Photographing Your Newborn at Home- Photography Tutorial
/At-Home Newborn Photography Tutorial with Jessi Ruscher Photography
Hi there! I hope you all are staying healthy and enjoying your time snuggling with your new baby! With the social distancing measures in place, I know a lot of new parent’s are very disappointed about missing out on their professional newborn photography sessions. I am hoping this video tutorial will provide you with a few tips to help you take better photos of your baby in the safety of your own home!
Getting started: Make sure baby has been fed and changed before starting the photo session. During the photo session, keep baby warm and swaddled. A small space heater can help keep the space a comfortable temperature. A sound machine may also be soothing to your little one.
Camera: Use what you have! I am hoping these tips will help you get beautiful shots with a camera or phone.
Wrap: I primarily use “stretch wraps” they are made from jersey fabric. I have purchased many stretch wraps from Etsy. My favorite vendor currently is Itsy Bitsy Blooms. However, if purchasing a wrap online is not an option, any kind of swaddle blanket can work. If you using a swaddle I would recommend and solid color rather than busy pattern. In the video I will you show you a basic wrapping technique, using a stretch wrap.
Props: For this tutorial, you will just need a Boppy or feeding pillow and a blanket of your choice. If you do not have a feeding pillow you could roll up a blanket and use that under the blanket to position the baby.
Setting up the shot: Knit blankets, fur throws, and popcorn blankets are good options for layering. Personally, I love when clients bring handmade knit blankets to incorporate into their baby’s session. They photograph beautifully and always come with sentimental value. However, any soft blanket will work!
Lighting: I would recommend window light if possible. Indoor lighting typically isn’t best for portraits but use what your have! Reference the video for more in depth lighting instruction.
Angle: Stand above baby. Getting a higher angle will give you a more flattering shot. Always focus your camera/phone on the baby’s eyes.
Keeping your baby safe and comfortable should always be the number one priority. If your baby isn’t cooperating, take a break, and try again later. Photographing your baby should be a fun experience, not a stressful one!
Please reach out to me if you have additional questions. I would love to help coach YOU through capturing memories of your own baby in the safety and comfort of your own home!
Stay home, stay safe! We are all in this together!
This photo was taken with my iphone 8 in portrait mode using natural light.
