Newborn Photography: DIY Guide - Quarantine Edition 2021 by Jessica Esplin Photography

DIY Newborn Photos Quick Guide

for the clients of

LIGHT Where is the light?

Where is the most natural light in your home? Any large windows or glass patio doors? Open all of your blinds and curtains and turn off any electric lights in the room to evaluate the light in the next step.

When is the light the best?

We want light that is soft (meaning no hard shadows).

After you’ve found your perfect window watch for the light to change throughout the day. We are looking for the time when the harsh sun is not shining directly into that window.

Does the light need a filter? If it is hard to find a time when the sun isn’t shining directly into your window we can filter the light to make it softer. Use a thin piece of white fabric (like a sheer curtain or chiffon), or even a frosted shower curtain to filter the light. Clouds can also work as a natural filter so check the weather forecast.

1

Need New Parent Advice? jessicaesplinphoto.com

LIGHT ANGLE Lighting direction:

The best light should come from top of the face ideally between about a 135 degree angle (half way between perpendicular and parallel) down to a 90 angle (parallel).

WRAP The ideal fabric to use as a wrap is made with a two way stretch material and is about 12-18 inches by 1-2 yards long. Large thin swaddling blankets or even wide fabric scarves can also work.

It can work well to start with a plain stretchy wrap or even a swaddler sack as the base wrap layer to keep the baby contained then wrap another more beautiful layer (even a smaller piece of decorative fabric) on top.

Wrapping demos link here

Follow me @jesplinphoto

2

BASE Foundation

Use a nursing pillow or a rolled towel to make a posing base; Place 1-2 blankets completely over this base to make the area more smooth. We want the baby to rest on this soft base so that baby's head will be higher than their body but we also want their body to stay secure and to not roll around. For the towel base the baby's head rests on the towel and the body is nestled inside the wreath.

For darker photos As the top layer use a plain brown or black layer of fabric that smooths easily, is non-reflective and without patterns, designs or other distracting textures. Fabrics that can work are: fleece, velvet, lycra, or wool. Cotton is less ideal but may be used.

For lighter photos As the top layer use a plain white or cream colored layer of fabric with the same fabric attributes listed above. If you have a fur fabric that has at least a 1 inch pile that can work very well too.

3

See Examples: jessicaesplinphoto.com

POSE & PHOTOGRAPH

Place your wrapped baby in the center of your posing base.

Make sure your baby’s head is higher than their bottom.

Place a small pillow, a rolled cloth/towel to help lift the head if needed.

Make sure their neck is fully supported.

The chin should tuck slightly toward their body, but be very careful not to obstruct the baby's airway. And be sure that the wrap isn't covering any part of the face; tuck any extra under the chin so we can see the whole face.

Take the photo directly above the baby’s forehead aiming down their body.

Try to avoid seeing the inside of the nostrils if possible.

Focus the camera carefully on the eyes and face.

Move slowly and deliberately to ensure you take a sharp photo.

Pay attention to what is or isn't in the shot; we want to see the baby's full body from head to the bottom of the wrap.

Keep it simple (and don’t drop your camera!!).

Keys to Success: Sleepy/Fed baby Warm room Pacifier White noise Patience!

Questions? jessicaesplinphoto@gmail.com

4