Due to the Coronavirus, so many things have been paused, rescheduled, or completely cancelled. That includes photography sessions, and for good reason. Some sessions are really easy to push back on the calendar, like a family session or new headshots, but babies do not wait for anyone. Pandemic or no pandemic they come when they are ready.
Last week I was suppose to shoot a fresh 48 and a newborn session, and I have more moms due very soon. Now depending on how things unfold, the newborn sessions might be a rescheduled since I shoot in-home sessions where the baby can be up to eight weeks old, but those first few hours after delivery however cannot be rescheduled. (The twins in this post were seven weeks old.)
When the mom messaged me that the baby was here and they were well, I sent her a few suggestions to help get some pictures while they are in the hospital. Hopefully this helps lots of families welcoming new babies into this world. These tips will apply to any birthing location.
Turn off all the lights
I mentioned this in “How to Take Better Pictures at Home.” You don’t want the natural light and the artificial light competing. The hospital lights can cast weird colors making your pictures seem orange.
Take the pictures during the day
You want to make sure there is plenty of window light. Between 10 and 2 is usually a good range. The sun should be high enough that if your window is facing the sun during a certain part of the day, it won’t be shining too hard in the room. You just had a baby, so take your time. You don’t have to take all the pictures at once.
Get close to the window
If you had the baby in the hospital, roll that little bassinet over to the window. Maybe ask your nurse to help swaddle the baby when you’re ready to take some pictures of the baby. Position the baby with the light falling right on their little face. The idea is not direct light from the sun (which is why I mentioned the time of day above). If you are at home open the blinds in your room or nursery. Again, you want the light falling on the baby.
change your perspective
Shoot from above, the side, the whole room, or the details. This will give you some variety. I realize that I’m providing tips to help moms who have just delivered a baby. Take your time. Do not push yourself physically. If you have family or friends with you ask for their help. (Get some pictures with you and the baby, too. Trust me, it’s worth it.)
Details
Speaking of details. Capture them. Especially things that are only there once. Like hospital bracelets, and belly button stubs, but also their fingers, toes, and wrinkly skin. They change so much in those first few days or weeks.
Those first days and weeks of life are a whirlwind. Everyone is still getting to know each other, Mom is recovering, the baby is being monitored and examined from head to toe by everyone. This time can be exhausting, emotional, and raw! Ideally, a professional photography would be able to document those details, emotions, and connections. Unfortunately, it’s not always in the cards (like during a pandemic), but I truly think they should be captured in some way. Time is fleeting. Especially during those first few weeks of life. I hope you found this helpful.