- What Type of Photography is it?
There are generally two types of photography style – portrait and documentary. Documentary takes the form of photos taken during an activity, while portrait is generally taken during a still moment. It’s important to know which type of photo is wanted.
- What Angle are You Using?
As shown in the blog section of Ann Manley Photography, angles matter – get down low, so you are on the same level as the new-born; make use of close-ups, though be careful of the baby’s eyes when using a flash; ask people if they are comfortable with shots of their baby being nursed.
- Go Macro!
If your camera has a macro mode or if you’re lucky enough to have a purpose built macro lens use it to isolate a single body part (like a hand, an ear, a foot, a mouth, etc.) and use that as the complete focus of your shot.
- When are the Happy Times?
Keep your eyes peeled for the happy times in a baby’s day, so you can be ready to record them for posterity. This will mean that most of your photos will be documentary style, though so be prepared.
- Is your Camera Handy?
Since moments with babies are so fleeting, it’s a good idea to have your camera nearby at all times.Even a steady routine will have some surprises. Having a camera in your pocket will mean a quick snap is never far away!
- Keep Taking Photos!
A consequence of keeping the camera handy is that you can afford to keep taking photos. Babies change very rapidly, sometimes even changing from one day to the next, so continually taking photos allows parents to document all the changes as they are happening.
- Are You Friends with Airbrush?
Befriend the photography airbrush tool when you start taking regular photos of babies. Have a look at photos online – they are generally very smooth, with soft lines, and perfection written all over them. Babies usually are not naturally so perfect looking (or so clean!), so airbrushing is a useful tool.
- Are You Using Colour?
Taking the colour of a photo and presenting it in black and white can produce an interesting effect.It is another way of softening any of the “imperfections” alluded to above, and can make the shot seem much softer.
- Where is the Light Source?
This partly goes back to the warning about hurting tiny eyes with camera flashes, but consider where your light source is for a photo. Not only is indirect light safer, it can also provide a different aspect to the photo, making lines less harsh.
- Have You Picked the Right Picture?
While this may seem contradictory when compared to the advice to keep taking photos, constantly taking photos doesn’t mean that you have to display them all. Pick certain ones – possibly the most significant one – to share with others, and keep the rest for yourself.