What it takes to be a great newborn photographer
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Being a newborn photographer is an incredibly rewarding job.
The things I love most about being a newborn photographer in Milton Keynes are meeting families, creating images they will treasure and the baby cuddles - let’s not forget the baby cuddles!
But being a newborn photographer does require a unique set of skills for me to be successful.
From understanding newborn safety concerns to mastering editing techniques, here are some of the skills I’ve had to acquire, learn or perfect to become one of Milton Keynes’ leading newborn and baby photographers.
Newborn Safety
It’s vital your newborn photographer understands the importance of safety. This includes being able to pose your baby properly and how to handle delicate newborns to ensure their comfort and safety. Even using props requires knowledge and awareness.
A baby should be ‘spotted’ at all times, which means you can both see them and they are within reach. All props should be checked for cracks or sharp edges before every use. The room should be at a good temperature at all times, specially when working with naked babies.
This is just the tip of the iceburg when it comes to safety. There’s a lot to learn and it’s the most important part.
People skills
Working with newborns requires a lot of patience and attention. Add this to the fact I work closely with new parents who might be feeling fragile or emotional - those hormones run wild in the first week or two! A great newborn photographer is sensitive to this and completely led by baby.
I always tell parents if they want their baby back for a hug at any time, or hear a cry and recognise it as hunger, we stop and do whatever you and your baby need.
Technical Photography Skills
I need to have great technical skills with my camera for sure - but understanding lighting, composition, and exposure are also all vital to be skilled in newborn portraiture.
I started to learn these things all the way back when I started photography as a hobby (over 20 years ago!) and in the many years since have done lots of in person and online training to make sure my technical skills stay up to scratch.
Did you know there are big trade shows and conferences about newborn photography? They’re full of workshops, talks and of course shopping for new props…
Editing skills
In addition to taking great photos, a good newborn photographer should also be skilled in post-processing techniques to enhance and refine the images. This includes the ability to remove temporary blemishes caused by nappies or clothing, correct colors, and retouch photos. Being a great editor won’t make terrible portraits brilliant but it can make brilliant portraits beautiful.
A baby’s skin goes through so much after they’re born and I often photograph newborns with lots of dry skin and baby acne. I always ask parents whether they want me to leave it, reduce it a little or remove it completely. It’s completely up to you.
Confidence with newborns
Newborns require a special kind of care and attention, and a good newborn photographer should have confidence and experience with newborns. Being able to keep your newborn comfortable and calm means everybody has a wonderful experience in my studio.
Hardly a shoot goes by without a parent telling me how much of a natural I am with babies. When you’ve been a newborn photographer as many years as me you definitely pick up a few tricks!
Creativity and flexibility
This is often the difference between an average newborn photographer and a great one. Great newborn photographers should be able to think creatively and come up with unique ideas for each photoshoot. They should also be flexible and able to adjust to changing circumstances during the shoot, such as a fussy baby or changing lighting conditions.
I use quite natural tones in my newborn photo shoots but like to add little pops of colour as well. I’ll also happily include anything that a parent brings with them to their photo shoot.
Professionalism
I take pride in my professionalism. I’m reliable, will always answer your emails as quickly as I can. There is nothing more annoying than trying to contact a company and they either never get back to you or disappear after a few emails.
From the moment you get in touch to the day you download your images (and even after that) I am always at the other end of an email to answer any questions.
