Photographer’s tips on how to take professional newborn pictures at home

A photographer’s heart broke when she had to cancel all her bookings because of pandemic restrictions, so she decided to help new parents in any way she could.

Baby Easton having a stretch. Picture: Bee Cherished Photography

A PHOTOGRAPHER of newborns was heartbroken when she had to cancel all her bookings with new parents - until she decided to help them capture those precious moments any way she could.

Bee Cherished Photography owner Tracy Martindale normally photographs two to three newborns a week, as well as taking intimate maternity pictures, at her Caboolture studio.

She had to cancel all her bookings when the pandemic restrictions were announced at the end of March, so she wrote a how-to guide on photographing newborns offered to edit one photo.

“My heart just broke for all those mums,” she said.

“I felt so sad for them, whether it was a first pregnancy, or a rainbow baby, or maybe they’ve been waiting for the photos since they found out they were having a baby.

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“Ten years ago, newborn and maternity photography wasn’t really a thing but now for however many months there’ll be mums who’ve missed out on having these intimate maternity photos and newborn photos and I just wanted to help in any way I could.”

Baby Easton having a stretch. Picture: Bee Cherished Photography

The window to capture “those curly newborn photos” was within their first two weeks, so she decided to help new parents.

“I think it’s really disappointing when you’ve just had a baby and you want to capture every precious detail and moment, and they change so quickly,” she said.

“I don’t want them to feel like they’re missing out.

“Even if they’re taking pictures on their phone, I can tweak and edit them.”

She said she was looking forward to seeing all the families and taking photos of their babies when they were a little older, and she was taking a list for new bookings.

Ms Martindale said the pandemic had been tough on new parents, especially with first babies, because they had been cut off from wider support networks.

“One of the clients who I helped take photos at home herself, she’s a single mum on her own and hasn’t been able to have any visitors.

Tracy Martindale, from Bee Cherished Photography, is helping new parents capture photos of the first weeks of their babies lives. Picture: Bee Cherished Photography

“Women who are pregnant, for the first time especially, they have enough to worry about and the unknown without a pandemic.

“They’re not allowed to have grandparents see their great-grandchildren, and it’s particularly stressful for new mums, it’s nice to have that extra support.

“And their hospital visits have been a bit different as well, some of the husbands haven’t been able to go in with them during their scans.”

HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR NEWBORN BABY WITH YOUR PHONE

FIRST, A NOTE ON SAFETY:

Ms Martindale said to keep all poses simple and limit photography props.

She said some professional photos might look like a baby was being held up in a fabric sling, for example, but those were composite photos created with photoshop.

“The baby is on a beanbag,” she said.

“Keep the posing nice and simple and the babies are in natural poses, so they’re not restricting any breathing, and making the baby uncomfortable.”

1. YOU CAN USE A SMARTPHONE

A lovely photo capturing the little details. Picture: Bee Cherished Photography

Ms Martindale says people could “definitely” take nice photos on a phone. “Most people will use their phone even if they have a camera. Whatever you’ve got with you is the best camera you can have rather than missing out on that moment,” she said.

2. FIND SOME BEAUTIFUL LIGHT

Baby Oswin having a snooze. Picture: Bee Cherished Photography

She said taking photos in places like beside a window with lots of natural light, rather than being in a dark room, would make a big difference.

3. KEEP THE POSES SIMPLE

Baby Harry in a very natural pose, with a small prop. Picture: Bee Cherished Photography

Lay the baby down on something plain and neutral, take some nice close-ups. Don’t move baby too much and keep it simple. You can use a sheet as a backdrop or pillows and towels to prop baby up safely. She said it would help to keep the room comfortably warm and make soothing noises.

4. DON’T PUT TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON YOURSELF

Baby Easton having a big yawn. Picture: Bee Cherished Photography

Take the little moments when baby is asleep or other windows to take a couple of photos, and take one or two more later when there is another chance.

5. CAPTURE THE LITTLE DETAILS

Tracy Martindale has reminded new parents not to forget the little details, like tiny hands and feet, when taking photos of their new babies. Picture: Bee Cherished Photography

Snap those tiny newborn baby hands and feet and take close-ups with their faces.

6. FAMILY IS EVERYTHING

Baby Harry with his big sister, Lia, Picture: Bee Cherished Photography

If they’ve got siblings, take some photos with them together, and make sure you take photos of yourselves with the baby. “Even if it’s a selfie with the three of them. When the baby gets older, it’s important to see their parent with them as a newborn,” Ms Martindale said.

For more tips on how to take newborn photos at home, visit her blog.