How you can look natural in your newborn photos
Have you ever wondered why some people look so natural and comfortable in newborn photographs? I bet you think you are not one of those people. I always joke that is why I am behind the camera, however, with a little help you can feel at ease too.
1. Take care of yourself and the baby.
In my mind this is number one. If you are a mom that had a difficult delivery or a dad that was up a night changing a diaper, there might be something you need – to sit down, drink some water, eat a snack, etc. It is okay to take a break from photographs to address that need. The same thing with the baby. Sessions always seem to take the same amount of time no matter what so take your time feeding, comforting, or changing the baby.
2. Move. You have my permission.
At the start of any session, I give a little talk, and I always give families permission to move. When we think of photographs, a lot of time it is everyone standing looking at the camera. Being static like that does not make the photographs feel alive or give it personality. Caressing your baby’s head or leaning over to give your partner a kiss give the photographs life. These micro movements, as I call them, will make the photographs feel more like you.
3. Wear something you feel comfortable in.
This is a must. I always say that if you feel awkward in your clothes, you will look awkward. If you love your clothes you will feel and look beautiful. If you are self-conscious about your belly after birth, wear something loose fitting. If you don’t want your cleavage to show, think about a shirt or dress with a higher neck line.
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4. Hold the baby in a way that is comfortable for you.
I’m always asking parents how they hold the baby – right arm, left arm, on their shoulder, etc. I think this really important. Sometimes I’ll have a pose in mind and I can tell right away if it isn’t going to work. To adjust, I’ll just have the parent hold the newborn in a way that is more natural to them and the everything falls into place.
5.Don’t look at me. Seriously, don’t.
There is plenty of time to get the image of everyone looking at the camera but if you want images the show the love and awe of this incredible moment in your life, look at the people that made it happen.
Beth Ann is a portrait photographer based in Belmont MA just outside of Boston. She is currently booking Boston NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY, Boston FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY, Boston BABY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS AND SENIOR PORTRAIT SESSIONS IN THE BOSTON AREA.
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