You don't need an expensive set-up or an exclusive photographer to capture your little one's precious moments. Do it yourself at home with these interesting ideas and valuable photography tips
It is every parent's wish to capture the beautiful memories of their newborn's first few days in the world, their cherubic details and their first steps.
Photographer Anne Geddes is world-famous for her stunning portraits of newborn babies. If you are the parent of a newborn, the beautiful infant images shot by her will inspire you to try a photoshoot for your little one.
However, it may not always be possible to do it in beautiful outdoor locations, with a photographer specialized in infant photography and with fancy props. However, carrying out a photoshoot for your baby within the confines of your home is certainly possible.
With a little ingenuity, creative imagination and loads of patience, a parent can don the role of a shutterbug and take stunning images at home. A parent spends a lot of time with the baby, knows her moods and so, is at an advantage to capture the right moments with her.
Not opting for a professional photographer will also bring down the cost of creating a portfolio of your child.
"It is both easy and tough to take newborn photographs-easy because newborns sleep for long hours and parents can capture some beautiful images when the baby is asleep. On the other hand, newborns are very delicate, so you have to be careful while taking their pictures.
A professional photographer has the experience of making the subject look great. But, parents doing their own photoshoot with their little ones have the advantage of time, and they can pick the right opportunity to shoot their child. They can be really creative-do themed shoots, try twinning, candid images or use props like blackboards," says Mumbai-based photographer Parinita Salian.
Here are some amazing baby photoshoot ideas you can try at home:
1. The basket photo
Take a wicker basket that can easily hold your baby. Place pillows and soft blankets so that the little one feels comfortable. Wait for him to sleep and gently place him bare-bodied (or covered in a blanket) inside the basket, with the legs tucked inside and hands resting under the chin or face.
This will make a beautiful image and is not very difficult to plan. The mother can take the photo from the top angle, while the newborn is lying face down on the father's chest or stomach.
2. The daddy's bellyÂ
This will make a beautiful image and is not very difficult to plan. The mother can take the photo from the top angle, while the newborn is lying face down on the father's chest or stomach.
3. Flowers and patternsÂ
Dress your newborn in light or pastel-colored rompers and place her on her back, on the bed. Ensure the bed is covered in a white sheet. Take a bunch of flowers (carnations, roses, lilies or zinnias) and spread them around your baby. You can also make a heart or circular pattern with the blooms.
4. The Santa Claus photo
This is a popular shoot especially for babies born around or a little before Christmas time. Place a soft Santa hat (you can either knit or buy one) on your little one's head and dress him in a simple red or white T-shirt. Make him lie on his stomach and look at you when you capture the shot.
5. The sunshine or clouds photoÂ
These kinds of DIY portraits have become exceedingly popular among parents as they are easy to execute at home. All you need are some plain colorful bed sheets, cardboard sheets and a few other craft items. Cut out yellow cardboard in the shape of the sun. Place your child on a bed covered with a blue bed sheet and place the cardboard sun on one side of the baby. Shoot your child from the top angle. Go creative with cotton wool for clouds, cardboard rain droplets, the moon or stars.
6. The slate or chalkboardÂ
Place your baby on his back on a flat surface and place a slate or small blackboard next to him. Write his name, age, and weight on the board or simply some words to describe the little one. Alternatively, you can place your baby on a surface painted with chalkboard paint and write these details next to him.
7. The princess
All you have to do is dress up your little bundle of joy in a frilly dress with embellishments; place a tiara or shiny crown-like hairband on her head and position her on a high-backed settee. You can even make her sit on a rug on the floor.
8. The balloon photo
Put your child in a playful mood and make him lie on the bed or sit on the floor. Now, attach some strings to a colorful set of balloons and let your baby hold the ends of the strings. Take natural shots of your baby holding, looking at or playing with the balloons.
9. The sailor
Dress your child in a blue-and-white nautical costume with a trademark collar and cap. Place some toy boats around the little one and capture this cute get-up.
10. The favorite soft toyÂ
Most babies have a favorite animal toy that they are attached to - a fluffy penguin, a dinosaur or a teddy bear. Make the most of your child's playtime and ask him to pose with his treasured soft toy.
11. The food photo
Children make amazing expressions when they taste new food and this is an apt opportunity to get some candid images. Offer your baby foods like strawberries, soft peanut butter and mango puree, and capture the moments when she makes different expressions.
12. The Krishna costume
This shoot is popular during Krishna Jayanti celebrations and you can easily pull it off at home. Attach a peacock feather to your child's hair; make him hold a flute; use a yellow-colored stole to dress him in a dhoti (or get a ready-made one); put some shiny ornaments on him and the costume is complete.
13. The Superman/Superwoman
As far as home photography goes, a superhero shoot is popular with parents and kids alike. You can make your own costume complete with a red cape or get one online. Make your little one stand looking sideways with her hands on her hips and take shots from her level.
14. The mirror
Place a standing mirror on the floor and make your child sit facing the mirror. Ensure there is no clutter around and you get a clean background. Now you can take natural photos of your child's expressions in front of the mirror.
15. The Harry Potter costume
Dress your child up in a black coat and attach a piece of cloth to the shoulders to look like a cape. Make the little one wear toy spectacles with round frames. Complete the look with a magician's wand in one hand.
16. The petÂ
Pets and children make amazing companions and their camaraderie results in stunning photo opportunities. If you have a dog at home, try this shoot. Position your child leaning on the pet, both of them appearing relaxed while seated on a rug on the floor.
17. The candid mother-child photoÂ
The father can compose some beautiful candid shots of the mother and baby while both are playing on the bed, talking, reading or just having fun. It should be natural and not posed.
18. The twinning photo
Twinning is a concept that has been trending on social media and is a great idea for a parent-child photo shoot. The parent and child pose together wearing similar clothes, e.g. jeans and a white T-shirt.
19. The older sibling
The bonding between a baby and an older sibling can be beautifully captured by a parent. Ensure they are playing or laughing together, or just making faces at each other. They can also be wearing similar-looking garments.
20. The seriesÂ
This is a photoshoot idea that not only looks great but also records how your little one has grown over the months. Start by taking a picture of your newborn. Follow it up by taking the same picture with a similar background, every month till she turns one or two years old. You can include elements such as placing a number block next to the child to denote age or make her lie on a height chart to capture how she has grown.
Tips to calm the baby before a photoshoot
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Taking your baby's photographs can be a satisfying and fun experience, as they help you build precious memories. We hope these valuable tips will ensure you have a productive photoshoot session with your child.
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