Linda Morrow, photographer and owner of Linda Morrow Photography, is here to share some tips and insights on photographing maternity portraits and pictures of your new bundle of joy!
How did you get interested in taking pictures?
It feels like I was born a photographer sometimes. I was always the one with the camera when out with my friends and was even on the yearbook committee in high school. Then when I was 19, a local studio had a program to train people in wedding photography. I completed the program and since then, have photographed over 200 weddings and events. In 2008, I started Linda Morrow Photography. In my business, I specialize in weddings & events and also maternity & newborn photography.
How do you make clients feel comfortable for a maternity shoot? Should they wear anything specific? Do you do these pictures in studio or at home?
My clients and I have several conversations before each photo session both on the phone and via email. We go over what kind of session they are looking for....what types of shots they feel comfortable with...what to wear and what the session itself will be like. My goal is for each session to reflect the client's personality. I also have a maternity and newborn FAQ page that I give out in advance. The FAQ puts my clients at ease because they know what to expect.
How hard is it to get a good picture of a newborn? Do you work at the clients' homes or in studio? Should parents bring props? Extra clothing? What type of clothing looks best for photo announcements?
Newborn sessions can be challenging but at the same time are a whole lot of fun. The key to photographing a newborn is patience. When it comes to babies, we all just have to realize, it is not in our control. I go in with 10 or 20 ideas knowing that if I am able to accomplish a handful of those, it's a good day. A newborn session can take up to 3 hours depending on changings and feedings. Photo sessions seem to make babies VERY hungry! It's hard work I guess.
Since my newborn sessions are usually with babies until 15 days old, it's much easier for mom and dad if I go to them. I use the family's home surroundings as the background for many of my photographs, especially the nursery.
I bring everything I need for a newborn session so the parent's don't need to purchase anything. If they have a special hat or something like that, then that's great! The only thing that I always use is a boppy pillow. I don't bring one since so far, I haven't met a mom that doesn't have one on hand.
I generally photograph the babies either nude or in a diaper, so there's no need for clothing choices. For the parents, solid, neutral colors that compliment each other are your best bet
Any tips for mom and dad out there to use when they are playing photographer?
Some tips for photographing your baby are:
- Natural Light - go to the window or take the baby outside to get the most flattering light. If it's a sunny day, shade will provide the softest light. Turn off your flash.
- Keep it simple. Watch for busy backgrounds or patterns on clothing. All you really need is to come in for a close up on your baby's pretty eyes for a winning shot!
- Pick the best time of day. You know your baby better than anyone in the world. Some babies are smile the most right when they wake up, some later in the day.
- Keep shooting. It takes a lot of photos to get that one amazing shot.
When should clients contact you for maternity photos/birth photos/announcements (at what month? how far out?)
The best time to contact me for a maternity/newborn shoot is about 8 weeks before you give birth. It's best to do a maternity shoot when you have a nice size belly but are still comfortable. 8 weeks will give us time to make sure we can schedule your session in time. Moms pregnant with multiples should definitely contact me sooner. The newborn session should be within 15 days of your baby's birth if at all possible. This is when your baby is the sleepiest!
Linda preserves memories for families in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To contact Linda, visit this link. Linda will be at the Healthy and Happy Mom Fair at The Please Touch Museum on September 19, 2010.
No comments:
Post a Comment