One thing I've been asked over and over regarding preparations for a shoot is "What do I need to do for my baby's photoshoot?" and the answer is really quite simple!
First, about an hour before the photographer is due to show up at your house, you should turn up your thermostat. I have found that warm babies are happy babies, and since your little one will spend a good portion of the shoot wearing nothing but a hat, 75deg is a good point to start.
Second, keep the baby up as much as you can in the hour or more leading up to the shoot - you don't want your baby to be on the verge of waking from a nap when it's time to photograph them sleepy. I suggest, for a newborn, wake them for at least an hour before the shoot, try everything to keep them awake!
Third, have on hand anything special you want to include in the shoot. Is there anything that you had in your maternity shoot that you want to carry to the newborn shoot? Is there a teddy bear you had when you were a child that you're passing on? A blanket for the new babe? All these little props will make your session that much more special. I, of course, will come with hats, cocoons, bowls, baskets etc... but the personal touches are what makes it special!
Last, try and relax! I'm not in any hurry when I come to your house. If the baby is fussy, take your time in soothing him or her. Feed your child when they need to be fed, cuddle them if they need a cuddle. Most importantly, like I mentioned earlier, a happy and comfortable child will be happier, sleepier and squishier in the photos, which is generally what we're looking for!
Capturing moments you'll never forget!
Showing posts with label preparing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label preparing. Show all posts
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Friday, 8 April 2011
Maternity sessions - how they work
In light of my maternity session tomorrow with Danielle Hely, I thought I'd blog a little bit about how a maternity session runs.
Generally, after everything is set up on my end, we do a couple shots to get the client comfortable. I find that if you're saying over and over in your head "relax your shoulders, relax your shoulders" that the pictures will turn out beautifully, because you're relaxed and comfortable.
Next, we do a couple poses of JUST the sibling(s). You want your kids to feel like they're involved and you want them to be comfortable when you tell them to kiss mommy's belly - so what better way that to make them the star of the show for a little. After the sibling pictures, we re-introduce the expecting mum to do a couple shots with mum and her children. Then in comes dad, and we do some family shots. At this point, I can pretty much guarantee the younger siblings will be tired of playing along and we move straight into pictures of mom and her belly.
Thats not to say that you can't reintroduce your children in when you've done, say, a wardrobe change. You're welcome to do any pose with whoever you'd like. I'm here to guide you and make sure you're comfortable! You tell me what you have to have to make the shoot worth it to you.
Now, if you have any props at home you want to have involved, here's your chance. A pair of shoes you have waiting for their arrival; a bear you had as a child; a quilt you're waiting to use - all these things make wonderful props, because they can be used again when you have your newborn shots done. It's a continuity that looks wonderful in photos. I have the wooden letter blocks, and with those, the oppurtunities are really endless - spell the baby's name, spell "boy" or "girl" just plain "baby" etc.
As far as what to wear, this is a question I'm asked a thousand times over. Wear what makes you comfortable. Period. Like I said previously, the best pictures are where you're comfortable. I like to have a black or white camisole or sports bra for the maternity shots, but only because they showcase the belly so well. If you're not comfortable with bare belly shots - no problem! We can make it work with yoru shirt covering your belly! I suggest that you have/bring at least one shirt that has no pattern if you intend on keeping your belly covered.
So, aside from that - if you have any questions regarding your shoot, the best person to ask is your photographer. I'm more than willing to answer any questions you may have, so that when you come, or I come to you, you are happy with the service you're getting!
Generally, after everything is set up on my end, we do a couple shots to get the client comfortable. I find that if you're saying over and over in your head "relax your shoulders, relax your shoulders" that the pictures will turn out beautifully, because you're relaxed and comfortable.
Next, we do a couple poses of JUST the sibling(s). You want your kids to feel like they're involved and you want them to be comfortable when you tell them to kiss mommy's belly - so what better way that to make them the star of the show for a little. After the sibling pictures, we re-introduce the expecting mum to do a couple shots with mum and her children. Then in comes dad, and we do some family shots. At this point, I can pretty much guarantee the younger siblings will be tired of playing along and we move straight into pictures of mom and her belly.
Thats not to say that you can't reintroduce your children in when you've done, say, a wardrobe change. You're welcome to do any pose with whoever you'd like. I'm here to guide you and make sure you're comfortable! You tell me what you have to have to make the shoot worth it to you.
Now, if you have any props at home you want to have involved, here's your chance. A pair of shoes you have waiting for their arrival; a bear you had as a child; a quilt you're waiting to use - all these things make wonderful props, because they can be used again when you have your newborn shots done. It's a continuity that looks wonderful in photos. I have the wooden letter blocks, and with those, the oppurtunities are really endless - spell the baby's name, spell "boy" or "girl" just plain "baby" etc.
As far as what to wear, this is a question I'm asked a thousand times over. Wear what makes you comfortable. Period. Like I said previously, the best pictures are where you're comfortable. I like to have a black or white camisole or sports bra for the maternity shots, but only because they showcase the belly so well. If you're not comfortable with bare belly shots - no problem! We can make it work with yoru shirt covering your belly! I suggest that you have/bring at least one shirt that has no pattern if you intend on keeping your belly covered.
So, aside from that - if you have any questions regarding your shoot, the best person to ask is your photographer. I'm more than willing to answer any questions you may have, so that when you come, or I come to you, you are happy with the service you're getting!
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