What’s arguably cuter than puppies and kittens? Newborn babies, of course! To make sure your next newborn session goes perfectly, I’ve pulled a few invaluable tips from our Kimberly Reid Newborn Photography Guide.
POSITIONING HANDS
Thoughtfully positioning a newborn’s hands makes all the difference between an amateur and a professional. Awkward flailing hands in a picture are hardly photogenic, am I right? Make sure you take the time to address this detail.
Kimberly suggests starting by placing the baby on her back (on a soft and cozy surface, of course). Once the newborn has gotten comfortable — falling into a sleep, even — position her hands across her chest or lower tummy. If you’re doing a full body shot, cross the baby’s legs.
Tip: Make sure the baby’s fingers are stretched out and unclenched and not tightly coiled into a fist. The more relaxed and natural looking the hands are, the more peaceful the newborn will look.
Once the hands are appropriately positioned, have Mom or Dad hold the position in place while you get ready to shoot. As soon as the parent lets go, be ready to take several photographs because the newborn may not stay in the position for very long.
More Helpful Advice:
- Props are an essential part of newborn photos. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your props, either. Check Etsy for some great finds.
- The newborn’s safety and comfort are extremely important during a photo shoot. Always make sure the baby is supported and safe — even if that means editing out Mom’s hand later.
- Consider using music or white noise to drown out camera shutter clicks, which can startle the baby.
The Kimberly Reid Newborn Guide is truly a game changer for any newborn photographer. Click here for more information and to purchase.
{What people are sayin’:}
“Really really liked this guide. I’m about to do my very first newborn shoot in one week exactly. I am so nervous about it, but reading this, I felt a sense of calm come over me. I feel like it is really preparing me for what I need to expect and not expect. What type of equipment/props I need to take, and loving the step by step posing. I also enjoy the easy to read format. I’m a super visual person, so this made it very easy to follow. And can I say I LOVE and adore and can’t say how awesome the printable poses are.” – Susan
“Wow! I absolutely loved that guide! One of the best guides I’ve seen for getting into newborn photography!!” – Gayle
Topics covered in the Kimberly Reid Newborn Guide:
- Where do we even begin with newborns?
- How do you set it up?
- What all do I need?
- What do I do with everything?
- How to incorporate parents/siblings into newborn sessions.
- Lighting/Camera/Editing Techniques
The guide also includes pull back photos/behind the scenes/set up shots as well as posing cards to print and take on the go!