With the popularity of Pinterest and the ease of acquiring DSLR cameras, there is a big trend of "let's take them ourselves" for newborn photography. What people may not know from looking at an image like the one to the left, is that this image is a composite.
A photo composite is created in photoshop from two or more images to create one complete image. The trick to achieving a good composite image is to stay in the same place relative to the subject. A camera on tripod is ideal, but a steady hand works too. A newborn assistant is a MUST. Ideally, this person works with you for every newborn session. In a pinch, a parent can be used, but remember that they are not trained to do this, and it is really hard to get the hang of. Lastly, you need a VERY sleepy and snuggly baby. The trick to getting these poses is to have a baby that is swaddled tightly, so the limbs can't move, and asleep so he/she will not be fussy or wiggle.
While continuing reading this post please remember:
A photo composite is created in photoshop from two or more images to create one complete image. The trick to achieving a good composite image is to stay in the same place relative to the subject. A camera on tripod is ideal, but a steady hand works too. A newborn assistant is a MUST. Ideally, this person works with you for every newborn session. In a pinch, a parent can be used, but remember that they are not trained to do this, and it is really hard to get the hang of. Lastly, you need a VERY sleepy and snuggly baby. The trick to getting these poses is to have a baby that is swaddled tightly, so the limbs can't move, and asleep so he/she will not be fussy or wiggle.
While continuing reading this post please remember:
This is not a tutorial on how to create composite images for other photographers, but rather a PSA for newborn safety.
This was actually the first time I tried this particular pose. I had the world's most cooperative newborn and a seasoned assistant. The wrap was a jersey knit and swaddled Olive nice and tight. Kelly was able to support Olive from the right side the whole time. Now that I said that, I am sure all of your eyes darted up to the picture to see where I cloned her out. I'm not going to sit here and say that image is flawless, but I can tell you it was done SAFELY.
The trick to getting a good set of images eligible for composite is to get one with the top of the head/face by supporting the lower half and chin. Then to get another that is supporting the head, showing the body in full. Ideally, I would've shot a third of just the background in case I needed to touch that up. It would've been the difference between an "ok" composite and a great one, but I forgot. It happens. Still confused? Let's see it in action.
The trick to getting a good set of images eligible for composite is to get one with the top of the head/face by supporting the lower half and chin. Then to get another that is supporting the head, showing the body in full. Ideally, I would've shot a third of just the background in case I needed to touch that up. It would've been the difference between an "ok" composite and a great one, but I forgot. It happens. Still confused? Let's see it in action.
I used the chin and up on this image since Olive's face was nice and relaxed, and Kelly's hand was supporting under the chin. I knew I could clone in the swaddle material for a seamless image. | 
Did you notice I didn't follow one of my rules? I must have scooted closer to the Olive and Kelly. The body is slightly bigger in this shot. When I took it into PS I had to adjust the size to keep it relative to the first image. |
This is to show you how I determined where to use the eraser and where to clone. If you are a seasoned photoshop-er you may notice I don't really use layers. Not exactly the "right" way to do things, but it works for me.
Below is another example from Olive's session where she is supported at all times. This is a very stable pose for newborns. If they are very sleepy, and the room is warm, they usually don't wiggle out of this one. Sometimes they will startle awake and really jolt their bodies. That is why Kelly is supporting the head and neck. Even though Olive is on the ground and doesn't have anywhere to fall, that motion and movement can still do serious damage. Safety first my friends!
Below is another example from Olive's session where she is supported at all times. This is a very stable pose for newborns. If they are very sleepy, and the room is warm, they usually don't wiggle out of this one. Sometimes they will startle awake and really jolt their bodies. That is why Kelly is supporting the head and neck. Even though Olive is on the ground and doesn't have anywhere to fall, that motion and movement can still do serious damage. Safety first my friends!
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My final tip for this post…. do not pressure your photographer to do anything he/she is not comfortable doing. I didn't start newborn photography with these tricks in my bag. I do not always get the chance to have an assistant available, and I won't usually attempt them without one because I don't like putting the parents in that position. If you are interested in poses like these, hire a photographer who can do them and do them safely.
If you are unsure of whether they can or will do them for you, just ask ahead of time. Newborns don't just "pop up". You have several months to let your tog know what you want and to decide if they are the right fit for your session. Timing is key too. For sessions like these, and poses like these, I prefer to shoot within 10 days of birth. Anything over that I consider the baby sort of "unpredictable". They move more and become a liability for their own safety.
Thank you for reading and comment with any questions!
If you are unsure of whether they can or will do them for you, just ask ahead of time. Newborns don't just "pop up". You have several months to let your tog know what you want and to decide if they are the right fit for your session. Timing is key too. For sessions like these, and poses like these, I prefer to shoot within 10 days of birth. Anything over that I consider the baby sort of "unpredictable". They move more and become a liability for their own safety.
Thank you for reading and comment with any questions!
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