Light and Airy versus Dark and Moody Newborn Photography Styles

 

Keeping Newborn Photography Photos Simple

When it comes to newborn photography styles, I firmly believe that less is more.  I try to think about the future of that photograph.   When that baby is all grown up and sees their first portrait, what will they think?  I try to avoid anything that may trigger a response similar to “that is SO 80’s”.

Regardless of the simplicity, there are two pretty distinct looks that can be created during a newborn session.  Light and airy, where everything is bright and white or dark and moody where the subject is more dimly lit and surrounded by dark colors.

Regardless of the “feel” of the style I am going for, there are a few technical things that always stay the same during a newborn session.  I typically use an extremely large diffuser which makes the light very flat to compliment the softness of Baby. By using a wider aperture setting, I blur the background and make Baby the focus of the image.

Creating Mood with Color and Light

Bright white and flat lighting isn’t right for every newborn shoot. If you’re looking for a specific mood or color palette in your newborn photographs, we can use shadows and dark tones to add drama to your newborn photographs. Some parents want to memorialize an aspect of their own lives in their baby’s portrait.  For example, in the portrait below, this little man’s father is a retired pro football player.

Baby Knows Best

Sometimes, you throw your plans out the window and just go with what’s happening. In this photo, I originally planned to have Baby resting on top of the ball, but Baby was NOT having it. After multiple attempts and lots of screaming, Daddy’s comforting hands made everything just right. I think it added a sweetness to the image that we otherwise would have missed.

 

Love is All You Need

I try to steer parents as much as possible towards simple, uncluttered poses. The baby is enough, without a bunch of props or baggy clothing. Naked babies are perfect. Babies bundled in or lying on a simple blanket, without too much pattern to distract from that delicious newborn skin—that’s what I find most beautiful in a newborn photography shoot.

Do you agree?

 

 

South Florida Maternity Photography Studio
We specialize in fine-art maternity and newborn photography. For more South Florida maternity photography and pregnancy portraits, please visit our maternity gallery. For bookings and information on maternity, newborn, and baby photography sessions, contact us, or call directly at 754-581-2133.