Love / Hate
I have a love hate relationship with shooting newborns. I hate them because they are so, so, so hard! I love them because babies are so dang cute when they finally do fall asleep! Here is what a lot of patience can get you:
Keys to getting these shots:
1) Great light! I shot these in my home office. It has two big doors and gets amazing light. It’s just a teeny tiny bit small. I wish it were bigger so I could have shoots here all of the time!
2) A HOT room. A space heater placed not too far away and a heating pad was used to warm up the blanket in the top shot (put the blanket on the heating pad before shot was taken so it was warm and to avoid having to clone out the cord). I placed the hammock in the dryer to warm it up before that shot. Well, I also had to do that because he peed all over the hammock in attempt number one 
3) A new baby. I only shoot newborns in the first 10 days. I’ve just had bad experiences after 10 days. Liam was 8 days old in these shots.
4) A very patient Mama and an even more patient photographer. It pays to wait until the baby is really asleep.
By the way, this is my friend Jamie’s baby. You’ll remember Jamie because I posted pictures of her baby shower here. Liam was born on November 30th and was 8 lbs, 12 oz and 19.5 inches long! BIG boy! Congratulations, Jamie! Liam is absolutely gorgeous and perfect and so much fun to photograph! I hope he’s getting used to having a camera in his face because I will be there photographing all of his big moments for years to come!
About DrewB
I’ve started this blog as a way to connect with other moms who love photography. Whether you are a professional photographer who is looking for advice on how to manage your own business and your family or if you are a mom who is looking for tips on how to take better pictures of your kids, I hope that you can find some good information and be inspired!
I have such a new found respect for baby photographers. I did a good friends new born and WOW was it hard!
.-= T´s last blog ..My List =-.
Gosh, I couldn’t agree with you more! With all the patience that I have, the newborns that I photograph always seem to be WIDE awake! But I still love capturing them soooo small:) YOur Images are beautiful!
.-= Andrea H.´s last blog ..| sofia….5 months ~ bay area baby photographer | =-.
I haven’t had the chance to do a newborn yet but am so excited to try… though I realize now that I will have my work cut out for me.
.-= Emmy´s last blog ..Going to the Zoo =-.
I’m photographing a 6 day old baby girl tonight. I can’t wait. I ordered a black sling, but it hasn’t shown up yet…bummer!
Newborns are my absolute favorite! Second by seniors
.-= Noel Kelley´s last blog ..Baby M Sneak Peak – Plymouth area baby photographer =-.
Love the hammock shot! I couldn’t agree more. Photographing newborns take TONS of patience, but the reward far exceeds the effort!!
I have my first newborns coming up. Client had the baby Tuesday!
I agree about the first 10 day rule. I shot a 2 month old recently and it was VERY hard.
Love these shots? Where can I purchase a sling/hammock? How do you suspend it? So cute!
Whoops! ‘Love these shots’ in the last post was definitely not a question! hahah
I’m a big fan of the black and white.
.-= John Batdorff´s last blog ..Lightroom Presets make life easier =-.
Drew,
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these! It makes me so excited for my newborn session with you next year. I can’t wait!!
I’ve never done any newborn shots. Hopefully some day I’ll get the chance.
Beautiful…I love the shot in the hammock, life never looked so good
ADORABLE!!!!