kenievans Loc: Dallas

This was my firsts real attempt at newborn photography. Well, not exactly newborn, 5 weeks. I was using a 50mm f1.8 lens and I was relatively happy with the other shots but I am having trouble with overhead shots. I had to use a step stool and it is still shot too tight. I don't like using the step stool for safety reasons either. Would it have been better to use my 18-135mm zoom for the overhead or some other lens? I was concerned about wide angle distortion. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Please feel free to comment on any other aspects of the photo, lighting, processing, etc. I know its not perfect and I still have a lot to learn.

Thanks!

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BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

I don’t have any critique or help but that is a Beautifull picture of a Beautifull child.
Gotta love the perfectly placed halo.
I never got infant pics of my grandkids and I could kick myself.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Thank you Bruce! This is my grand niece and she is a cutie. Thankfully I have a big family that let's me practice on their kids. Two more coming in the next 3 weeks that I get to practice on.

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

I like your shot with the light falling on the face more than on the rest of the child. It looks like you used natural window light or bounced flash. It's not a good idea to use direct flash on a very young child as their eyes are quite sensitive. I would recommend a prime lens you can stop down to f 1.8 or there about so as to isolate the child from the surroundings. If you have a prime 50 or 85 these would be good choices for such shots. Working in close you don't really need a zoom since moving in or out a couple of feet will accomplish all the zooming you will need. I see you did mention using a 50 1.8 -- that should be enough.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Bridges thank you for the comments. Yes I was using a 50mm f1.8 but I couldn't get up high enough for the overhead shot I wanted.

I wasn't using natural light. I had a soft box and an umbrella light. The umbrella light was on the right and the soft box was in front at about 90 degrees. I used a radial gradient filter to darken the edges. It's amazing what you can do in post processing.

Jim-Pops Loc: Granbury, Texas

I have had the same problem not getting high enough to us a 50mm lens and had to move to a wide angle to help me. I think you could use your 18-35 mm without any problems. If your lens distorts then set it around 20mm and that should reduce your distortion to an acceptable limit. You might be able to prop and tilt the box the baby is in toward the camera so you wouldn't have to be directly overhead.
You mention you have 2 light sources. I would have had them in front at 45º as high as your stands will let you go and 3ft forward making soft light. Suggest you use the soft box for the head and the umbrella for the legs. Even out your lights by adjusting one up or down to equal out your light.

Not sure how many others will agree with my setting but I would set my camera to manual use ISO100 f/4-5.6 Shutter 200 and then dial up or down my lights to get even lighting. If you can't get enough light increase ISO. Because this is a baby you can try this without the baby, just set up the box and the blanket and test till you have it just about right. You might just need minor exposure compensation once the baby is in position.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Thank you so much Jim! I bought a doll to practice with. The reason I had the umbrella on the right was to create some shadow and depth on the face for this shot. In other shots I did have them set up as you suggested.

I'm not sure about tilting the box. I have visions of the baby rolling out of it.

Thanks again for the great suggestions. I knew you were a talented photographer but I will have to change that to multi-talented now.

roxiemarty Loc: Florida

I have always used a 4 ft. ladder for my photography, as I'm only 5'2". But I also try to get the newborn shots in the first 2 weeks of life as they are much more workable at that age. Newborn photos are alot harder than people think, and you are definitely on the right track.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

So endearing and so very precious kenievans....
Loving the soft pastel pink and mauve hue and chroma...

btw, wisdom from my mentor: "Never place your sitter at risk... always practice your scenario well ahead of the session..."

In your scenario I would have the child held by it's mother...
If you wish I will post and example... but only if you are good with my posting in your thread.

Had you considered placing the child on the floor with their mother tending just out of frame?
Protocol for working with "Newborns" is never work alone... Always have assistants since you will be distracted while attempting to capture imagery...

Hope this helps...
All the best on your journey kenievans

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Thanks Roxiemarty! I have read that it is much easier to pose them in the first two week. 5 weeks is difficult. Their bodies are just not as flexible then and they are awake much more. The next one is due in 6 days and I will be able to shoot them within that 2 week period.

I am 5'8" so I didn't think I would need a ladder. Can you tell me how you set up your ladder? I have posted a diagram of two ways I could possibly do it but both still seem to put you too far away to get directly over the baby. I am also very concerned about safety for the baby. Do you have a spotter or assistant to help hold the ladder? Thanks!

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Thomas you are most welcome to post in my thread. I am always open to ideas and suggestions. The baby was on the floor in this shot and the mother was just outside the camera view. My daughter was supposed to come assist me but she was ill and I didn't want the baby to be exposed. The mother, my niece, stepped in and was always right by the baby. I understand that if this were an actual client that hired me they should not be assisting but this was family and I did not charge anything.

I probably should have said I am not shooting with a full frame camera and that could make a lot of difference. I know you are a talented and experienced photographer so I am happy to have your comments and suggestions.

Keni

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...I am always open to ideas and suggestions..." we all stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us Keni... I'm deeply indebted to all the wonderful talent I've collaborated with and have always grown professionally from the wisdom they have shared...

Below please find a several images of a session with a newborn...
The child's mom is a fashion model I've collaborated with for many years.

Lighting is with a single SB700 speedlight through a 36 inch shoot through parabolic (i.e. umbrella)
The speedlight was on a sandbagged stand which was carefully tested for stability.
Camera: Nikon D7000; Lens AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6;
On camera flash was used as a "Master" to drive the remote SB700 using iTTL

Mom was either holding her child or inches away...

btw, lady photographers excel at Newborn... as well as bridal...
In my humble estimation they uniquely can truly grasp the majesty and beauty of this genre.

Hope this helps Keni... thank you for sharing your endearing moment with mother & child...
.

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roxiemarty Loc: Florida

I also put the baby on the floor most times, in whatever little container or basket we are using. I usually have an assistant or the mother just to the side for safety and such. I don't always use the ladder, but have the aluminum 4 foot step ladder that is quite sturdy. I have lugged that ladder to weddings for group shots, and ball parks for team shots. I do not go all the way to the top. Have all the tiny props and supplies handy........within reach, and give yourselves plenty of time. Sometimes the baby will need to be cleaned or fed during the time you are there. And it helps to have it very warm where you are photographing. I took this one on the floor with my niece's twin newborns.( I hope you dont mind the example.)

roxiemarty Loc: Florida

I also use a crop sensor camera, a 70D Canon.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Thomas those are beautiful! Thank you for sharing and for the advise. I have a speedlight but haven't used it much. One more thing on my list of things to learn.