Newborn photography is an old tradition of capturing a baby’s essence at its most tender and innocent age. The mood of the photography can range from a designed theme to mere portraits of the baby’s expressions. They act as time capsules that you someday return to and help you and your child reminisce about the old times.
Recently, the age-old tradition of newborn photography is trending again. People now hire professionals to conduct baby shoots. The newborn features of a baby last for only a few weeks. Since it is a delicate age, any kind of harsh exposure is harmful to the baby. It is always wise to carry out the photoshoot in a baby-friendly manner.
The ideas for a newborn photoshoot have endless possibilities; you can pick a theme, a character, a well-directed design and decor, and more. Simple portraits of the baby can speak volumes about their innocence. You can add numerous props around them like flowers, baskets, and balloons to make it more appealing.
There are also tutorials and guides developed that specialise in baby posing and ways of wrapping them in covers. These newborn photography tips and tricks help you take amazing pictures without compromising on the baby’s safety. Both outdoor and indoor shoots are popular for baby pictures; however, it is safer to create an indoor studio.
Here’s how to build a home studio for Newborn Photography
Once you decide to create a studio at home, conducting shoots becomes a cakewalk. A home studio eliminates space and time constraints. Knowing that you prioritise the baby’s safety and comfort while also being creative in baby shoots will instil a sense of trust in your clients.
You can build a quick studio in the comfort of your home within an affordable budget. Both natural and artificial light sources can create remarkable outcomes. When it comes to a newborn baby, using artificial light sources can be overwhelming to a baby. While you can still use flash or strobe lights, remember to ensure their quality, use diffusers and keep them at a safe distance.
For building a setup with natural light, choose a corner that gets maximum illumination from the sun, such as a window or a balcony. Pillows, blankets, scarfs, and cushions are some of the props you can use in the baby shoot. You can also use accessories, like hair bands, bows, ribbons, flowers, soft toys, etc.
In case you wish to switch to a studio light setup with LED lights or flash, it is imperative to keep them at a safe distance from the baby. The light quality is another factor to consider to avoid any excess skin exposure.
Keep the room at an optimum temperature to avoid the baby from getting too warm or cold. There are a few apps that offer music to relax or calm a baby, and can even help them fall asleep! Babies need constant attention, so you must take care of their needs and offer all the comfort possible.
In this article, we have gathered a kit that will help you enhance your creativity and visual output.
Manfrotto LYKOS Daylight On-Camera LED Light Single Kit
LYKOS Daylight On-Camera LED Light from Manfrotto is a compact and lightweight instrument for on-camera lighting purposes. It features 4 Surface Mount Technology LEDs for enhanced optical performance and has a default colour temperature preset at 5600K(Daylight). The light offers a high Colour Rendering Index at 93% with a maximum intensity of light at 1600 Lux.
It comes with a handle on one side for adjustments and easy-handling. There is also a dimmer next to the handle that allows a 100-0% flicker-free dimness. The intensity of the light is also adjusted using an application via the LYKOS Bluetooth Dongle. This particular function helps you to remotely control the light when it is mounted on a tripod or fixed to a surface.
The LYKOS light has an LCD on the rear panel for the user to track the light settings, battery status, intensity levels, and more. It gives multiple power options via an L-series battery mount as well as an AC adapter. The adapter allows a continuous power source in a studio, whereas the battery enables outdoor usage, adding to the portability of the light. The mount can support a third party or Sony L-series battery.
The light also gives the provision of attaching a softbox or diffusion gel for softer lighting effects. It comes with two threads so that you can mount it on a tripod. This particular kit has a modular approach that includes Manfrotto LYKOS Daylight On-Camera LED Light, AC Adapter, and Diffusion Gel.
The LYKOS Daylight On-Camera LED Light is a perfect companion for newborn photography. It is least harmful, keeping the baby safe from harsh exposures. The compact design allows you to move the light swiftly for well-lit details. In addition to the safety measures, continuous lighting is best as it avoids the complexity of flash systems. It gives you complete freedom to experiment with your creativity with gel and diffusion attachments.
Sony a7R IV Mirrorless Camera
Features: Advance Image stabilisation, Improved BIONZ X image processor, Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor, Fast and accurate Hybrid AF System.
Specifications:
- Megapixels- 61.0
- Sensor Size- 35.7 × 23.8mm
- Pixel Dimensions- 9504 x 6336
- Aspect Ratio- 3:2
- Sensor Cleaning- Charge protection coating
- Lens Mount- Sony E-mount
- Image Processor- BIONZ X
The Alpha a7R IV is a 61 Megapixel Mirrorless model launched by Sony. The improved BIONZ X image processor and Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor make for a remarkable output. The camera enables up to 10 frames per second of shooting while recording UHD 4K video at 30p. You can record the videos in two formats, HLG and S-Log3 Gammas.
The upgraded processor offers high-efficiency and speedy performance, and the camera comes with a dynamic range of 15-stops. The mirrorless alpha series camera enables Real-Time Eyes AutoFocus, fast and accurate tracking AF. The sensor has a Fast Hybrid AF System that has 567 phase-detection autofocus points that help it capture sharp and clear images.
The sensitivity of the Sony Alpha a7R IV ranges from ISO 100-32000. The high sensitivity of the sensor offers better performance in low light conditions. The 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE sensor-shift image stabilisation helps prevent shakes up to 5.5 stops. The a7R IV comes with a 5.76m-dot resolution OLED electronic viewfinder for a clear view. The mirrorless series is compact and lightweight, while also being capable of producing high-quality photos and videos.
The 3.0” LCD with a 1.44m-dot resolution enables tilting and touchscreen technology. It features two SD card slots, both UHS-II-rated for a fast workflow. There is a USB Type-C port that allows tethering and in-camera battery charging. The Sony Alpha a7R IV also lets you transfer data via built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens – Ideal for newborn photography
Features: Improved Image Stabilisation, Fast and Accurate AF performance, Pro-grade level output, Advanced Optic Elements
Specifications
- Aperture Range(Max-Min.) – f/2.8-22
- Number of Aperture Blades- 9
- Weight- 890g
- Minimum Focus Distance- 380mm
- AF Motor Type- SSM
- Compatibility- Full Frame, APS-C
- Lenses / Groups- 18 elements in 13 groups.
- Angle of View- Diagonal 84° – 34°
The FE 24-70mm f/2.8 G-Master Lens from Sony offers a versatile zoom range to help you capture all the intricate details. Its versatility makes it the ideal lens for newborn photography. The lens is compatible with a full-frame as well as a crop sensor camera. With the minimum aperture at f/2.8, the lens is suitable for low-light conditions. The image quality stays stable throughout the zoom range.
The lens elements provide excellent light-bending performance. The lens comes with three aspherical elements and two elements that allow low dispersion of light rays. An aspherical element is an XA that enables minimal aberrations across the zoom range. The entire optic system has a Nano AR Coating that avoids any lens flare or ghosting effect.
The Super ED element in the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 helps in minimising chromatic aberrations and colour fringe, for accurate colour reproduction. What’s more, the lens is compatible with an APS-C sensor, providing a 36-105mm equivalent focal range.
A Super Sonic wave motor for AutoFocus and the advanced technology ensures fast and precise tracking. The Sony FE 24-70mmf/2.8 is robust and weather-sealed, to keep the moisture and dust out, adding to its longevity and performance. The aperture has a nine-blade rounded diaphragm for enhanced focus and bokeh quality.
However, Sony a7 III and Sony 50mm f/1.8 are a better alternative when it comes to budget constraints. The a7 III offers similar features and equally efficient performance at a lower price. The 50mm offers you a prime lens construction which is capable of producing sharper images. It also gives you wide aperture options for low light conditions and pleasant bokeh.
Profoto B10 Camera Flash Head
Profoto B10 is a stylish and compact design with fantastic light quality. The brand is consistent and reliable for its lighting technology, and the Profoto B10 lives up to its standards. It comes with TTL capabilities and 10-stop Power Range. The B10 OCF is a battery-powered flash head that combines the features of on-camera flashes, monolight, and auto-exposure.
It has an LED incandescent modelling lamp with a power output of 150W. The intensity of the light is customisable. Importantly, it also offers a range of colour temperature from 3000-6500K. The Colour Rendering Index of the light is at 90-96% that one can use as a continuous light source as well.
The Flash head has a power output of 250W, with a length of 7 inches and 3.9 inches diameter. With a 10-stop variance in the power range, the flash has a refreshing rate of 0.05 to 2.2 seconds. The maximum speed of the flash can go up to 1/7000 second. There is also a Freeze Mode that allows the speed at 1/50000 second of flash with minimum power.
Powered by a lithium-ion battery, the Profoto B10 Camera Flash Head offers 400 flashes (full-powered). The battery requires a 90-minute charge to reach its full potential. It comes with TTL technology and features of the Auto-exposure system of a DSLR. The TTL wireless controller allows easy adjustments. Different brands of cameras manufacture their controller separately.
The flash has a hot-shoe-mounting that gives access to eight channels and three groups for uninterrupted frequency control. The groups are controlled individually with nine stops of manual adjustment and +/-2 EV control in the ratios. The minimum distance required for triggering in manual mode or TTL Mode is up to 1000 feet and 300 feet, respectively.
The Profoto B10 Camera Flash Head features High-Speed Sync with a maximum speed of 1/8000 second. What’s more, the Flash is remotely controlled through the Profoto Smartphone application for better convenience and portability. The Flash Head is an excellent choice with a safe quality if you are more confident with flash heads over the continuous light source.
Learn more about the product and its specifications at Georges;
Final Thoughts on Newborn Photography
Newborn photography is an exciting way of collecting memories of your child. You can make an entire album of different themes or put together pictures of the baby as he/she grows to create a timeline. You can also capture shoots for calendar and poster purposes. Whether it’s for professional or personal use, the safety of the baby is paramount.
A home studio is the best way to photograph a baby. You can use both natural or artificial light setup to obtain stunning photos or videos. Most importantly, the kit mentioned above covers all your needs for a suitable camera, lens, and different types of light sources (continuous and flash head).
Sony Alpha a7R IV series with G Master Sony FE 24-70mmf/2.8 produce a better and professional level of output. Simultaneously, both LYKOS Daylight On-Camera LED Light, and Profoto B10 Camera Flash Head are handy tools fit for the purpose.
The Alpha a7R IV kit is a perfect instrument for newborn photography and gives high-quality performance and results.
