Ready for Your Close Up, Baby? (9 Tips for a Great Holiday Photo)
The holidays are the perfect time to get some special pictures of your new baby. A quick scan of Pinterest, Instagram, or the cards you’ve received over the years can give you plenty of inspiration!
Some of our favorites? Baby wearing a Santa hat, snuggled in a stocking, surrounded by a sea of colorful Christmas ornaments, hugging a big candy cane, wrapped in an oversized bow, or tucked in an oversized gift-wrapped box.
As you plan, here are 9 tips to help you get a great shot:
#1 Pick a good time for the baby. You know your baby’s schedule. When is she the happiest, most alert, and most content?
#2 Secure the baby on the floor rather than on a couch, bed, or another high surface. This way you will feel comfortable if you need to grab something, and it will be more convenient for you to make small changes to your setup.
#3 Choose a simple backdrop, like a neutral blanket or sheet, that will allow your baby and the props to be the focal point.
#4 Use natural lighting. Take some time to watch the light as it changes in your house throughout the day. Then, find that sweet spot of good lighting and the baby's best time of day.
#5 Whether you want a full-length shot or a close up, shoot from above. This is a good angle to capture details, get good symmetry, and allow the photographer to be comfortable (just don’t get your feet in the picture). Make sure you are shooting slightly down on the baby's nose—not up!
#6 Sleeping, stretching, yawning makes great pictures. Seriously, so cute.
#7 In addition to full-length photos, capture small details by focusing in on just toes, fingers, or face.
#8 Practice. Set everything up and do a trial run to check the lighting, the backdrop, and angles.
#9 Have everything ready to go before you bring the baby onto the “set.” (As a parent, you already know this!)
Tennessee Family Doulas love getting your Christmas cards each year! We know your pictures are going to be amazing!
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