{Cutie Pie Photography} » austin newborn photographer

Carter’s Second Newborn Session Continued

Nicole Dossey — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 04:11:29 +0000

Here are some more from my little guy’s warm day, outdoor session:

Photography Tip: This is not some special backyard set up for photography, it is just where we live. I just used what I had. Like I mentioned in my previous post, use the area you have in your backyard or front yard as a backdrop for images. The most important thing to keep in mind is available light. You don’t want someplace in direct light or with a lot of shadows, lighted shade is best. Keep in mind the time of day as well, different areas have different light depending on the time of day. I made sure to look at the light in the area I wanted to photograph a couple times the day before my session so I could utilize the best lighting in this area.

Carter’s Second Newborn Session

Nicole Dossey — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:57:32 +0000

Here are a couple from the little guy’s second newborn session. We had a 75 degree day just out of the blue last week so I took him out to get some more pictures. It was so gorgeous and beautiful outside, the perfect weather for pictures. I wish I had taken a picture of my setup for the black backdrop for you. I had the black background over an ironing board in the shade. It was quite simple but worked wonderfully for what I needed. These were taken when Carter was 18 days old. We allow newborn pictures until babies are 14 days old as they sleep so much during that time. This is the best time to get them peaceful and sleeping. I knew my guy slept so much and he didn’t let me down. Special thanks to my assistant husband.

Photography Tip: Make use of what you have in your backyard for a backdrop. Look for well lit shade, not direct sunlight for the best images. Don’t forget to turn off that terrible camera flash, or better yet, shoot in manual mode. If you don’t have an appealing backdrop you can shoot in portrait mode (for beginners) or with a larger aperture (smaller number remember-for those wanting to shoot manual) to make the background blurry (bokeh).

First Photo Session

Nicole Dossey — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:06:02 +0000

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.

My Little Guy

Nicole Dossey — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:37:50 +0000

After feeling like I had been pregnant FOREVER, I finally had this little guy. A 6 hour labor with the support of my sweet husband, amazing mother-in-law (she birthed him, she is a midwife), precious friends and my awesome family (my mom and sister watched via Skype) he was born. It was a fabulous birth experience at Austin Area Birthing Center (huge thanks to Anabel, who was also super amazing). Chinell was there to capture the whole thing. I am sure she’ll be posting some pictures of the experience soon. More on the labor and delivery to come.

Introducing Carter Warren. Born Febuary 19th, 3:13 a.m., 8lbs 13 oz, 22 inches long

Here is a quick picture of the little man. He has a TON of hair. I’ll be taking more soon and posting some maternity pictures soon as well. This is what every photographer wants to see from her precious subject in the first 2 days! Can you believe this kid!