Photographing your baby
So you’ve had 3D impressions created of your gorgeously Impressive baby…now it’s time to choose a photograph to complete your framed work of art. Your 3D life casts will be of the highest standard (because you’ve been to Impressive Memories) and you want your photograph to be fabulous too.
Your photo should compliment your casts and also capture the moment of your impressive little person too. The photograph helps to tell the story of those unique wrinkly toes and chubby little fingers.
HELP!! Where do I start?
- Which pictures work better than others?
- What should I avoid?
- What will compliment my casts the most?
- Should it be in colour
- Is black and white better?
- Can I take a picture myself?
- Should I use a professional photographer?
Don’t panic…I’ve teamed up with the pro’s on this!
A few weeks ago I asked on Facebook for recommendations for great photographers of babies and children – did you see it? I contacted as many as I could over the next couple of days and asked if they’d help, and lots of them said yes!!
I asked them for their personal thoughts on what photography worked well in a framed cast and their professional opinion on how best we can achieve this.
I also asked them what we SHOULDN’T do if we are taking the photos ourselves…and how to avoid photobombing cats and my pet hate…out of focus pictures…with shadows!!!
Top Tips from some of the best local children & baby photographers – as recommended by customers past and present.
Here’s what the professionals said…
The order of appearance is chronological (as each photographer responded to my questionnaire)…There is no favouritism or bias, just gratitude that they each took the time to help put this guide together.
Who’s behind the lens?
“Sara. Mum to 3 boys and owner. My studio is on Main street in Lochgelly. I tend to advise that mums book newborns in advance using their due date to secure a place however occasionally I can take on last minute bookings“
#1 What are the main benefits a parent will get from using a professional photographer to take the image for them?
“It will complement the time, effort and detail put into their cast”
#2 What do YOU think makes the perfect image to compliment an Impressive Memories casting?
“Something that is in keeping with the cast colour and frame. Nothing too busy or that will date. The image should be timeless.”
Not everyone can use a professional photographer.
If parents choose to use their own images, could you offer any photography tips?
1.Make the main focus the baby and no busy backgrounds.
2. Don’t have colours that are too harsh for baby’s skin.
3.If using a professional photographer and know in advance that you want an image for your frame cast, ask for one to be shot in portrait to best suit the frame.
Cherry Blossom Newborn Photography
Michelle Sinclair
Thornton, Fife.
#1 What are the main benefits a parent will get from using a professional photographer to take the image for them?
“A beautifully framed casting with a professional image.”
#2 What do YOU think makes the perfect image to compliment an Impressive Memories casting?
“All about the baby .”
If parents choose to use their own images, could you offer 3 top tips for us to get the best results?
- Plain background
- Be still
- Nice light
Who’s behind the lens?
“My name is Leigh, I’m 19 and I am studying higher photography at Fife College. My love of photography really started as a child. Instead of being in front of the camera, I was always behind taking images of my family. That’s when I realised portrait photography was my passion. I now focus more on newborn photography and although newborns are my passion I love to photograph children of all ages and also family images. “
#1 What are the main benefits a parent will get from using a professional photographer to take the image for them?
“Clean, sharp, stunning images that will be an amazing memory to cherish forever and pass down to family. “
#2 What do YOU think makes the perfect image to compliment an Impressive Memories casting?
“A simple, clean image will add so much to the simple beauty of the castings helping you remember how your baby looked and also how their hands or feet looked that small.”
Not everyone can use a professional photographer.
If parents choose to use their own images, could you offer any photography tips?
“Try out your baby on a bed or something that has a nice background so it’s harder for photobombing pets or anything in the background. Normally a white bed sheet is perfect.”
Laura Spence Photography
Laura Spence
Fife
www.lauraspence.com
Who’s behind the lens?
“I’m Laura, Crazy busy, business running supermum! “
#1 What are the main benefits a parent will get from using a professional photographer to take the image for them?
“When you choose a photographer your image will be styled to be pleasing in composition, you get a photo that is high quality and in focus and your photographer will know and use best lighting to flatter the model. Will settle and pose babies (with knowledge of baby safety and confidence) meaning they look relaxed and comfortable.”
“
#2 What do YOU think makes the perfect image to compliment an Impressive Memories casting?
“For me, it’s a photo from that same age showing them how you want to remember them being at that age for the rest of your life. You will look at this for years and years to come so I’d want it perfectly lit with a comfy and happy baby. high quality with no background distractions. “
Not everyone can use a professional photographer.
If parents choose to use their own images, could you offer any photography tips?
1. Make sure there is plenty light! on camera flash on compacts or phones can often create harsh shadows, startle babies or cause red eye…not good.
2. get rid of all distractions in the background, your baby should be the main focus of the photo your eye shouldn’t be drawn to what’s in the background.
3. avoid filters and over-smoothing on apps etc.
Lorelle Elizabeth Photography
Lorelle Elizabeth
Glenrothes, Fife.
I work from a small studio. Bookings can be made online via my website and an online booking calendar.
www.lorelleelizabethphotography.co.uk
07757251180
https://www.facebook.com/lorelleelizabethphotography
Who’s behind the lens?
“I am Lorelle and I am the only photographer. I have owned the business for 6 years and photograph newborns, children, families and weddings.”
#1 What are the main benefits a parent will get from using a professional photographer to take the image for them?
“Using a professional photographer allows you to get fantastic photographs. I have taken part in numerous training courses and ensure baby’s safety is a priority. “
#2 What do YOU think makes the perfect image to compliment an Impressive Memories casting?
“A beautiful posed newborn image“
Not everyone can use a professional photographer.
If parents choose to use their own images, could you offer any photography tips TO AVOID?
1 Photographs with babies posed in unsafe ways
2 Bad lighting ie too dark or too light
3 A very patterned background that will detract from the child
Helen Jones Photography
Helen Jones
Glenrothes, Fife.
https://m.facebook.com/helenjphoto/
07909901563
Who’s behind the lens?
“Helen. I’m a freelance portrait photographer who loves baby shoots. “
#1 What are the main benefits a parent will get from using a professional photographer to take the image for them?
“Sharp focused images in large format with good contrast and detail available.“
#2 What do YOU think makes the perfect image to compliment an Impressive Memories casting?
“Sharp focused images of the required areas. An opportunity for several images to give all-around optimal visual representation. “
Not everyone can use a professional photographer.
If parents choose to use their own images, could you offer any photography tips TO AVOID?
1 Hurrying to take the image.
2 No stability in the subject.
3 Poor lighting.
Sarah White Photography
Sarah White
Who’s behind the lens?
“Hi I’m Sarah and I’m a big believer in there being Beauty in Everything. I love to capture those special moments in life and know it isn’t always smiles and flowers. “
#1 What are the main benefits a parent will get from using a professional photographer to take the image for them?
“You are hiring someone with the correct knowledge and equipment and eye to capture something precious. Not only is it their job but it is also their passion. “
#2 What do YOU think makes the perfect image to compliment an Impressive Memories casting?
“Something simple so you see the beauty and detail of the item. “
Not everyone can use a professional photographer.
If parents choose to use their own images, could you offer any photography tips?
Use natural light, no flash.
Make sure that backgrounds a clean and tidy.
If the item is small enough just a clean white sheet of paper can work in a nice crisp look.
Clare Gourlay Photography
Clare Gourlay
I cover Dunfermline area and ideally, I prefer customers to message me with days and times that suit them so I can fit them in on days that work best for them so they don’t feel rushed.
People can contact me via facebook page which is clare gourlay photography or by my contact number.
Who’s behind the lens?
“I am Clare Gourlay I have been photographing babies/kids for 4/5 years now and I love it. Love interacting with little ones to get the perfect shot “
#1 What are the main benefits a parent will get from using a professional photographer to take the image for them?
“They will have precious memories of their little ones to cherish and have images that capture their little ones and there personalities which sometimes you cant always capture with a phone“
#2 What do YOU think makes the perfect image to compliment an Impressive Memories casting?
“I think the process of it would compliment it. From start to finish. You can capture a behind the scene shot for the memory for the client then the finished design of the cast“
Not everyone can use a professional photographer.
If parents choose to use their own images, could you offer any photography tips TO AVOID?
“I would avoid anything in the background of the photo so move away from any items that shouldn’t be there. Also, I always try to avoid using natural lighting as well as sometimes you can gain dark shadows in the images which sometimes doesn’t look great.”
Anna Moffat Photography
Anna Moffat
Edinburgh and the surrounding areas
www.facebook.com/annamoffatphotography
@annamoffat
Who’s behind the lens?
“I am a baby and family photographer specialising in taking natural, unposed photos.”
#1 What are the main benefits a parent will get from using a professional photographer to take the image for them?
“Your image should be of exceptional quality, just like the casting! “
#2 What do YOU think makes the perfect image to compliment an Impressive Memories casting?
“An image which makes your heart sing and reminds you a very special time in your life.”
Not everyone can use a professional photographer.
If parents choose to use their own images, could you offer any photography tips?
1. Good light is key – avoid overheads and opt for natural light instead – moving near to the window when taking your photo is a great idea.
2. Focus – I am a total ‘pixel peeper’ and like the eyes to be super sharp.
3. Don’t over process – filters have their place but if you’re editing an image I think it’s nice to keep things simple and clean.
Conclusion
A professional photographer will have the skills and knowledge to capture the best (and safest) results for you and your baby. Have a look through their work and decide whose style of photography you like and who feels a good fit for you and your baby.
If you’re using a picture you’ve taken yourself, take advantage of all these great tips and advice from those who know best!
Think about:
- Good lighting
- Simple backgrounds
- Clarity & focus
Thank you to all these great photographers for taking the time to offer their fantastic help and advice.
Hope you have an Impressive day!
Best Wishes
Jen x
Recent Comments