GPoyner Loc: North Dakota

Well I was able to do my first Newborn shot (new nephew) this last weekend. C&C is welcomed and encouraged. I took these with my D7000; 35mm prime lense at ISO 280; 250 SS; F1.8. Lighting was from window and regular overhead track lighting.

The questions in debate:

1) Increase of F stop to receive better focus specifically on the basket one (so you can see the name and the baby)?
2) Lighting - C&C, not enough? Too much shadow? etc..
3) Used a different lens?
4) Focus - how is it?
5) What can I learn and improve for the next one?

Thanks

I'm thinking I added too much black to this one.


Angled to much?




Can't see his name, increase F stop would have helped?




Cut off his poor little foot!

CajonPhotog Loc: Shreveport, LA

I really LOVE the B&W on the blanket, and feel that the contrast is perfect in this shot, blacks not too strong. The window shot, to me, was tilted way too much. I straightened it, now it is up to you to decide which you prefer, after all it is YOUR photo. All of them are really nice.

GPoyner Loc: North Dakota

Thanks CajonPhotog...I like what you did with the window shot, it's mcuh better.

CajonPhotog Loc: Shreveport, LA

All I did was straighten only. It cut out some of the baby but I feel what is left still tells the story beautifully.

Dunatic

I like the photo of the mother and baby by the window the best. I'd say to let the natural light of the window shine on the baby, possibly through a sheet which would deflect the light somewhat. Maybe use a reflector (it can be white Styrofoam) back towards the baby -- creating a shadow on the baby's small frame. And get close on that beautiful face and body. Get the details of the baby's feet, hands, eye lashes. For babies, I like the use a small f stop for more depth of field (f11 or f16). For portraits of adults, I prefer F2.8 - f5.6. Anyway, I like the photo of the baby's delicate hand holding the finger as it shows how tiny the baby really is and you can do the same with the baby's hand laying on the mom and dad's hand. By the way, if you use say F16 the name on the basket would be clearer to read. Well hope this helps. Cheryl

Dunatic

Also, I would make sure that the baby's diaper doesn't show up in the photo. I prefer the knit one or better yet photograph the baby nude on that blanket. Maybe when the baby's sleeping (they love sleeping with the butt in the air) and it is so cute. Look on line for photographing babies and you will get a lot of good tips. Cheryl ps, the baby is adorable

GPoyner Loc: North Dakota

Cheryl, Thanks for the tips of the F stops, knew I should have uped the F stop on the basket one. The momma didn't want any nudes; I did check out a lot on-line and we went with what worked for the baby and the mother. Thanks and have a good day!

Dunatic

You are welcome. Just keep photographing, the more you practice the better the images will be. Play with all the settings, that's the beauty of digital. Cheryl

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

The standout shot for me is the "can't see his name shot".
So peaceful and serene and the look on his face is sublime and the hand adds a little special touch.
I would crop the image to just the baby in the top of the basket so that the name tag doesn't even feature in the photo. Making sure to keep the composition attractive of course.

The it becomes soft blanket foreground, soft backdrop background and sharp isolated serene beautiful sleeping baby.
Turns a small mistake into an image that the parents will treasure forever.

GPoyner Loc: North Dakota

Good Point on bringing the baby and blanket more and forget about the name on the basket.....didn't think of that. Thanks for the input

Karenn Loc: Sydney Australia.

Thanks, so glad I came across your lovely pics. Have a new baby due in the family 6 Feb. Have been also wondering about F No.s Great shots, look for new topic in a few weeks.

GPoyner Loc: North Dakota

Yes please post and let me know how it goes, along with what you used. Have fun!

I did use a small space heater to keep the baby warm (but kept it a reasonably safe distance.

Thanks

jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

nice pics!! you did a good job.

thanks for posting the pics...i have a newborn session coming up (baby due thursday or friday) and i have never done this before.
this will be my first newborn shoot coming up. I have to say I am a bit nervous about it and i just don't get nervous.

GPoyner Loc: North Dakota

Jimberton, In looking at some of your posts...you'll do just fine. A couple of pointers:

1) those cute shots with the babies propped up are all done in post processing (at least I hope they are).

2) See what the mom wants, does she want bare bottom photos, photos of just the baby or with the family.

3) I found doing the shot at their house worked well as everyone was in a familar place. Now it was my sister in-law so I had the advantage of picking the spot and knowing the layout of the house.

4) Bring a small heater to keep the baby warm

5) See if they have a bean bag or big cushy ottoman, something to use if they will be holding the baby....have them only a few inches from the bag. This is just for the saftey of the baby.

6) Go with the flow, take cues from mom. If the baby starts to fuss or mom (or dad) gets a little anxious - take a break.

7) Ask that the baby be feed prior to the shot; this way the baby is feed and happy and mom isn't worried about missing a feeding.

8) I brought my own props, so I knew what I was using. The floor I used was a small floor my husband made for our daughter for practing tap.

9) Have fun a talk while you take the picture, remember to use any all help and bring an assistant if you can (my daughter helped me as did the mom).

There is lots of other good pointers, I did lots of research and the internet was my friend.

Don't forget to post so we can see them.....good luck GP

jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

thanks for the tips.