Bringing a newborn into your world is a momentous occasion. One that is filled with joy, excitement and wonder. Capturing moments through the lens of a camera allows you to preserve the early parts of their lives forever. The question then becomes what style is best for you and your child? It’s a great question and that’s why we put together Discovering Top Styles for Beautiful Newborn Photography. Here are five styles that we think will help you when choosing a photographer and style, or styles you want to capture for your newest addition to your family.
First of all, you have to understand the importance of choosing the right style. Selecting the style that is right for you is just a matter of preference. Every style will offer a unique point of view, which will allow you to showcase different aspects. It’s our job to take a simple photograph and turn it into artistry. One that warms your heart and fills you with memories every time you see it.
Style: Classic / Posed Newborn
You’ve seen these photos more than you might realize. They show the baby sleeping soundly in baskets or on blankets, and sometimes with props that are arranged around your bundle of joy. The beauty of the Classic / Posed Style is that the photos are often timeless. They are artistic, clean and are perfect for albums or hanging on your wall. They often use soft lighting, as well as neutral colors, and nothing outlandish.
This is the perfect style if you want elegant photos that appear polished and show off all their little features.
Photography by Three16photography.com
Style: Minimalist
Like the style refers to… the minimum. These style shoots typically feature only the child as props are kept to a minimum, if at all. Perhaps wearing a swaddle or a diaper or even going all natural. We try to use backgrounds that are more centered around neutral or shades of white that gives that very clean look to it. These photos are typically timeless and more modern in terms of their photographic outcomes.
This is the perfect style if you’re someone that prefers a more modern aesthetic and are a fan of a clutter-free look and lifestyle.
Photography by Three16photography.com
Style: Documentary
Similar to the Natural style of newborn photography, the documentary style captures real-life moments that take place all day and/or night
long. The baby is in a natural state and is unposed and often is captured during snuggling time with mom and dad, play time, diaper changes and feedings. This allows us to capture their daily life without any pressure and is perfect for capturing what those early days actually felt like as you revisit them.
Photography by Three16photography.com
This is the perfect style if you’re a lover of authenticity and those raw emotional moments that your child will often showcase at a moment’s notice.
Style: Creative / Themed
You can probably guess what this style is all about based on the style name itself. We use various props, scenery and/or costumes. Perhaps you like adventure, dress up your newborn in a more rustic outfit (does Indiana Jones ring a bell?) and bring stuffed animals that you would see in the wild and we can set the scene of a safari, as an example. There are many other themes we can choose depending on your imagination, your likes and/or your child’s personality. It is our hope that this style of newborn photography comes off looking imaginative and fun. By the way, they make for great gifts when placed in frames or shadow boxes, as well as cards for the holidays.
This is the perfect style if you enjoy telling stories and are playful.
Style: Natural Lifestyle
These are the images that take on a more natural, everyday workings of their early upbringings. Often these images are taken at home in their environment capturing all the candid moments that one has at such an early age. To make these photos feel like their natural routine, we often include the parents in the photos. As individuals and as a family. Cuddling, looking at or interacting in the ways that they do when a camera is not in their space. Older siblings interacting with the newborn is a recipe for beautiful, heartwarming moments.
The Lifestyle shoot is more natural and less staged which makes everything appear more authentic. Whether the baby is asleep or awake, both works extremely well. And because the photo session takes place in your home, your images take on a different level of intimacy and sense of home.
This is the perfect style if you want natural lifestyle photos is that they present you with that warm and emotional feel. The warm fuzzies if you will.
Other items to consider when working with a newborn photographer:
**Tips for posing newborns require a sharp eye for detail and a gentle touch. Our goal is to create poses that make the baby feel comfortable and to look natural while showing off their best features. It is not unusual for the baby to cry or do everything opposite that we are trying to accomplish, so patience is truly a virtue.
**Safety is paramount in newborn photography, and photographers must take every precaution to ensure the well-being of their smallest customers. Being that they are delicate, handling them with care is a must!
Photography by Three16photography.com
Conclusion
When considering a newborn photographer, think about the style list from above that you are looking for and then research their portfolios to find that fit. If you find a photographer you like, but don’t see the style you’re looking for on their website, reach out to them. It is possible that not all photos end up on their site or in a blog.
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About the Author:
Jerrick O’Connor is the owner of Three16 Photography and has 15 years of experience in the world of photography. He specializes in Weddings, Engagements, Family and Corporate photography and loves connecting small business owners with other small business owners in hopes they can benefit each other’s production. When he’s not working, you can find him spending time with his wife Josie, playing board games or just spending time with his many friends.
