Newborn Photography - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

07/16/2006 10:44:47 AM · #1

In my quest to ramp up my new business in maternity/newborn photography, I did a free "practice" shoot yesterday to gain some experience before putting myself out there. These were taken of triplet Indian babies that belong to one of my wife's co-workers. Due to cultural/language difficulties, I wasn't able to communicate all the shots/poses I wanted to try, but I think a few of them turned out OK. In retrospect, maybe doing a multiples shoot for someone from a vastly different culture for my first real shoot wasn't necessarily the smartest move on my part. I have another shoot this afternoon with one of my co-workers and it's just one baby so it should go a little smoother.

Anywhoo... here are a few examples... please feel free to critique and please be brutally honest! I will not be offended and since I am trying to move toward making a living off of this type of photography, I need as much input as possible to help me improve on my skills.

Thanks in advance!!!

carisakD70

Nikon D70

07/16/2006 12:21:47 PM · #2

This is something that I would like to get into as well. I think you did an excellent job. Three babies at once! I bet that was a handful, especially with the language barrier. I think they turned out very well. My favorites are 3, 7, 9, and 4.

cfischl

Canon EOS-40D

Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF for Nikon

07/16/2006 12:30:21 PM · #3

I think you did a very good job overall. In a couple it looks like the diaper is a little blown out so you might want to avoid that. Also, in a couple it seems as if the focus isn't quite on the face and eyes. Just another thing to think about.

dartompkins

Nikon D70s

07/16/2006 12:47:12 PM · #4

Planning shots with infants can be challenging. One suggestions is to get yourself a table top baby bathtub. They are great for positioning little ones. Just throw the drape over the tub and plop them in. Always make sure the focus is on the babies eyes if their eyes are open. Also take care to make any parents hands, shoulders, etc. included in the shot look intentional.

This is one of my favorites with intentional hands:

Good luck with the little ones. Very nice shots.

Message edited by author 2006-07-16 12:50:39.

Art Roflmao

Canon EOS-6D Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/16/2006 01:30:21 PM · #5

Nice job, Lee. Sounds like it would be a great niche! The baby photog that the hospital my son was born at didn't do a very good job at all - but I think she must have had some contract with them, which was probably very lucrative.

Originally posted by cfischl:

it looks like the diaper is a little blown out...

This happens with babies and be thankful the camera doesn't record the smell. ;-P

Some of mine just because, well, you know, proud Dad, can't resist showing baby, etc....

Best of luck with your venture. I think you'll do great!

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/16/2006 01:37:18 PM · #6

Thanks guys! Ken, your shots look great! I wanted to get the finger holding the hand thing, but in all the confusion, I got a little lost. There were quite a few people there (the triplets, mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, my wife, and my 14 month old son) WHEW!! Very exhausting shoot. My next client should be here in about 30 minutes. This one should be a little easier to do. Wish me luck!

Originally posted by cfischl:

In a couple it looks like the diaper is a little blown out so you might want to avoid that

Yeah, I noticed that too. It happened in post so I should be able to "fix" it.

Message edited by author 2006-07-16 13:56:53.

Art Roflmao

Canon EOS-6D Mark II

07/16/2006 01:41:21 PM · #7

I've never been an event photographer (or any kind of photographer for that matter), but from stuff I've read on the forums here, I think it would help to have a checklist of specific shots and then review them with the parents beforehand. Then check them off as you shoot them. But don't forget to just do some adhoc shots - great photo opps happen all the time with babies and lots of things go on during their first few hours of life.

Have fun.

Message edited by author 2006-07-16 13:41:48.

hanneke

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/16/2006 01:46:06 PM · #8

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

That is a great idea. Thanks Ken :D

07/16/2006 01:58:27 PM · #9

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

Yeah, right now I'm trying to put together a portfolio of various poses/shots to try. That way parents can review them during a consultation and decide what they do/don't like.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

07/16/2006 06:09:24 PM · #10

badabumpity bump bump for the evening crowd ;-)

carisakD70

Nikon D70

07/16/2006 10:39:15 PM · #11

How'd that second shoot go?