First Photo Session

Although I have taken plenty of newborn pictures before, I have never done an actual session for one of my own newborns. I know, I am talking crazy now. This is Carter’s first newborn session. Newborn sessions take a ton of patience, but are very rewarding. Most sessions are between 2 and 3 hours long. I knew Carter’s schedule so I got this one done in about 45 minutes, but they weren’t exactly what I was hoping for, but they make my heart happy. Yes, even photographers have mental block and issues with lack of creativity when it comes to their own children’s pictures. I think being completely exhausted doesn’t help much. These were done on day 12. It is very important to do newborn pictures within the first 2 weeks of life as that is when they are the most sleepy and moldable. I should have done them the first week, but I was too spent.  

Photography Tip- Using Light:  Newborns photograph best in front of a window using natural light and NO flash. Our new rental house has TERRIBLE natural light. I had to look for the best light in each of the rooms during different times of the day. I actually had a very small space to work in due to the light available.  Try to look for the best non-direct natural light you can find. You don’t want to have sun streaming in, you want light without direct sun. Look in each room during different times a day to determine which room and time is best to photograph in. Really try to see light in a new way.  Also, you can use a beanbag to pose and scrunch newborns a little bit as well.