Somegirl77 Loc: Manteca, Ca

Thank you grandad that sounds pretty simple and effective I have a huge window that gets plenty of indirect light that might work perfectly!

usaellie101 Loc: Spring Hill, Florida

First: Avoid Flash!
Second: Natural light is good provided that you use available shade also.
Third: Be Respectful of the parents wishes.
Forth: Position yourself with the camera next to the baby. Taking photos looking down at babies are not as emotionally effective s the one you'll get from the side.
Fifth: Family shots are always good to get. Mother and child is classical but do not forget the father and his baby also.
Sixth: Get a book from the library called "THE FAMILY OF MAN" You'll see many baby photos in there.
Most important enjoy the experience.

EstherP

But, as a Mom, I want to remember that uglyness too!
A face only a mother can love? Yes, one of my boys fit in that category.
But if I didn't have the photos taken in the hospital, I would only remember my thoughts, and not what he actually looked like.
So, if Mom wants photos of an ugly newborn, go for it.

When it comes to ideas, I would suggest to find some websites of professional photographers, and see how they have posed infants - that should give you some ideas.
EstherP

bvm Loc: Glendale, Arizona

They don't take directions well.

NegativeBLUR Loc: Dallas, Tx

The first 7 days of life is the best time to shoot as they are still flexible enough for curled up shots. Don't worry about expressions...their sleeping shots are the best! Have the family turn the AC down and have a portable heater near the baby....babies have to be much warmer than we do (especially if doing those bare butt shots), so if you aren't uncomfortably warm, it isn't warm enough. Keep a blanket on them until ready to shoot and keep rags, etc nearby as there WILL be "accidents". NO flash...it can hurt their eyes. Position next to a large window with baby's head facing window and use reflectors to light the shadow side. I have attached an image my client took of me photographing her baby that shows a good set up and the resulting photo. Good luck!

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

We have used different color table clothes hung on the wall across from a large bank of windows that we cover with a white shower curtain to diffuse the light. They turn out beautiful. Google newborn photography to see hundreds of ideas for poses. Also remember to keep the room really warm. Uncomfortably warm. The baby will sleep and be very posable.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Hi! Just don't over think it. Have fun with the Mom and Dad. Make them part of it. Let them pick a few of the lay outs of the shots. You don't need all the gear. Just use soft pillows and some silk sheets. Get a few colors and make them soft colors. If you are doing it at their house, make them put different colored cloths on the baby. Or if they come to you have them bring them. The color will pop when it is right for the baby. I just had my first Grandson. Had to do a set with my own kids.:) But it went well. Here are a few of the pictures I did and an on going thread of little Harrison that I add to every so offten.:) If you would like to email me and ask questions, feel free. I did this work back in the day for 15 years. If you need help, just yell.:)
OH don't forget to do the feet and hands!! Make Mom or Dad hold them. They are never this small again!! And do some nudes too!! It is not porn!!! Little butts from the back are very sweet!:):)
Erv
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-42416-1.html
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http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-55961-1.html
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-55963-1.html
My email is in my by line.

videop Loc: Florida

New borns can be photographed very well if posed correctly and i.e. sleeping in moms arms, or on moms tummy. Natural light if possible. Don't fire flash in babies eyes. Practice make perfect. That's the beauty of digital, take lots of photos and keep the best. Good luck.

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

I just watched a video on Youtube about photographing newborns (I wanted info on how to photograph my grandson). The one thing I took away from the video was use continuous lighting and not speedlights. Lot of good materials there!

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I used to do this in another lifetime.
Start with safety. Make sure parent secures safety of baby at all times. Make sure baby is comfortable, rested, fed, changed. Schedule the shoot around the baby's schedule. If baby is napping, allow them time to wake on their own. Play/interact with them. Use a soft voice.

Since you are using natural light, you might try a location near a picture window or if outside, avoid bright sunlight: both for the baby (their eyes are sensitive to bright lights) and to avoid harsh shadows. Get on their level. Include mom (and dad if necessary). Focus on eyes. F8 and an appropriate corresponding shutter speed. use a favorite toy (small please!) to engage/hold their attention. Try for both eye contact images and some with the baby following the toy. I held the toy in my left hand while operating camera with my right. Or get a parent to stand behind you and "operate the toy.

Don't draw it out. If the baby becomes upset... you'll have to be patient-- and sometimes return another time. Have fun and good luck

Linda Ewing Loc: Lincolnshire,UK

When our identical twin great grand daughters were born in February my job was to photograph them. It definitely isn't easy, even when you know the people, or may that is even worse, everybody tries to koo koo in at the babies to get their attention, when all you want is to do it yourself so you have their attention.

I found hanging something very light and bright from my camera a big help, a teddy or similar toy, one that perhaps makes a squeak will help to gain attention or if that is a problem why not try placing something on a pin or hang from a button on your shirt.

Look out for little bright coloured hats and baby just wearing a nappy is good, just photographing their little feet was a big hit.

I used natural light from a large window, I also used a black velvet piece of cloth which turned out to be a good choice.

Although they were family I was still nervous and wanted to get is so right (as you do) but I was delighted with my amatuer pics and the family were too. I also had the job of photographing the christening, I did get some good ones then my D300 packed up on me, so the rest were taken with a Canon compact, I was pleased with the result though.

As for a background I also used natural light

Fisher Pete

I have found black & white to be a good choice for new born children. It helps smooth the blotches from the new born. A pose with mom's face looking at the new child can be very effective. Enjoy! (grand dad of only two at the moment)

ole sarg Loc: south florida

My father made an observation. All newborns look like Eisenhower. So, I would suggest looking at some old copies of Life and Look. The shots of Ike can serve as a model to emulate.

Somegirl77 Loc: Manteca, Ca

Thank you everyone for the help and sharing your ideas and photos! This was very helpful. Can't wait for the little peanut to pop out of the oven! :0)

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Where does all this "no flash" come from. Off camera flash is fine and is used ALL the time. You should not use an on-camera flash directed at the baby anyway because it makes a crap photo.
This is not to say natural light is not the way to go, but proper use of flash will not hurt the baby. Look at all the folks using their phones - with flash - taking photos of the newborns.