– So many photos, but nothing to print, –laments a friend, scrolling through her phone. A tiny wrinkled person with red eyes like a little devil and some strange spots on her body looks out from the screen. This is Katya. She was born a week and a half ago. Someday Katya will grow up into a beautiful girl. And she will look with horror at her photos, which were taken in the semi-darkness, in a hurry, on her phone. Of course, Katya's mother could have invited a photographer to the house. But the family is still short on money. In order not to leave the little girl and her parents without beautiful childhood photos, I decided to ask a professional for some advice on photography. - There is no time to hesitate. In three months, this will be a completely different child. So seize the moment! - says St. Petersburg photographer Lita Aitenova. Hence the first piece of advice.
Ideal age
Photo sessions for babies are usually held before the age of 14.days of life. During this period, the baby sleeps all the time, he is not bothered by colic, first teeth and other problems. And also, the baby up to two weeks of life is as similar as possible to the baby that huddled in the mother's womb. Then he will begin to rapidly gain weight, change. The small fluff on the shoulders, folds on the skin will disappear, the once tiny, wrinkled heels will grow. So take a camera and shoot! After all, the next good period for shooting will come only at three months, when the baby begins to hold his head. Or even in six months, when the child can sit.
Pose
Up to 14 days of life, the baby's arms and legs are still veryflexible. The child can be curled up, wrapped in a cocoon. There are many poses that are popular with children's photographers. But mothers, of course, will be afraid to use them. Therefore, simply place the baby on its side, putting its arms under its head. Surround the child with pillows or throw them into a basket, creating a semblance of a cradle for the baby.Photo: Lita Aitenova
Shine
Soft natural light is best forphoto shoots of a child. Children's photographers use flashes very rarely. And the kids are unlikely to like it. The ideal room for a photo shoot is a room with a large window. The closer your little model is to it, the better. The main rule is to take pictures from the window, that is, standing with your back to it.
Background
No matter how cute your baby looks in the photo,the picture can be spoiled by diapers and towels scattered nearby. The background is very important. It is not difficult to create. Take a blanket in light, pastel colors. It can be knitted or jersey - it does not matter. Just without flowers and other distracting patterns. Spread the blanket so that one half covers the back of the sofa. Or put a chair and throw the blanket on it. Your baby will lie on the other half of the blanket.1/2 Photo: It's always autumn Photo: It's always autumn
Costume
You can take a look at the images for the photo shoot inInternet. Usually babies are photographed naked, with their bottoms covered with light fabric. You can put on a small hat with a pompom, mouse or bunny ears. Knitted children's clothes for photo shoots are also easy to find on the Internet. Very often they are sold on Instagram by mothers who are on maternity leave. Cute shorts are knitted for boys. Puffy tulle skirts and headbands with flowers are sewn for girls. The main rule is no diapers! If you are afraid that the child will wet the bed, put a diaper under the blanket that serves as a background. And, of course, have a couple of spare blankets on hand in case of small "accidents".1/3Photo: Lita AitenovaPhoto: Lita AitenovaPhoto: Lita Aitenova
Perspective
We photograph the child from the side or from the head, but not from the bottom.Photo: Lita Aitenova
Shooting mode
Of course, professionals work manuallymode, adjusting the equipment depending on the shooting conditions. Amateurs are advised to take pictures in semi-automatic - Av (A), S (Tv) and P. They provide additional access to many settings that are not available in the automatic mode.
Technique
It is, of course, important.However, even if you don't have a fancy professional camera, but a regular point-and-shoot, shoot with it, not with a smartphone. Leave the phone for live, reportage photos. Where the moment itself is important.
Calm child
So, a baby up to 14 days of life almost all the timesleeps. Well, so that he doesn't wake up and start crying, he should be warm, dry and well-fed. Some photographers advise to "tire out" the child a little before the photo shoot so that he sleeps more soundly. You can also turn on white noise on your computer. It is easy to find on the Internet. This sound will also calm the child.
But what if you go to a professional?
The minimum fee for a photographer's services is usuallystarts from 8 thousand rubles. This price includes 3-4 images, as well as studio rental or home visit. The latter is preferable. Firstly, not many studios are suitable for photographing babies. Secondly, the room needs to be properly warmed up before the photo shoot so that the baby does not freeze. And, of course, the baby will be much calmer in his own home.