The Skills Required For Baby & Newborn Photography
We’ve been photographing weddings for years and going by our client feedback, we like to think that we’re pretty good at it!
One thing that we’re not so great at though is baby or newborn photography, which is a shame as it’s often a natural progression for couples after a wedding and we get lots of enquiries for it.
Fortunately we are able to pass these onto some colleagues who love this field of photography so if you’re looking for newborn photography sydney then we’ll be able to hook you up, with the guarantee of great baby photos.
Being a newborn photographer requires a specific skill set and a deep understanding of infant behaviour and safety. Capturing those precious moments of a baby’s early days is not only a beautiful art form but also requires patience, creativity, and the ability to connect with both the infant and their family. In this article, we will explore the qualities needed to be a successful newborn photographer.
- Passion for newborns:
To be a successful newborn photographer, one must have a genuine love and passion for working with infants. This love will translate into patience and a willingness to go the extra mile to capture the perfect shot. A photographer who genuinely enjoys interacting with and photographing babies is more likely to create emotive and heartwarming images that their clients will cherish for a lifetime.
- Patience and flexibility:
Newborn photography sessions can be lengthy and unpredictable. Babies can be restless, fussy, or need to be fed or changed frequently. A successful newborn photographer will have the ability to remain calm and patient throughout the entire process, adapting to the baby’s needs. Flexibility is key in these sessions, as they require working around the baby’s schedule and mood, allowing for breaks when necessary.
- Safety first:
One of the most crucial qualities of a successful newborn photographer is a commitment to safety. Photographing newborns requires a high level of vigilance and knowledge of safe posing techniques to ensure the infant’s well-being. A professional newborn photographer will be certified in safe newborn practices, taking special precautions to create a safe environment for the baby during the session. They will also possess the necessary skills to create composite images when needed, ensuring that the infant is never placed in a potentially harmful position.
- Strong observational skills:
Babies cannot take direction or pose themselves, so a successful newborn photographer must have strong observational skills to capture the perfect shot. They will pay attention to the tiniest details, the way the baby naturally moves and interacts, and anticipate the mixture of emotions that newborns often display – from peaceful sleeping moments to wide-eyed curiosity. By keenly observing the baby, the photographer can capture those authentic and candid moments that truly reflect the baby’s personality.
- Creativity and attention to detail:
Newborn photography is an art that requires creativity and artistic vision. While there are popular poses and props commonly seen in newborn photography, a successful photographer will have the ability to create unique and visually stunning images that stand out from the rest. They will pay attention to every detail, from selecting the right props and backgrounds to capturing the perfect lighting, ensuring that each photograph is a work of art.
- Strong interpersonal skills:
Working with newborns means working closely with their families. A successful newborn photographer must have strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with parents, reassure them about the safety of their infant, and create a comfortable and welcoming environment. The photographer should be able to connect with the family, build trust, and understand their visions and desires for the photoshoot.
- Business and marketing acumen:
To be a successful newborn photographer, one must not only have the technical and artistic skills but also possess business and marketing strategies. This includes setting fair prices, managing bookings and appointments, creating contracts, and effectively marketing their services. A successful newborn photographer should have a strong online presence and a well-designed website to showcase their work, as well as develop relationships with local businesses that cater to infants and families.
In conclusion, being a successful newborn photographer requires a unique set of qualities. Passion, patience, observational skills, creativity, a commitment to safety, interpersonal skills, and business and marketing acumen all contribute to the ability to capture beautiful and meaningful images of newborns.
It is the combination of these qualities that will set a newborn photographer apart, allowing them to create timeless photos that families will cherish for generations to come.
As wedding photographers, we’re a little envious of the baby wrangling skills and resulting photos at Looky Looky – they’re stunning!
