The One Where They Had to Take Their Own Fresh 48 Pictures: Tips & Tricks from a Professional Photographer

Right now we are all living in strange and uncertain times with the spread of COVID-19 affecting nearly every detail of our lives. Specifically, my heart goes out to all the parents who are experiencing beautiful memories and milestones but unfortunately are no longer allowed to have those moments captured by the professional photographer they originally hired.

As a way to help these parents (and so many of my dear clients) during this time, I created a mini-series on Instagram where I shared a few helpful DIY tips. Today on the blog I hope to give those tips a permanent home as we focus on Fresh 48 (in hospital) newborn photography.

Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that these tips and tricks are meant to be a helpful addition to your photography tool-kit, but will not replace years of training or professional equipment. That being said, the tips in this blog will help any photographer, novice or advanced, create a more high quality and polished final gallery.

1) Clear your space

Remove unnecessary clutter such as bags, clothing, food wrappers and packaging, along with anything else that could clutter up an already tight shooting area.

2) First change or undress baby, then feed

Outfit and diaper changes can be stressful for both parents and a new baby. By changing baby first and then feeding, you are getting the most uncomfortable part out of the way and following it by a surefire way to calm down your baby and get him or her into a content state. I recommend this whether you want baby in a simple onesie, gown, or swaddle.

3) Turn off all fluorescent lighting and open up blinds for natural light

Although not obvious at first, overhead lighting can mess with the overall white balance of a final image and can also cause unsightly shadows on subjects. Turn off these lights and opt for natural light instead, moving subjects as close to the light source as needed.

4) Be mindful of shadow and highlight placement

To avoid unsightly ghoul lighting (you know, that look you achieve when holding a flashlight below your chin when telling scary stories around the campfire), angle subject in such a way that the light is falling down, not up, the subject’s face. The brightest spot on the face should be the forehead/upper cheek closest to the light, where the opposing side (bottom cheek farthest away from light) should be the darkest.

5) Capture details. All of them.

As a mother myself, I instinctually am drawn to the little details on a newborn that change so quickly. Wrinkly hands, the ink stained foot, and even the umbilical cord! All of these features will change drastically within 48 hours.

6) Leave the cheese, encourage genuine moments

Rather than telling your partner “say cheese!’, opt for more candid and relaxed posing. Encourage your partner to cuddle with and talk to or sing to baby, and act as if there isn’t a camera at all. This is a great way to capture those emotive images that will rip your heart out for years to come. Trust me.

7) MOST IMPORTANT: Have fun!!!

Don’t take any part of these pictures too seriously. Is baby fussing and cluster feeding? Are you feeling sore and need of rest? Don’t be afraid to set the camera (or phone) down and try again later. Remember that even professional photographers have challenging sessions, and give yourself some grace. Don’t forget that the most important thing about photography is to have fun doing something you love with the people most special to you.

So that’s it!! What do you think about my crash course into Fresh 48 newborn photography? Anything you would add? Feel free to sound off in the comments below, and of course share with any family or friends who are expecting their perfect bundle of joy. Stay safe out there, friends!

-Emily

I am a Lancaster Ohio photographer specializing in newborn, baby, and family photography. I service all of Central Ohio including Chillicothe Ohio, Circleville Ohio, Columbus Ohio, and more. Please fill out the form on my contact page so we can get started on planning your session!