bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

This is Ollie. I did his mom's maternity shoot, and was supposed to do his newborn shoot as well. Unfortunately, the little guy came out with some problems, and was stuck in the hospital for 10 days. His "newborn" shoot ended up a 2 week old shoot.

Mom and Dad were very conservative, so no "diaperless shots"

My set up was Ollie was laid on his back on a large black beanbag chair. Dad laid on his stomach on the floor and held his hands up under Ollie. Did this because my first concern is safety. All of my newborn shots are done on a black beanbag, so baby can never fall, already laying there. It also helps with the pose.

Used 2 speedlights in softboxes for light. Shot in raw. Used Lightroom to darken the blacks to finish the effect.

Not cropped until I know what size I will be printing it. (for the rule of thirds people)

Critique welcomed.

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

I would crop it at the wrists. It is too late now but if the Father's had had been on a even plain I believe it would work better. I usually do not like a close crop but I believe the hands at the bottom and most of the top cropped it would work. You can always go back to the original if you do not like it and try again. You can adjust the crop to where it suits. Probably the subject nearer the bottom and more back ground past the feet.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Thanks oldtimer (I hate calling someone that, as it describes me)

I left it at the original crop, because I normally end up having issues if I crop it, before the photo is chosen. My preference when messing around was close to what you said, I used a square crop.

As for Dad's position. You need to picture this. Dad is 6'5", at least 400lbs, laying on the floor with his arms up. Most dads can do this pose while kind of kneeling, but his knees couldn't take it. I figured crooked was better than not getting the shot. Ollie is very expressive for 2 weeks, and I did love the pose.

I do agree that there is way too much above and below. Even an 8x10 crop looks much better. Lately, I've been pushing large prints, 20x30 and larger, so I'm hoping I can get a nice sale out of this one. I'll be meeting with them Friday if I can catch Dad at home. (wonky hours) I remember those days when I was just a pup.

Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

Cropping off at joints is a no no

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

Ollie looks great for having such problems. I think the best part of this picture is Ollie's pose looking at camera with his bright eyes and relaxed expression. If would be nice if you can crop with that as the focal point. Running into joints could be a problem.

As for the diaper, it does take away from the newborn image, but that is parents choice. In the one newborn session I did it was with diaper and the parents loved it & printed a big canvas for their wall.

I have seen a few different techniques for the black background. In mine, dad laid on his back with a black cloth over him while I stood over. I just watched a Creative Live episode where dad sat on a chair with a black cloth over his chest raising his arms up and holding the baby.

All in all I enjoy newborn photography, but I don't think it is in my future as I am not all that good at rocking and singing to babies. I would need to outsource that part.