​LOCKDOWN SUX! am I right?  I am so keen to get your beautiful newborn into the studio and this lockdown is really soul crushing.

​I know that we will get some gorgeous images once we are allowed to open up again but in the mean time your babies are growing and changing everyday. Take the time to enjoy this precious miracle you have made and soak up all the baby snuggles.  Below are some tips for photographing your babies at home until we can get into the studio.  

Light
Light is one of the most important aspects of photography. When photographing your baby look for the area of your home that has beautiful soft bright light. You don't want harsh shadows. You  will notice that different times of the day the light will look different in each part of your home. A large window with soft light is perfect. Turn off all other lights in the room and just use the natural light. If there are harsh shadows on your baby then move them away from the light source a little.

The image on the left was taken of my nephew in his parents spare bedroom, they had a lovely white quilt on the bed and a large window with soft light.


Sleepy
Choose a time when baby is sleepy and relaxed or even better fully asleep, after a nice big feed is usually best.


Warmth
Keep the room nice and warm, a cold baby wont sleep well.


Outfits
I recommend a snug fitting outfit in neutral tones.  Most newborn outfits wont actually fit baby very well when they are first born, so even just a little white singlet is always sweet. If you have any plain knitted sets or neutral onesies that fit snug then they are perfect as well.

​Don't be tempted to put bub in fancy outfits like lacey dresses or button up shirts, at this stage bub wont be comfortable and they wont fit well.  Dress bub before they go to sleep (and before the feed).

​Details
Take close up details, but make sure not to be too close and ensure the image is in focus. Documenting all of the gorgeous details,  their little lips, ears, nose, toes, hair spikes are all so important. These change so fast over the first 12 months.

Wraps
A long stretchy wrap is perfect if you want to attempt a wrapped pose.  The square muslin fabric ones are gorgeous but not very practical for actual wrapping. You want to tuck babies arms and legs in and wrap them nice and snug.  I will have long stretch wraps along with a "how to wrap video" available to rent if you are booked in for a session with me.


Textures
I always use lots of textures in my images, they add such a cosy look and feel.  Placing baby on a fluffy blanket and then surrounding it with pillows and other items is always gorgeous.

If you would like me to edit your image into one of my famous digital backdrops then I recommend placing baby on a white or cream fluffy blanket and photographing them from above. Like the sample below.

Safety
Don't be tempted to try out some of the tricky poses that you might have seen photographers do. Reputable photographers will be trained in newborn safety (as I am) and also have years of experience in how to capture images safely. For your at home session stick with poses that baby is comfortable and natural in. Also don't leave your baby alone if they are wrapped tighter than usual or placed in a location other than their normal bed.


Darling Images Editing
If you are booked in for a newborn session with me then I have a very special offer for you.  Send me (up to) 3 of your favourite images that you have taken at home and I will professionally edit them in my signature style for you. Phone photos are fine, just be sure that they are clear and not grainy.  Send the highest resolution versions to me via https://wetransfer.com/ to my email address darlingimages@bigpond.com. 


Exclusive Photography Rental pack
I am offering my clients an exclusive pack to make taking images at home a little easier. The pack will contain one newborn knitted size romper (fits premmie up to 6 weeks), one long stretch wrap and for girls a floral crown and bonnet and for boys a hat and soft toy.  These are available for FREE for my clients that have paid a deposit and there will be a $100 charge if the items are not returned.  All items will be freshly washed and available in a new bag for contactless pick up at our Mount Annan studio.  The rental will be for 3 days with a limited number of colours available, message me to book in.​

Have fun
This time is precious, enjoy your new baby (or for my twin mummies your new babies) and I look forward to seeing you all very soon.

​Eve x