A BKLP guide to Newborn pictures with your phone // Baltimore Lifestyle Photographer
Here we are, there is a worldwide Coronavirus public health crisis and your newborn session has been re-scheduled. My heart is broken for so many reasons but mostly because while I have rescheduled my sessions, the babies born in March will be infants in May, June or whenever we get back to normal. I have given my BKLP clients step by step instructions on taking their own lifestyle images at home, with their phone to document this special time since I can’t be there and today I am sharing them with you!
Step 1: Find a spot in your home that has the best natural light. This is usually a bedroom, nursery or you can lay a blanket on the floor in front a big window or door. Set everything up ahead of time, and use a white sheet over your bedding or on the floor to work as a natural reflector. If you want to take pictures of the entire room make sure it’s clutter free and everything is in it’s place. Morning is usually the best time to photograph newborns.
Step 2: Before you start make sure your babe is fed and has a fresh diaper. Your baby (and yourself) will photograph best in neutral colors, anything with color will reflect off of their face, and yours. Think of the pictures you want to take ahead of time, look for images on pinterest for inspiration! I recommend starting with the baby by itself, you and your quarantine partner can take turns taking pictures of each other with the baby and then set up that self-timer and cozy up on the bed or floor. Switch between normal and portrait mode.
Step 3: Have any props or headbands etc ready to go and turn off all the lights. Natural light is your best friend.
Step 4: Place your baby with their head facing the window for the best lighting. They can be swaddled or in a simple white onesie. They want to be warm, you may want to crank the heat up a little bit. I love when newborns are swaddled, here’s a video of how I swaddle, don’t be afraid to make it tight!
Step 5: Stand directly over your baby to get the overhead pictures and then you can un-swaddle them to get all the features. Don’t be afraid to get close to get the details like their feet, hands and elbow dimples!
Step 6: Learn to use your self-timer or ask a family member to help and cozy up on the bed or floor of your nursery. Same rules apply, make sure there is good natural light, the lights are off and it’s clutter free. Always face the window/light source for the most flattering light if you can. The best pictures are when you relax and since I can’t be there in person to help you do this, you are going to have to get creative. Look at each other, look at the baby and make silly faces to make each other laugh. Embrace the moment. Currently we are all home with nowhere to be, so take your time and enjoy all the tiny moments.
Step 7: Let the photos sit on your camera roll for a little bit before you start deleting, and use an editing app or your phones built in software to edit the ones you love. For more tips on taking & editing better iPhone pics click here
As we go through this crisis together, I am here for you! If you have any questions feel free to reach out.
Number one tip is to relax and always face the light source when you can for the most flattering light!
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Breanna Kuhlmann is a Lifestyle Portrait, Newborn, Business and Branding Photographer. She lives in Fallston, Maryland and regularly travels within Harford and Baltimore Counties, including Bel Air, Forest Hill, Baltimore, Kingsville as well as White Marsh, Phoenix, Towson, Timonium, Hunt Valley, Sparks, Pennsylvania, Delaware and beyond. In the summer months you can book BKLP for Beach Sessions along Delaware Beaches.