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PaulS95190

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I searched on baby and newborn and not one hit!

I have a son due to be born any moment now and want to take some pictures once he starts looking human ;-) (There won't be any pictures of the delivery..).

I have a D60, 550ex (w/optional lumiquest mini softbox), 420ex on lightstand with photoflex 45" umbrella.

I plan to get a couple sheets of white foamcore today and want to take some "all white" background shots. I was wondering if the 4-5' from background still applies for a baby? I guess I may need several sheets of foamcore to set this up properly? or perhaps just use a sheet with foamcore to the sides?

Anyone have any other newborn baby tips for backgrounds/lighting?

Thanks,
Paul.
 
Here's a quick shot I took for the director of the acting school that gives me alot of business! She brought her newborn up for a rehearsal that I was shooting. She held the baby in her arms, I bounced one light up to the ceiling. I shot pretty wide open to throw the background out. I wanted the eyes to be the focus. Quick and simple!

Nikon D1X
24-85 @ 50mm
f4
ISO 125


PaulS said:
I searched on baby and newborn and not one hit!

I have a son due to be born any moment now and want to take some
pictures once he starts looking human ;-) (There won't be any
pictures of the delivery..).

I have a D60, 550ex (w/optional lumiquest mini softbox), 420ex on
lightstand with photoflex 45" umbrella.

I plan to get a couple sheets of white foamcore today and want to
take some "all white" background shots. I was wondering if the
4-5' from background still applies for a baby? I guess I may need
several sheets of foamcore to set this up properly? or perhaps
just use a sheet with foamcore to the sides?

Anyone have any other newborn baby tips for backgrounds/lighting?

Thanks,
Paul.
Click to expand...
 
PaulS said:
I searched on baby and newborn and not one hit!

I have a son due to be born any moment now and want to take some
pictures once he starts looking human ;-) (There won't be any
pictures of the delivery..).

I have a D60, 550ex (w/optional lumiquest mini softbox), 420ex on
lightstand with photoflex 45" umbrella.

I plan to get a couple sheets of white foamcore today and want to
take some "all white" background shots. I was wondering if the
4-5' from background still applies for a baby? I guess I may need
several sheets of foamcore to set this up properly? or perhaps
just use a sheet with foamcore to the sides?

Anyone have any other newborn baby tips for backgrounds/lighting?

Thanks,
Paul.
Click to expand...
--

Compositionally (is that a real word?) this is not your standard portrait, as the newborn cannot hold it's head up. You may consider taking mostly photos shooting straight down at the baby with newborn on it's back..perhaps posed with flower or some other prop...soften the edges with a vignette. Also, put newborn on it's stomach with head to the side and do closups of the face. As Steve did, have someone hold the newborn up at the camera and do closeups (closer than Steve's even) of the face....soften again with vignette.

You can also do bit of more environmental stuff...pull back and do one of newborn on stomach on a basinette or some other posing helper.

The background may not be so important or may not even be used in most of these...

Jim DeLuco
DeLuco Photography
http://www.delucophoto.com
 
I've shot babies recently - here are the shots I have posted -- I'll be happy to answer any questions you have regarding any of them.

Newborn to 2+ weeks old
http://www.pbase.com/lisaneal/rachel

2 1/2 months old
http://www.pbase.com/lisaneal/bayli

There are some shots in the 2nd gallery that you could do with a newborn as well.

For ideas on composition, visit http://ilovephotography.com . Click on "visitors links" to find links to photog galleries. There are some great photos posted there!

Good luck and congratulations!!!

PS -- Don't forget to take your camera into the delivery room -- not to photograph the delivery but to take photos of the baby being weighed (zoom in on the scale), the clock that shows the time the baby is born, the doctor holding the baby, etc. Those are great shots that your wife will appreciate and cannot be reproduced at any other moment later.
PaulS said:
I searched on baby and newborn and not one hit!

I have a son due to be born any moment now and want to take some
pictures once he starts looking human ;-) (There won't be any
pictures of the delivery..).

I have a D60, 550ex (w/optional lumiquest mini softbox), 420ex on
lightstand with photoflex 45" umbrella.

I plan to get a couple sheets of white foamcore today and want to
take some "all white" background shots. I was wondering if the
4-5' from background still applies for a baby? I guess I may need
several sheets of foamcore to set this up properly? or perhaps
just use a sheet with foamcore to the sides?

Anyone have any other newborn baby tips for backgrounds/lighting?

Thanks,
Paul.
Click to expand...
--
Lisa

D60, 28-70/2.8L, 420EX, BreezeBrowser, PS 7, and a wish list bigger than a 5 yr olds Christmas list
 
how's this for "newborn". about 3 minutes new. born july 15th, 2002. the only tip i have is TAKE LOTS so you are not forced to keep the bad one's. i know that this photo can be ripped apart for many technical reasons, but when your wife just popped out a baby i was more concerned with my wife and baby than i was about pictures so i guess i ended up with a bunch of snapshot's. but i am happy with that.

p.s. after having a baby i would like to apologize to my mother for way to many reason's than i could ever type. and apologies to my wife as i now know who wear's the "pant's" in the family.


PaulS said:
I searched on baby and newborn and not one hit!

I have a son due to be born any moment now and want to take some
pictures once he starts looking human ;-) (There won't be any
pictures of the delivery..).

I have a D60, 550ex (w/optional lumiquest mini softbox), 420ex on
lightstand with photoflex 45" umbrella.

I plan to get a couple sheets of white foamcore today and want to
take some "all white" background shots. I was wondering if the
4-5' from background still applies for a baby? I guess I may need
several sheets of foamcore to set this up properly? or perhaps
just use a sheet with foamcore to the sides?

Anyone have any other newborn baby tips for backgrounds/lighting?

Thanks,
Paul.
Click to expand...
 
1) Did you use normal flash, omnibounce? Have you tried no flash?

I have both the omnibounce and the lumiquest softbox for my 550ex and will probably just use the lumiquest at the hospital.

2) Did you use black velvet for the black background? Being the baby has to lay down you can't really play with light fall-off to achieve black. I will probably go with white or use some of the light blue blankets we've been given....

You have some great pictures, thanks for sharing... I've been taking pictures of a 6-month old niece and the poor thing just about cries every time she sees me.....But at least I have some practice already....

With family and friends scattered around I'll be expected to take lots of photos and post them for all to see....

Paul.
Lisa Neal said:
Newborn to 2+ weeks old
http://www.pbase.com/lisaneal/rachel

2 1/2 months old
http://www.pbase.com/lisaneal/bayli

There are some shots in the 2nd gallery that you could do with a
newborn as well.

For ideas on composition, visit http://ilovephotography.com . Click
on "visitors links" to find links to photog galleries. There are
some great photos posted there!

Good luck and congratulations!!!

PS -- Don't forget to take your camera into the delivery room --
not to photograph the delivery but to take photos of the baby being
weighed (zoom in on the scale), the clock that shows the time the
baby is born, the doctor holding the baby, etc. Those are great
shots that your wife will appreciate and cannot be reproduced at
any other moment later.
PaulS said:
I searched on baby and newborn and not one hit!

I have a son due to be born any moment now and want to take some
pictures once he starts looking human ;-) (There won't be any
pictures of the delivery..).

I have a D60, 550ex (w/optional lumiquest mini softbox), 420ex on
lightstand with photoflex 45" umbrella.

I plan to get a couple sheets of white foamcore today and want to
take some "all white" background shots. I was wondering if the
4-5' from background still applies for a baby? I guess I may need
several sheets of foamcore to set this up properly? or perhaps
just use a sheet with foamcore to the sides?

Anyone have any other newborn baby tips for backgrounds/lighting?

Thanks,
Paul.
Click to expand...
--
Lisa
D60, 28-70/2.8L, 420EX, BreezeBrowser, PS 7, and a wish list bigger
than a 5 yr olds Christmas list
Click to expand...
 
I have a stroboframe quickflip 350, 420EX and Lumiquest ProMax. The photos of Rachel from day one & two don't include the promax though. I did bounce the flash on photos that I didn't use the promax.

The backgrounds are really inexpensive and will go a long way with photographing your young one. I bought both of the two that I use at JoAnn's Crafts with a 40% off coupon. Hobby Lobby has the velour and velveteen cheaper though if I remember correctly. Pick up a yard or two of inexpensive tulle as well.

White and dark sheets do wonders as well. The key is to keep the background from being too busy when not using a backdrop.

The photos of Rachel on the black were taken on her mom's bed (no leaning over or stooping on the floor!) with my daughter holding the black velour behind her.

I'd have to say that the black velour was the best investment for infant photography I've made. I'm planning on purchasing a plain black muslin soon. My second choice will be white muslin.

Most of the family lives far from my sister (out of state) -- everyone was grateful to have online photos posted of the baby within hours of the delivery.

Looking forward to seeing photos of your little one soon!
PaulS said:
1) Did you use normal flash, omnibounce? Have you tried no flash?

I have both the omnibounce and the lumiquest softbox for my 550ex
and will probably just use the lumiquest at the hospital.

2) Did you use black velvet for the black background? Being the
baby has to lay down you can't really play with light fall-off to
achieve black. I will probably go with white or use some of the
light blue blankets we've been given....

You have some great pictures, thanks for sharing... I've been
taking pictures of a 6-month old niece and the poor thing just
about cries every time she sees me.....But at least I have some
practice already....

With family and friends scattered around I'll be expected to take
lots of photos and post them for all to see....

Paul.
Click to expand...
--
Lisa

D60, 28-70/2.8L, 420EX, BreezeBrowser, PS 7, and a wish list bigger than a 5 yr olds Christmas list
 
Looks pretty darned good to me! My brother-in-law was so nervous about taking photos during delivery, feeling super pressured by my sister to get great shots. The morning the baby was born, my sister told her hubby to relax and do the best he could and not to worry. I was so excited when I picked up the delivery room photos (35 mm) for them . . . they were excellent photos, not a single photo out of focus. Looks like you did a great job too!
Congratulations dad, mom and new addition!
joe dirt said:
p.s. after having a baby i would like to apologize to my mother for
way to many reason's than i could ever type. and apologies to my
wife as i now know who wear's the "pant's" in the family.


PaulS said:
I searched on baby and newborn and not one hit!

I have a son due to be born any moment now and want to take some
pictures once he starts looking human ;-) (There won't be any
pictures of the delivery..).

I have a D60, 550ex (w/optional lumiquest mini softbox), 420ex on
lightstand with photoflex 45" umbrella.

I plan to get a couple sheets of white foamcore today and want to
take some "all white" background shots. I was wondering if the
4-5' from background still applies for a baby? I guess I may need
several sheets of foamcore to set this up properly? or perhaps
just use a sheet with foamcore to the sides?

Anyone have any other newborn baby tips for backgrounds/lighting?

Thanks,
Paul.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Lisa

D60, 28-70/2.8L, 420EX, BreezeBrowser, PS 7, and a wish list bigger than a 5 yr olds Christmas list
 
thank you.
Lisa Neal said:
joe dirt said:
p.s. after having a baby i would like to apologize to my mother for
way to many reason's than i could ever type. and apologies to my
wife as i now know who wear's the "pant's" in the family.


PaulS said:
I searched on baby and newborn and not one hit!

I have a son due to be born any moment now and want to take some
pictures once he starts looking human ;-) (There won't be any
pictures of the delivery..).

I have a D60, 550ex (w/optional lumiquest mini softbox), 420ex on
lightstand with photoflex 45" umbrella.

I plan to get a couple sheets of white foamcore today and want to
take some "all white" background shots. I was wondering if the
4-5' from background still applies for a baby? I guess I may need
several sheets of foamcore to set this up properly? or perhaps
just use a sheet with foamcore to the sides?

Anyone have any other newborn baby tips for backgrounds/lighting?

Thanks,
Paul.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Lisa
D60, 28-70/2.8L, 420EX, BreezeBrowser, PS 7, and a wish list bigger
than a 5 yr olds Christmas list
Click to expand...
 
As Joe said, take LOTS of photos right away. Due to a couple of complications, he was not able to take many photos right after the birth. Now they wish he had been able to.

Take lots and lots. that way you can choose your favorites.

David
 
I am featuring maternity and newborn for my studio. my web page is a work in progress and at this point I have only itro pages to each catagory.
I have framed up white ripstop nylon using pvc pipe. to shoot my light through.
I've been using black backgrounds rather than white.
here is a link to the maternity & newborn section of my web page.
more will be on my site soon.
Matt
http://hauschildts.com/maternity.cfm?iCategoryID=3
 
Matt Hauschildt said:
I am featuring maternity and newborn for my studio. my web page is
a work in progress and at this point I have only itro pages to each
catagory.
I have framed up white ripstop nylon using pvc pipe. to shoot my
light through.
I've been using black backgrounds rather than white.
here is a link to the maternity & newborn section of my web page.
more will be on my site soon.
Matt
http://hauschildts.com/maternity.cfm?iCategoryID=3
Click to expand...
by the way this "newborn was 9 days old.

The mother in the maternity shot is due in a couple weeks. so we will have that newborn up soon too.
 
Thanks for all the info...

I have a little one on the way too (due in the begining of January), and I've been wondering if it would be OK to use flash on the newborn during and right after delivery. I just figured that the baby's eyes would be a bit sensitive right after birth. Should I try a fast lens like a Nikon 50mm f/1.8 (on my D100 that would be equavalent to 75mm), and try to avoid using flash?

Thanks,

John
Lisa Neal said:
The backgrounds are really inexpensive and will go a long way with
photographing your young one. I bought both of the two that I use
at JoAnn's Crafts with a 40% off coupon. Hobby Lobby has the
velour and velveteen cheaper though if I remember correctly. Pick
up a yard or two of inexpensive tulle as well.

White and dark sheets do wonders as well. The key is to keep the
background from being too busy when not using a backdrop.

The photos of Rachel on the black were taken on her mom's bed (no
leaning over or stooping on the floor!) with my daughter holding
the black velour behind her.

I'd have to say that the black velour was the best investment for
infant photography I've made. I'm planning on purchasing a plain
black muslin soon. My second choice will be white muslin.

Most of the family lives far from my sister (out of state) --
everyone was grateful to have online photos posted of the baby
within hours of the delivery.

Looking forward to seeing photos of your little one soon!
PaulS said:
1) Did you use normal flash, omnibounce? Have you tried no flash?

I have both the omnibounce and the lumiquest softbox for my 550ex
and will probably just use the lumiquest at the hospital.

2) Did you use black velvet for the black background? Being the
baby has to lay down you can't really play with light fall-off to
achieve black. I will probably go with white or use some of the
light blue blankets we've been given....

You have some great pictures, thanks for sharing... I've been
taking pictures of a 6-month old niece and the poor thing just
about cries every time she sees me.....But at least I have some
practice already....

With family and friends scattered around I'll be expected to take
lots of photos and post them for all to see....

Paul.
Click to expand...
--
Lisa
D60, 28-70/2.8L, 420EX, BreezeBrowser, PS 7, and a wish list bigger
than a 5 yr olds Christmas list
Click to expand...
 
Things are pretty bright during delivery. As long as you aren't too close to the baby I don't think you'd harm him/her. A zoom would probably suffice -- close up photos without being in the middle of things.

I was astounded by the photos that my brother-in-law took. My bil was able to get some really awesome photos. The delivery room nurse even helped them out --- she took their first family portrait. The nurses are usually great about things like that.

Check out ilovephotography.com. You can get all kinds of ideas on newborn poses and composition. Its better than any book of poses that you can find.

Congrats!
J&J said:
Thanks,

John
Lisa Neal said:
The backgrounds are really inexpensive and will go a long way with
photographing your young one. I bought both of the two that I use
at JoAnn's Crafts with a 40% off coupon. Hobby Lobby has the
velour and velveteen cheaper though if I remember correctly. Pick
up a yard or two of inexpensive tulle as well.

White and dark sheets do wonders as well. The key is to keep the
background from being too busy when not using a backdrop.

The photos of Rachel on the black were taken on her mom's bed (no
leaning over or stooping on the floor!) with my daughter holding
the black velour behind her.

I'd have to say that the black velour was the best investment for
infant photography I've made. I'm planning on purchasing a plain
black muslin soon. My second choice will be white muslin.

Most of the family lives far from my sister (out of state) --
everyone was grateful to have online photos posted of the baby
within hours of the delivery.

Looking forward to seeing photos of your little one soon!
PaulS said:
1) Did you use normal flash, omnibounce? Have you tried no flash?

I have both the omnibounce and the lumiquest softbox for my 550ex
and will probably just use the lumiquest at the hospital.

2) Did you use black velvet for the black background? Being the
baby has to lay down you can't really play with light fall-off to
achieve black. I will probably go with white or use some of the
light blue blankets we've been given....

You have some great pictures, thanks for sharing... I've been
taking pictures of a 6-month old niece and the poor thing just
about cries every time she sees me.....But at least I have some
practice already....

With family and friends scattered around I'll be expected to take
lots of photos and post them for all to see....

Paul.
Click to expand...
--
Lisa
D60, 28-70/2.8L, 420EX, BreezeBrowser, PS 7, and a wish list bigger
than a 5 yr olds Christmas list
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Lisa

D60, 28-70/2.8L, 420EX, BreezeBrowser, PS 7, and a wish list bigger than a 5 yr olds Christmas list
 
Lisa,

There are links to some great photos on that site. I guess you're right about the light/flash, I'm sure it is really bright in there already, and a little extra light from a flash wouldn't hurt anything.

Thanks again,

John
Lisa Neal said:
I was astounded by the photos that my brother-in-law took. My bil
was able to get some really awesome photos. The delivery room
nurse even helped them out --- she took their first family
portrait. The nurses are usually great about things like that.

Check out ilovephotography.com. You can get all kinds of ideas on
newborn poses and composition. Its better than any book of poses
that you can find.

Congrats!
J&J said:
Thanks,

John
Lisa Neal said:
The backgrounds are really inexpensive and will go a long way with
photographing your young one. I bought both of the two that I use
at JoAnn's Crafts with a 40% off coupon. Hobby Lobby has the
velour and velveteen cheaper though if I remember correctly. Pick
up a yard or two of inexpensive tulle as well.

White and dark sheets do wonders as well. The key is to keep the
background from being too busy when not using a backdrop.

The photos of Rachel on the black were taken on her mom's bed (no
leaning over or stooping on the floor!) with my daughter holding
the black velour behind her.

I'd have to say that the black velour was the best investment for
infant photography I've made. I'm planning on purchasing a plain
black muslin soon. My second choice will be white muslin.

Most of the family lives far from my sister (out of state) --
everyone was grateful to have online photos posted of the baby
within hours of the delivery.

Looking forward to seeing photos of your little one soon!
PaulS said:
1) Did you use normal flash, omnibounce? Have you tried no flash?

I have both the omnibounce and the lumiquest softbox for my 550ex
and will probably just use the lumiquest at the hospital.

2) Did you use black velvet for the black background? Being the
baby has to lay down you can't really play with light fall-off to
achieve black. I will probably go with white or use some of the
light blue blankets we've been given....

You have some great pictures, thanks for sharing... I've been
taking pictures of a 6-month old niece and the poor thing just
about cries every time she sees me.....But at least I have some
practice already....

With family and friends scattered around I'll be expected to take
lots of photos and post them for all to see....

Paul.
Click to expand...
--
Lisa
D60, 28-70/2.8L, 420EX, BreezeBrowser, PS 7, and a wish list bigger
than a 5 yr olds Christmas list
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Lisa
D60, 28-70/2.8L, 420EX, BreezeBrowser, PS 7, and a wish list bigger
than a 5 yr olds Christmas list
Click to expand...
 
joe dirt said:
p.s. after having a baby i would like to apologize to my mother for
way to many reason's than i could ever type. and apologies to my
wife as i now know who wear's the "pant's" in the family.
Click to expand...
This maybe has nothing to do with photography, but I've been thinking about this a lot.

Thanh
--

o
 
I'm thinking about my mom, my parents....

Thanks Joe

Thanh
Thanh Tran said:
joe dirt said:
p.s. after having a baby i would like to apologize to my mother for
way to many reason's than i could ever type. and apologies to my
wife as i now know who wear's the "pant's" in the family.
Click to expand...
This maybe has nothing to do with photography, but I've been
thinking about this a lot.

Thanh
--

o
Click to expand...
--

o
 
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