Sunday, July 27, 2014

DIY: Baby Photo Shoot Tips

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I had one of those sleepless nights..I was awake for 2 middle of the night feedings :( . When I can't fall asleep, I read up on mommy stuff or catch up on news, but more often than not, I look back at the many photos and videos I've taken of Ian.
#obsessed

I came across photos of his first photo shoot for his baby announcement.  We had professional photos taken at the hospital but because I had doctors, nurses, and visitors coming and going, I left before I could run into the photographer and so I never got to purchase any :( .  I still announced Ian's birth with this quick post for my friends and fam through ig.  

Sadly, that's how everyone found out.  The day I was going through labor, I was kind of in denial that he was actually coming.  Ian came a week early and on the very day I hoped he wouldn't.  Labor on labor day.  I didn't want his birthday to fall on a holiday because I know how it feels not having everyone present for your birthday because people go on vacation or doing stuff just costs way too much.  But it's ok, the day holds a special coincidental significance now.  Anyways, sorry for those friends and fam who felt bad that they didn't receive a phone call and just found out online. 

When I got home, and after giving myself about a week to adjust, I wanted to do a photo shoot so I can send out an official announcement.  I didn't want it to be so cutesy, cheesy with him like out in the woods or in some obscure environment.  I wanted it simple, with a bit of hidden significance -duh, you should know my style by now.

So here are some tips on how to do your own baby photo shoot at home:

1. Set the stage.
I wanted a plain background so I laid Ian on a futon we have in his room.  You can use a bed sheet or blanket, plain or patterned as a backdrop.  I'd suggest using a plain sheet if you want to digitally add a background using photoshop later.

2. Make baby comfortable.
I used a boppy and a baby pillow even though he was on a futon.  If you're on a harder surface, a soft fluffy pillow would be great.  If you need to prop up baby, make sure you place any hard objects under the boppy, pillow or blanket so it looks like baby is resting comfortably and naturally.

3.Lighting
I don't have fancy lighting but I know natural lighting is the best.  If you can, use a naturally well lit room.  If you have to use artificial lighting, try to use high quality bulbs.

4. Props
Choose a theme and gather what you can from what you already have.  If you have that theme in mind, I'm sure it's something you've loved for a while now and would have things from the baby shower and to decorate his/her room.

My resounding theme was bow ties and boat shoes.  I didn't want Ian to look like a baby Chippendale dancer so I just used one of the boats from his Nautica mobile and a comfy knit blanket.

5. What & how to announce.
The usual info is name, date of birth, weight and length.  But you can add whatever else you want...a cute saying, location of birth, etc. 

You can use a chalkboard, whiteboard or poster beside baby to share the info, but I digitally added it.  It's really simple on photoshop, but I know it's even easier to use a photo app on your cell phone.

That's it! Just point and shoot....about 50 times.
I somehow managed to edit it down to 2 photos.
I chose the one with his eyes closed because I wanted it to seem like he was still days old.
 I also chose one where he was smiling 'cause he got CBF from his mama..lol.
  
Here's how Ian's announcement turned out. 

I love doing photo shoots of Ian because no matter how hard it can be now that he's more active, most of the time it's funny, fun and always a special moment. 

Hope these tips helped and you enjoy your very own diy photo shoot with your little one.
Don't hesitate to share!

<3
Melissa

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