BWLO/photogs: Newborn photo questions

Casperdy

We have a friend who is going to do pics for us.  She is a prof. photog but works more in media/newspaper/etc. than in baby stuff, so we're working together on some advanced research and ideas.

I was thinking we should do the pics when baby is ~7 days old-does that sound about right?  And I assume we want to aim for a time of day when baby is especially sleepy?

Any other tips you have for us?

Also, if anyone has any brilliant ideas for newborn easter photos, please PIP.  It will be right around that time and I'm thinking there has to be something precious that I could get props for without spending too much $$.

heatherkj

Yeah, definitely try to do them within the first week to two weeks of life. You don't really need to do them at any specific time of day, as they essentially sleep all of the time as long as they are fed and full!

Plan to have a space heater on hand if you want to do diaper/naked pics, it keeps them nice and cozy and comfortable. 

ChelseyMiller

We did them at exactly 7 days out and I felt that it was perfect. You don't want them too soon when things are still crazy and new, plus I was glad the belly button had already fallen off.

Newborns that age are usually always somewhat sleepy and it's hard to plan since they are still very unpredictable. I'd say just make sure she knows she's going to be there for a good amount of time in case baby is wanting to fuss or nurse or whatever.

One tip I'd say is if you are doing the naked photos, make sure there is a protective liner or something underneath, Jackson did end up peeing during those. I would have had pee all over my carpet if I hadn't placed one of those waterproof crib sheets underneath of him.

trickeytricky

Yes, try to keep it where LO is 7 days or younger, they loose so much of their "newborness" after that first week. Zac was exactly 7 days old in his pictures, and minor, but it makes it nice to remember "he was 1 week old in those pictures."

The baby will sleep so much that first week, any time of day will be fine.

ColleenS629

I was going to recommend the space heater too. Our photographer wasn't able to get us in until they were 3w4d, which was 2 days after their EDD. Since they were older, it was harder to get them to sleep through all the poses and we didn't get several of the poses I wanted to get. I think it's definitely better that you are trying to do it early. Our photographer recommends doing them during the first 10 days of life. 

cmc714

Ditto the space heater and a white noise machine is good too. I have some tips pinned on my photography board on pinterest. 

alliapistor

This in blue would be adorable:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/93710275/crochet-easter-bunny-set-baby-photo-prop?ref=sr_gallery_11&sref=&ga_search_query=baby+easter+prop&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

Or this:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90208756/baby-bunny-hat-newborn-photo-prop-easter?ref=sr_gallery_12&sref=&ga_search_query=baby+easter+prop&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

Just go on etsy and type in baby easter prop and there are a ton of cute ideas!

EmmaBrooke

I agree with pp's.  The basics, I think, are:  white noise machine, space heater, waterproof/washable liners & blankets (if posing on a beanbag, boppy, bed, etc.), patience, SAFETY, and be prepared to take breaks for feeding and soothing.  Patience is key.

Basic link for technical info:  http://www.digital-photography-school.com/newborn-photography-tips-for-beginners
Safety:  http://www.shootbaby.com.au/safety.html

As far a probs, Etsy is full of them.  I love this one:

Rangergal9

We went to our wedding photographer for NB pics of the twins.  He wanted them sleepy, but my girls had other plans and were WIDE AWAKE the entire time!!!  So we don't have any really cute pics of them being molded into positions.  He told us to have them done under or around a week old.  We had them done exactly a week after they were born. 

For Easter you could always put colored eggs around the baby in a basket (I didn't read all the replies so maybe this has already been suggested).  Or I am sure you could find a cute little bunny suit for the baby.  Or maybe a cute puff to stick on the baby's bum with some bunny ears. 

Casperdy

Thanks girls!  This thread is super helpful.

We have a space heater, so I will get that out.  Definitely going to remember the waterproof pad!  

We'll try to aim for that 7 day mark.  We don't need a lot of pictures, so hopefully we can get the few that I want.

I haven't looked on Etsy in ages, so will definitely check it out. Sometimes I forget about it-too much time on Pinterest I think! Love the bunny ears!

 

Loveofjoe11

OMG, I love those crochet outfits!  You could also get an easter basket and lamb.

MrsKatieK

For the white noise, there is a free app that our photog used. She just turned it up full blast and put it next to him, along with the space heater, while she positioned him. It was great! Now I use it in his room for when he goes to bed.

Along with the waterproof pad, keep wipes nearby so that any urps, messes, etc are cleaned up quickly without disturbing the baby too much.