Cowboy Dreaming: Several months ago my nephew asked me to do a newborn shoot of his son. I had never done anything like this but did some research and agreed to do it. I even built a...

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Several months ago my nephew asked me to do a newborn shoot of his son. I had never done anything like this but did some research and agreed to do it. I even built a back drop holder out of pvc pipe!

Looking back on it now I can see obvious technical issues. This was before I figured out back button focus and how to change my focal point. I think the lighting, while natural, could have been softer. I am not planning on going into the newborn photography business but I would like to be able to do it better for future great nieces and nephews. As always your feedback is very much appreciated.

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UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Nice shot, but remember - Momma, don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys!

kenievans Loc: Dallas

UTMike wrote:

Nice shot, but remember - Momma, don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys!

If it had been my choice he would have been in a Payton Manning helmet. Colts or Denver either one. OMAHA!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

(sorry I'm editing my two responses backwards)

I don't do portraits but I know there are at least two specialty forums on UHH (people, wedding) that might help with lighting tips. Even natural lighting has so many technical considerations; it's very much an "exact science," I think.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Composition-wise it seems too tight, with the football in particular being uncomfortably close to the edges and rather rigid in orientation. Perhaps consider a non-competing plain background? Agree with you about lighting, especially on the baby's face.

Below are some edits using that befunky.com online app I think I mentioned before. It doesn't have the control I'd like, but may give you an idea: soften the whole look, adjust the contrast a skosh, and crop some of the football. Your thoughts, Keni?

(I'm never surprised anymore that Google can come up with responses - and photos - of any words I enter. So I fully expected to see lots of results in Google Images when I typed "newborn photography football." You might get some ideas for backgrounds and compositions there also. Not to mention dreams of ballet or baseball

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kenievans Loc: Dallas

Linda From Maine wrote:

Composition-wise it seems too tight, with the football in particular being uncomfortably close to the edges.

Thank you Linda.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Linda From Maine wrote:

Composition-wise it seems too tight, with the football in particular being uncomfortably close to the edges and rather rigid in orientation.

Thanks Linda. I had the baby and the football too close to the edge of the blankets and had to crop it that close to cut out the "real" background. I like it better with the football cropped. It gives more emphasis to the baby. I tend to always go for a sharp focus and I guess there are times when that is not necessary.

I loved doing this shoot but I realized styling and posing is not my strong suit. I think maybe I should get someone else to do that and just stick with shooting.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

kenievans wrote:

... I tend to always go for a sharp focus and I guess there are times when that is not necessary...

Well, in my first comments - which I edited...such a bad habit! - I actually suggested more depth of field

And of course it's the proud parents whose opinions count here. I should have mentioned right off that it's an awfully cute idea, and I bet the parents were delighted!

Once I cropped the football I realized it was as much the "pointy end" of it that bothered me (and it's also brightly lit) as the parallel orientation to the frame. And that's when I decided to play with softer focus. And then I felt, like you noticed, that showing less ball does put the focus more on baby.

(contemplating having your own set stylist sounds like you might be planning to do this much more often

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kenievans Loc: Dallas

Linda From Maine wrote:

Well, in my first (contemplating having your own set stylist sounds like you might be planning to do this much more often

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Oh lord I hope not any time soon! I would only do it for my family and we have had 5 babies born since October. That makes 15 great nieces and nephews between the ages of 11 and 5 months. Christmas is getting awfully expensive for this GREAT aunt.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

kenievans wrote:

Oh lord I hope not any time soon! I would only do it for my family and we have had 5 babies born since October. That makes 15 great nieces and nephews between the ages of 11 and 5 months. Christmas is getting awfully expensive for this GREAT aunt.

WOWSA!

NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

kenievans wrote:

Oh lord I hope not any time soon! I would only do it for my family and we have had 5 babies born since October. That makes 15 great nieces and nephews between the ages of 11 and 5 months. Christmas is getting awfully expensive for this GREAT aunt.

Look on the bright side. You have all those nieces and nephews to work on.For better or worse photography is a life time of learning.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

My babies.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

kenievans wrote:

Several months ago my nephew asked me to do a newb... (show quote)

As mentioned, there are a few issues with this portrait in terms of lighting and the composition. From the description of all the new members in your family, you are going to have more practice than you need; and I'm looking forward to seeing more creative family portraits.
Erich

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

kenievans wrote:

My babies.

Delightful portrait!