is wide awake he makes funny faces or just looks at me.
Adjust the white balance
I love vivid colours and usually adjust the white balance accordingly but I found it doesn’t work well with baby pictures. In this specific case, I like neutral or pastel tones best, it’s more flattering and it highlights the eyes.
Natural light is the best
I hate using a flash because the colours look strange, and I don’t want to blind Mark anyway. So I use as much natural light as I can—we usually do the photo shoots by the window, curtains open.
Details, details, details!
Babies are cute, we all know that. And I love taking pictures of little details: Mark’s tiny hands and feet, his eyes, his belly button… I find these shots special. So don’t hesitate to go macro!
Shoot at eye level
I usually put Mark on the bed and kneel at his level for portraits. He is really starting to look at me too, so this way I can catch his attention better than if I was shooting from above him.
Use a shallow depth of field
I love it when the background is out of focus, it gives pictures a softer dreamy feel.
Minimize clutter
For better focus, I keep the background simple and easy: neutral colours, no pattern.
Use fast shutter speed
Babies move all the time and they don’t really get it when you beg them to stay still. To avoid frustration, use a fast shutter speed, shoot, and keep the best pictures of the bunch!
Use props
Mark is still too young to play with toys but he does enjoy looking at them, and I use them in pictures. They keep Mark focused and they add something special to the shot!
Capture the moment
Funny faces, precious first smile, a very cute position… observe the baby and have the camera handy. You won’t regret it!
It’s already been 7 weeks! Time flies fast! Sooner or later, he’s be crawling, and then babbling, and then walking!
I know, these past few years are a blur to me!
It’s true that the pastel colours give a nice feeling to the photos. It looks somewhat calm, gentle and elegant.
And boy, don’t we all need calm these days 😆
Hehehe…he is so lucky to have a photographer Mommy 🙂
It’s fun to document all the changes!
“Babies move a lot” oh wait until he walks, then you won’t be able to take one good picture out of 20!!
I hear you, I tried before with my friend’s toddler!
Beautiful pictures, beautiful baby. He looks very happy and well fed. You are a great mother. Babies wear you out but are so beautiful when they are asleep.
But as you probably noticed… there are very few pictures of Mark asleep 😉
Salut Zhu,
Aaaawwwh; this is real the feel good post of the morning! Loved it!!
You are going to be a pro in baby (and child) photography. You will soon have a new photography specialty! Well done 🙂
What an awesome smile on Mark on 4th to last photo and beautiful last pic.
XOX
Yes, he just started to smile recently. I love it!
If you want a change in your professional path, I’m 100% sure that you could be a photographer. I know baby photography is always in demand but you could actually photograph anything!
Aw, thank you for the praise!
Great tips. Mark is adorable and I especially love the shots of his eyes.
Thank you! I hope you will get to use these tips soon 😉
Aww, what a natural! He is a cutie! I really like the photos you took focusing on the little details. 🙂
Thank you! Yes, I love macro shots 😉