Most people love to capture special moments in life, particularly when it comes to babies. Whether it’s the little smiles and giggles, first steps or crawls or the infamous baby in a bath photo, there’s no doubt that most of us cherish these moments and take a snapshot of them to look back on.
Unfortunately, the costs of a professional baby photoshoot can be pretty high. The experts at Funky Pigeon know how crucial these moments are for new parents, friends and family and have put together a helpful ‘How To’ guide, so you can create your very own diy baby photoshoot at home and get those memorable images.
What You’ll Need
All you need is a camera or camera phone and some natural lighting, so near a window or in a garden if you have one. If you want to do a themed shoot or add some decorations, grab any props you’ll need too.
Finding Your Location
Lighting is one of the most important factors to consider, so finding a location with ample lighting is key. Luckily with longer days in spring/summer, there are more hours in the day to utilise. Try to hold your baby photoshoot on a sunnier, less overcast day to take advantage of the best possible light. If you’re using a garden, double-check the weather forecast in advance and on the day. Be sure to have a simple background, so the focus remains on the little one.
Prepare Outfits and Props in Advance
Preparation beforehand helps prevent the adorable model from being in front of the camera for too long and possibly fussing. Set aside the props and clothes a couple of days before to make sure they aren’t misplaced or worn – this will also help make sure you have all the props you need at the ready.
Your DIY ‘Studio’ Setup
Wherever you decide to have the photoshoot, clear enough space and check everything is picture ready. If you’re using the floor, use some blankets or pillows so the little one will be comfy throughout the shoot. You could even add a rolled-up towel under the blanket as a great way to prop the baby up comfortably.
Make Sure You Have Enough Battery and Storage
Make sure your device has enough charge and that you have memory left. Nothing is more frustrating than getting a ‘low battery’ or ‘low storage’ pop up when you’re taking a photo!
Timing is Everything
A fed and warm baby is a happy baby, so picking a time of day where the little model isn’t hungry or tired would be ideal – a time between breakfast and lunch should be perfect. This is also when the sun isn’t too bright for any outside shots.
Dealing with Baby Distractions
Lastly, having their favourite toy at the ready is a classic trick used whenever shooting a baby. This is to catch their attention for those shots where you want them to look into the camera. If they can’t see your face because of the device, babies can get distracted. A set of keys also works great as a baby attention grabber!
For more ‘How To’ tips, visit the Funky Pigeon blog for more ‘How To’ tips.