Liam
This is my little nephew. He was three days old when this shot was taken, and actually help this pose all on his own, no photoshop was used....
Read more
This is my little nephew. He was three days old when this shot was taken, and actually help this pose all on his own, no photoshop was used.
Read less
Read less
Apr, 2015Views
1915
Likes
Awards
Featured
Contest Finalist in Handle With Care Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Basic Edits Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Monthly Pro Vol 12 Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Newborn Photo Contest
Peer Award
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
All Star
Magnificent Capture
Love it
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 30 rank
Top 10 rankTop 20 rank week 1
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This shot was taken in studio using an 8 foot Elinchrom Octobox for lighting.Time
This little guy is actually my nephew, so we had all day to shoot. He was only 3 days old, but seemed to do better first thing in the morning, so we started our shoot at 8am. This was the first one we took since it'd be the most difficult.Lighting
I wanted to created good rembrandt light, but keep it soft since its a newborn. I used my 8 foot Elinchrom Octobox and placed it camera right as closely as I could to Liam to get a softer light. I also placed the bean bag he was on so that there was a a white wall to camera right to reflect back and soften the shadows.Equipment
This was shot on a Canon 6D with a 50mm 1.8 prime lens. For lighting I had a Elinchrom 600RX inside an 8 foot Elinchrom Octobox.Inspiration
I have seen this shot done multiple times, but always using photoshop. I'm a big fan of doing things right in camera, and using as little editing as possible. Nothing against your PS lovers! I was determined to get this shot using no Photoshop, and no compositing. It took a lot of patience (on my part, and the little guys part) but he finally relaxed in to the pose. I had my assistant holding is head, and on the count of three she let go, and I snapped this shot, as he slowly flopped to the side.Editing
99% of my editing is done in Lightroom CC. Like I mentioned before, I get things as close to perfect in camera, so my editing job is easy. When I brought this image in, I cleaned up Liams face since he had some baby acne going on. The white blanket he was on was just a little to bright, and pulled attention away from him, so using a brush tool, I decreased the highlights on the blanket. I added a slight S curve to the tone curve to bring out some contrast.In my camera bag
I always have a prime in everyone of my bags. I never leave the house without one. It's hard to compete with the sharpness, and I have an unhealthy obsession with a narrow depth of field. I have a Canon 5D Mark II that I use for my adventures, since it's my oldest body, and I'm not too attached to it. For my studio work I use a Canon 6D. It's light, and I can keep it over my shoulder all day without needing a massage when I get home. For all my outdoor shots I use a Canon 5D Mark III. I'm always shooting at a crazy low F stop outside, and I rely on the 64 autofocus points the Mark III has to make sure my images are tack sharp.Feedback
Patience is key when working with newborns. You are on their schedule, and there is nothing you can do about it. Make sure the book enough time incase the baby needs an emergency feeding. Nothing is worse than trying to take pictures of a hungry newborn. If you're wanting to get into the newborn side of things, there are a couple things that you will NEED to buy. First, a good bean bag. The more firm, the better. That is where a majority of your shots will be taken. Second, get a reliable space heater. Not only will the baby like the warmth, but the humming sounds will lil them to sleep. Lastly, start investing in newborn props. I.E. blankets, hats, diaper covers, swaddles, baskets, fur. The more variety you can offer, the more clients you can book.
