Learning About Photography Techniques

Whether you are still an expectant mother or father or your new little one has already arrived and is growing quickly, you are likely looking forward to your first family portraits. However, as you likely know, getting a great family photo can always be difficult, and it can be even more difficult when you have a baby. Don't worry, because there are several steps you can take to help ensure you not only get one great photo of your new family, but several. 

Read on to learn three tips for getting great family photos when you have a new baby. 

1. Choose a Family Photographer Experienced in Photographing Babies

As amateur photographers become more seasoned ones, they learn many tricks for capturing perfect family photos. However, when choosing the family photographer you hire to capture your first family photos, their overall experience matters less than their experience taking photos of babies. 

Photographers with experience taking photos of babies know how to get them to look at the camera by strategically dangling fun toys near the lens. They also aren't afraid to make funny noises and do anything else it takes to ensure baby makes the expressions you would like them to during the shoot. 

Family photographers with experience working with babies have also typically grown very patient and are used to having to snap many more photos when working with their "littlest clients" to help ensure you have many great selections to choose from in the end. 

2. Make Sure Baby is Well-rested, Fed, and Changed Before the Shoot

Hopefully, your baby has settled into a somewhat regular sleeping schedule (or will soon after they are born). Ensure your baby gets plenty of sleep the night before the photo shoot and has time to take all of their regular naps before the photos are taken. The last thing you want to do is schedule the photo shoot during a time when your baby is typically sleeping and then realize that they are crying in every shot!

Also be sure to not just feed your baby right before the shoot, but also wait until they need changed and change them promptly before shots are taken. Don't worry that you will inconvenience the photographer by having to ensure you stick to your regular feeding and changing schedule if the shoot takes longer than expected -- family photographers with experience photographing babies know that their needs must be met during the shoot and will not feel inconvenienced as long as you inform them of your baby's age and needs when you schedule your session. 

If you are getting ready to have your first family portraits taken with your new baby, then keep these two tips in mind. Your photo session will be a lot of fun, and maybe a little stressful, but in the end, you will have photos you will be able to cherish for many years to come! Contact a photographer, like Moorman Photographics, for more help.