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Advice for shooting pregnancy photos?
Jan 1, 2018 11:07:00 #
ACCovert
Loc: Chattanooga, TN
Hello! My best friend just recently asked me to do the photos for her pregnancy announcement and to be in the room for photos while she is in labor. I've really only done still life photography and I always work in a manual camera setting. What setting do portrait photographers usually work in? I'm sure manual would take too long to adjust for something like this, especially the labor pictures, which will be indoors lighting. Any tips would be appreciated, I sure don't want to mess this up!
Jan 1, 2018 11:09:30 #
You obviously have some time to practice between now and then. I don't see why you cannot still shoot manual, but consider using Auto ISO to help with changing light conditions if you're in a hurry.
Jan 1, 2018 11:12:32 #
ACCovert wrote:
Hello! My best friend just recently asked me to do the photos for her pregnancy announcement and to be in the room for photos while she is in labor. I've really only done still life photography and I always work in a manual camera setting. What setting do portrait photographers usually work in? I'm sure manual would take too long to adjust for something like this, especially the labor pictures, which will be indoors lighting. Any tips would be appreciated, I sure don't want to mess this up!
Welcome to UHH. Tell me about what camera and lenses you have so I could make some rational suggestions.
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Jan 1, 2018 11:21:14 #
Is this her first child, i.e., does she know what it's going to be like? And have you been in the delivery room before? Not sure from your name whether you're male or female, but as a male who has been there for two pregnancies, my suggestion is be very, very sensitive. Don't get me wrong, birth is one of the most powerful things humans can experience, and the end result is truly spiritual (whatever your beliefs), but parts of the process, especially if captured on film, can be less than flattering.
If you haven't gone through the process, I might suggest you talk with some friends who have, and ask lots of questions about how they felt - get both the female and the male perspective - the participant and the observer (you'll likely get some very contrasting impressions...).
If you haven't gone through the process, I might suggest you talk with some friends who have, and ask lots of questions about how they felt - get both the female and the male perspective - the participant and the observer (you'll likely get some very contrasting impressions...).
Jan 1, 2018 11:21:56 #
ACCovert
Loc: Chattanooga, TN
I am using a Nikon D5500, probably just use the kit lens for this project AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens
Jan 1, 2018 11:23:46 #
You didn't say what brand of camera you are using. Most new models have marvelous automatic modes. Manual works when subjects are sitting still and you can control the light. Automatic can work well when you are not in control of the subjects, lighting or your position.
The real trick with using automatic is to not tell anyone you did, especially on forums full of old film photographers.
The real trick with using automatic is to not tell anyone you did, especially on forums full of old film photographers.
Jan 1, 2018 11:27:12 #
ACCovert wrote:
I am using a Nikon D5500, probably just use the kit lens for this project AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens
Does it have a flash? Try full automatic with and without the flash on someone. Automatic burst shooting can get some moments of expression that don't last long enough for making adjustments.
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Jan 1, 2018 11:27:57 #
I would consider getting a flash as well, if you don't have one, but be sensitive to when you use it, for the Mom's sake as well as the medical staff.
Jan 1, 2018 11:32:22 #
ACCovert wrote:
I am using a Nikon D5500, probably just use the kit lens for this project AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens
You should be set unless you get GAS Gear Acquisition Syndrome and feel you need a Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus. Superior to your 18-55 3.5-5.6. You will need to check on lighting for various times of day where she will give birth and see if your 18-55 hacks it.
Jan 1, 2018 11:37:09 #
justhercamera wrote:
I would consider getting a flash as well, if you don't have one, but be sensitive to when you use it, for the Mom's sake as well as the medical staff.
Probably wise to check with the medical staff in advance to see if it's OK to use a flash. Some hospitals don't allow it. And, if they do, make sure you are clear on what happens if there is an emergency situation - it may be perfectly fine in a routine birth, but if something starts to go wrong, adrenaline rises on the part of everyone and the last thing anyone will want is a flash going off...
Jan 1, 2018 11:37:30 #
As an OB for 30 years and I can suggest the following: no flash, if the photos end up with grain or noise, no big deal. Make the most of window or other ambient light. Next, use your wider focal lengths up until the mother is actually with the baby, then use your portrait focal lengths for the mother/baby photos. Discuss with the Mom how graphic she wants you to be. Be on good terms with all her caregivers so you can roam around the room. If things go south, medically, try not to have your camera in the way as it will make people self conscious, and lastly, try to make the OB look good!
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Jan 1, 2018 11:51:50 #
Find out if you can use flash or not. If not, get a fast zoom lens such as a 24-70mm f/2.8
If you can use flash, then a fast lens is not that important. Just use a flash frame attached to your camera and attach a speedlite. If you aren't that experienced at using flash, Set your camera up for f/8, ISO 100, and 1/200th and set flash to E-TTL or whatever your flash auto feature is called. I assume you have a DSLR. I'd use a small modifier like a Fong dome on the speedlite. You may not be able to bounce the flash because medical personnel will be in the way and they will case shadows so flash directly on the subject until the medical staff has done their jobs and you can get some bounce of the white ceilings of the newborn with mother.
If you can use flash, then a fast lens is not that important. Just use a flash frame attached to your camera and attach a speedlite. If you aren't that experienced at using flash, Set your camera up for f/8, ISO 100, and 1/200th and set flash to E-TTL or whatever your flash auto feature is called. I assume you have a DSLR. I'd use a small modifier like a Fong dome on the speedlite. You may not be able to bounce the flash because medical personnel will be in the way and they will case shadows so flash directly on the subject until the medical staff has done their jobs and you can get some bounce of the white ceilings of the newborn with mother.
Jan 1, 2018 14:45:14 #
My experience shooting a news story in an operating room is that no flash is permitted, so use spot /highlight priority metering for the 'closeups' with the bright task lights. Light balance setting depends on the room, and your priority. A 70-200 to shoot around the elbows and bodies, and a moderate wide angle in your pocket for the entire room. The camera bag stayed outside. I don't have experience shooting in a delivery room, and when my son was born, decades ago, NYU prohibited me from moving from the side of the room where they placed me, behind my wife. The curtain covered everything below her chest, I could only see my son for seconds before they whisked him off.
Jan 1, 2018 15:33:21 #
Jan 1, 2018 16:30:28 #
Another thing to check. Will the hospital allow you to photograph a delivery, will they even allow a non relative in the delivery room? How comfortable are you with the sight of blood? I have a feeling that the hospital won't allow it. Legal considerations.
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