Sweet Dreams
Sep, 2016Views
1955
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Anything Babies Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Babies Are Cute Photo Contest
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Peer Award
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Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
All Star
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
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Top 20 rankTop 20 rank week 1
Top 20 rankTop 20 rank week 1Categories
Platinum
marcbaechtold
May 14, 2018
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This was my first newborn photo shoot for a client in Austin TX. This was taken at their home, their first baby so new experiences for all of us.Time
The afternoon was the best time of day for the baby.Lighting
I had been to the house before for a baby shower and was hoping that the family room sliders would give off natural light. However, the sun was too high and the patio roof blocked and reflective light so I used my softbox and speed light.Equipment
Canon 5D Mark III is my go-to camera, 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, Softbox with canon speed light. I brought all the props and a ladder. This was taken from above with the camera strap around my neck. When photographing babies, safety first. Mom and dad were always just outside the camera range. Props brought included the rug, outfits, bean bag, ladder and sound soother. I think the sound soother was the most important to help keep the baby quiet.Inspiration
I have wanted to experiment with taking photos of babies as a way to expand my skills. After I watched the Creative Live "Newborn and Pregnancy Photography" by Ana Brandt that inspired me to look for baby photography opportunities. This couple had lost one baby and were super protective of their newborn so I was thrilled they chose me, a newbie, to photograph their baby. Between mom, dad, grandma we had an amazing session.Editing
The only post-processing was cropping and sharpening.In my camera bag
For a photoshoot like this, I'll have the Canon 5D Mark III with the 24-70mm lens, a 70-200mm or a 100mm depending on how close I can get to the subject. I always clean my lens before I go but bring my lens cleaning kit too. 600EX-RT Speedlite, Mag Mod diffuser or Westcott octagon softbox, Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2, Camera and Speedlite batteries, Gitzo Tripod with Really Right Stuff head and brackets and light stand.Feedback
Working with babies presents its own challenges and watching videos was a big help for me. That would be the advice that I'd strongly recommend. Educate yourself, look at newborn photos (Viewbug was my source for posing help) and always think safety first. Talk with the parents and hear what they are looking for and try and capture that plus your own vision of what you'd like to see. Remember to watch your shutter speed to keep everything sharp and if shooting down at the baby, always put the camera strap around your neck.
