You are no doubt super excited about your upcoming photo shoot, and of course, want to look your best. Perhaps you’ve had a photo shoot before and feel comfortable in front of the camera. Or maybe, this is a new experience for you. Maybe you’re wondering, “What should I wear?” “Where should I have my photos taken?” “Will my photographer provide props?” “How do I pose so as to look my best?” Well, those are excellent questions! Being well prepared for your shoot will ensure that you feel comfortable, look amazing, and capture the best possible moments.
Here are my top tips:
Outfits:
When selecting what to wear, try to avoid white & other luminous colours, as they tend to become overexposed. Coordinate outfits! For couple, family, or any sort of group photos, selecting a common colour scheme is very important. That does NOT mean that you all need to be matchy-matchy. Rather, just select outfits which go well together & compliment each other. Plan your outfits well enough in advance. Thus you can avoid that last minute realisation that the dress you wanted to wear is in the laundry! For some outfit suggestions, you can visit Natalie Anne Photography on Pinterest.
Props:
I'm all about focusing on you and your loved ones, creating natural & relaxed memories. However, few well chosen items can add fun & variety to your photo session, so please feel free to bring along any props you’d like to include. A vintage chair, that quilt Ouma made, fresh flowers, matching sneakers, a picnic blanket, a chalkboard sign. For babies, a mirror, finger paints, a basin full of bubble-bath, blowing bubbles, a cake, or block letters.
Location:
If you have a location in mind for your photos to be taken, please do not hesitate to suggest it. Some wonderful options from which you could choose are, a beautiful field overlooking the Magaliesburg, a park, a local attraction (such as an amusement park), a coffee shop, a rooftop, a playground, or even your own farm, plot, or home. I am always up for shooting at interesting locations, so let’s get creative!
Posing:
First off, just relax! Be natural, have fun, hug, kiss, get close, laugh. The best shots are always the ones where you’re being yourself. Trying to get the kids & hubby to line up and smile for the camera through gritted teeth is unlikely to bring out their best side! My recommendation is always to keep things chilled & relaxed. That having been said, be prepared. If you have just a few ideas in mind for poses you’d like to do, or shots you’d like to get, you’re more likely to be at ease.
Extra suggestions:
If you have little ones, bring along a few things to occupy them – favourite toys, soccer ball, bikes, etc. Also it’s a great idea to bring a sweet treat or two – when it comes to cooperating for a shoot, there’s no shame in offering a little incentive to the uncooperative toddler! Meltdowns do happen though, and that’s okay! Don’t feel bad when your kids run out of patience for sitting still, your baby gets crabby, or your toddler decides that they are ‘so done’. We’ll work around them & still get plenty of great captures!
So, this question comes up from time to time, and I thought it would be useful to write the following explanation.
In a nutshell, RAW files are not ready for use. Professional cameras shoot in a file format called RAW. This is basically the digital equivalent to film negatives – all the information is there, but it is ‘undeveloped’ so to speak. Once I transfer the RAW files to my computer, I then need to use specialised software to open, view, and process these files. Much more is involved than simply converting them to JPEG format. RAW images need to have a multitude of adjustments made to them, all of which need a trained eye. For this reason, I preview all the images from your shoot, and select only the best to edit.
‘But you took so many photos during my shoot, aren’t I missing out?’ you may ask. The answer is, most definitely not! A large part of what you are paying your photographer for, is to wade through the masses of duplicate shots, the blurry shots where you were moving inadvertently, the ones where your eyes were closed, the shots that have your hair flying madly in the wind, and the ones that are unflattering, and pick out the ones that make you look fabulous. For instance, I supply approximately 20 photos for a 30 minute – 1 hour long family session. The reason why I allocate up to an hour, is so that you have enough time to relax, try different poses, etc. Then, while I am processing the photos, I select the best shots from each pose.
My various packages make provision for the amount of time needed to capture a variety of beautiful shots, as well as the time & skills needed to edit the number of photos included.
A side note: A few more reasons exist as to why no self respecting photographer will ever part with unedited images. There is the matter of authenticity, since if I were to give out RAW files, the one who edits them can claim such as their own work. Obviously a big violation of copyright. Even if the images were rightly named as my work, much of how a photo looks has to do with how it is processed & edited – so any images taken by me, but subsequently edited by someone else, or left entirely unedited for that matter, would not reflect my artistic touch, my personal stamp, and thus would not be a suitable reflection of my standard of work.
To illustrate, a novelist would never give anyone the unfinished transcripts of their book. Neither would a painter give clients an incomplete portrait. Only the finished products would be available for sale, as their skills could only be properly judged on the basis of these.
First off, thank you for choosing me to take your newborn photos! Everything you need to know, you will find below:
What types of newborn shoots do you offer?
At-home Lifestyle Sessions
I will document your family in the natural and relaxed environment of your own home. The idea is to capture unposed moments and interactions between family members. Little details, cuddles, feedings, and the essence of your family. Throughout the session, I will however guide you, making suggestions on how to sit, stand, hold baby, etc.
Fresh 48 in-hospital Sessions
These sessions are all about capturing the first special moments between you and your littlest love – siblings' first reactions, early breastfeeds, and all those amazing moments that pass in an instant. These photos are taken in-hospital, during the first 48 hours after baby is born. If you are interested in a fresh 48 session, we’ll start by contacting the hospital where you are scheduled to deliver, and make sure that they are accommodating.
Where should I have my shoot?
Unless you’re doing a fresh 48, I would definitely recommend having your baby’s first photos done in your own home. It is both convenient & comfortable. Your bedroom can be a great place to do the photos, provided that it is well-lit with natural light from windows. If it is not a very light space, another room may be best. Having plain, neutral coloured bedding is best, although not a must. Another good room in the house is the baby’s nursery. You may feel dubious about having a shoot in your home, especially after you have just had a baby, life is upside down, and the house is a mess. Don’t worry! I understand! This is perfectly normal. All I need is one clutter-free area, the room where the shoot will be done. If I move anything, I’ll put it back in place. Your only job is to relax & enjoy yourself.
When Should I do My Newborn Session?
The earlier the better. It is best done during the first five – seven days of your baby’s life. Why is this so?
Sleep
First, and most important, your baby sleeps more of the time and more deeply during their first week. Being able to move your baby around while he remains soundly asleep goes a long way to the success of the photo session. If he is awake & wriggling through most of the session, it will be difficult to capture beautiful, peaceful shots of baby, and he will quickly become niggly after being repeatedly moved around. During his first week however, he’ll sleep through just about anything, which will mean smooth sailing for your photo session!
Flexibility
For the first few days, baby is still very flexible, and can be easily and safely molded into cute positions without any discomfort. After his first week, it becomes increasingly difficult to get him to stay put in a pose without him squirming about & waking himself up.
Looks
Your baby will be changing so fast during his first two weeks that he will so quickly lose that ‘newborn’ look. Capture it while it lasts! In addition, the earlier your infant photos are done, the less likely he is to have developed baby acne or flaky skin, which is rather a challenge to smooth out during editing.
It is important to book your newborn shoot well in advance to make sure that you will get a spot during your baby’s first few days. If for some reason you are unable to do your baby’s newbie session during his first week, don’t stress, we can still have a beautiful session!
What Should My Baby & I Wear?
Outfit choice can have quite an impact on your photos, so plan your outfits before baby is born. Trust me, the last thing you’ll have energy for with a new baby in the house is outfit planning! For some great ideas & inspiration, ask me to send you my What to Wear Guide for Clients.
Mummy & Daddy
Mum, wear something that makes you feel comfortable & beautiful. Neutral colours are always a good bet. Give yourself enough time before your shoot to do your makeup and pamper yourself. As for hubby, once mum has chosen her outfit, coordinate what you will wear with her, so as to have outfits that go well together.
Baby
Your newborn’s first photo session is a time to focus on him, not his outfit. So colourful, fancy outfits should be avoided, as these will detract from your perfect little newborn himself. Some great choices are a white or solid neutral coloured vest / onesie, just a nappy, or baby’s birthday suit. If you go for a onesie, be sure to leave baby’s feet, hands, and head uncovered, so that we can document those special little details.
How do I prepare for my newborn shoot?
There’s quite a bit you can do beforehand to make sure the session goes smoothly and that you & baby are comfortable.
Preparing Baby
The night before your baby’s photo session, make sure to give him an extra good feed. On the morning of the session, try to keep him awake as much as possible, so that when it comes time for the shoot he will sleep soundly. Give him a nice bath to relax him, and a good feed about half an hour before the session. And don’t stress, newborn sessions allow plenty of time for niggles, feedings, and changings. If you are going to have baby undressed for photos, remove his clothes & undo his nappy half an hour beforehand, so that he won’t have unsightly creases on his skin. You can keep his nappy on loosely with him wrapped in a blanket until his session.
Preparing the environment
Having the room warm for your baby is important. How warm? If he will be undressed, then warm enough to make you begin to perspire. Particularly in winter, a heater will be needed. If you don’t have one, let me know beforehand so that I can make suitable arrangements. The space where we do photos also needs to be clear of clutter.
And there you have it! You are now 100% ready for your new baby shoot. I can’t wait to meet your precious little one and capture all your beautiful earliest memories with him!
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071 081 9850