How to Photograph Babies

I will start by saying taking pictures during play time may be the easiest trick I have in my baby photography belt. If you are trying to get a 9 month old baby to stop and smile you are going to go crazy, as you can only imagine that will not work. When you see pictures where the baby is sitting in a chair in a Sears Portrait Center I bet you have the same reaction that I have….

The picture is very boring with no emotion. I know I say this over and over but good pictures show emotion. If you are looking at a set of pictures I bet you are not going to keep the flat picture where your new baby is just staring into the camera. I am willing to bet you are going to keep the one where he/she is showing a silly face or smile. So back to my point if you are wanting emotions to show, capture your baby during playtime, not in a stale photography studio.

So my objective is to show enjoyment so when I am taking pictures of babies I always do it during play time. I try to actually not interact at all, have somebody help you (mom or dad) I feel by just observing I can spend my time taking pictures and not worrying about what he/she is doing.

Camera Angle

Your camera angle is very important for all photography but I feel like its very important with baby pictures. I am sure we all have baby pictures where the camera was at the photographers hight looking down at the baby. I am not saying these are bad but for good images you need to get down on the level of your baby. Baby photography is a little harder on your knees because when I am taking baby pictures I spend the hole time laying/kneeling on the floor. In the below image I was actually laying in the dirt so I could have the camera in the grass, as I know it creates a cool look. This tip is easy just remember to get down on the floor.

My new Canon EOS 550D

Yes, I finally bought it. Yes I’m super excited about it! And yes I’m so proud of it! Can’t believe that I’m saying this, but I wanted this camera more than a brand new shiny pair of heels. This is how determined I was to buy it! My best (male) friend was shocked to hear this.

I know I have to learn how to use it properly, so I can take advantage of all “her” features, but at least I know that from now on, the quality of my pictures will be much much better.

Here’s my new love.