Newborn photography is a fun and rewarding field of photography that
also does not require a lot of photographic gear. Generally, all you
need is a decent camera, a couple of prime lenses, and beautiful window
light.
The challenge you will probably face is how to pose the newborn and keep the mess to a minimum.
In this guide we will touch base on the camera gear that we recommend, as well as useful accessories and props that can help you have a great newborn photo session.
Camera and Lenses
When it comes to camera gear, just about any modern digital camera within your budget is capable for capturing beautiful newborn images. In fact, you can have an entire newborn session with only one camera and 2-3 lenses. Additionally, advanced pro functions such as sophisticated AF tracking and high burst rate are not as critical in newborn photography as it would be with other photography fields because typically the newborns between 7-14 days old do not move around as much.
For our entry level setup, we are going to keep it simple by using either a Sony NEX-5N or NEX-6 with a couple of prime lenses. Our higher end professional setup consists of a Canon 5D Mark III and 2-3 prime lenses.
As for lenses, because a newborn is generally not moving around too much, we usually recommend using prime lenses and macro lenses because they can produce higher image quality and shallower depth of field than using zoom lens.
Sony NEX-5N ($548 body only)
The Sony NEX-5N is one of the smallest mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras with an APS-C sensor. What this means is that you have a camera with really good image quality in a portable package. With the advancement of modern sensor technology, the NEX-5N‘s 16.1 MP APS-C sensor provides an image quality that is very comparable to full-frame sensor.
The Sony NEX-5N uses E-mount lenses that are made from a handful of manufacturers including Sony, Zeiss, and Sigma.
Sony NEX-6 ($648 body only)
As the next step up from the Sony NEX-5N, the Sony NEX-6 adds a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) and a second command dial for easier manual exposure changes. Additionally, the NEX-6 also has built-in Wifi for sharing the images with a smartphone or tablet.
Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS ($298)
The main benefit of the Sony 50mm f/1.8 prime lens is its bright f/1.8 maximum aperture which allows you to create a shallow depth of field and great bokeh. The lens is sharp even with the aperture wide open and its Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilization makes it easier to shoot with slower shutter speed without having to increase the ISO. This is especially useful for newborn photography since you are generally hand-holding your camera and you may be shooting from a higher vantage point while standing on a chair or a small ladder.
The Sony 50mm f/1.8 on an NEX camera has a full-frame focal equivalent of 75mm, which is good for as a portrait lens.
Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS ($448)
The Sony E 35mm f/1.8 with its 52.5mm full-frame focal length equivalent is a great all-around lens for the Sony NEX system. Just like the 50mm lens, the 35mm’s bright f/1.8 maximum aperture can also create shallow depth of field and lovely bokeh. And just like the 50mm lens, the Sony 35mm has optical stabilization.
Canon 5D Mark III ($3,349 body only)
As a full-frame DSLR the Canon 5D Mark III is a great choice for newborn photography because how well it performs indoors and in higher ISO. Its 22.3 MP full-frame sensor will produce more detail and have better control over depth of field than the Sony NEX’s 16.1 MP crop sensors.
Of course, full-frame camera bodies and lenses are more expensive than crop sensor cameras, and while the Canon 5D Mark III does offer a lot more features and functionality when compared to the Sony mirrorless cameras, in reality, the majority of these advanced functions are generally not necessary for newborn photography. So the highest cost will come from potentially better image quality and shallower depth of field.
Canon 50mm f/1.2L ($1,619)
The Canon 50mm f/1.2L prime lens is one of Canon’s most versatile professional prime lenses. With a very bright maximum aperture of f/1.2, you can easily create very shallow depth of field with soft and buttery backgrounds that help separate the subject from the background and give that “cinematic” or professional look.
At around $1,600, the Canon 50mm f/1.2L is a fairly pricey prime lens, but its performance is worth the investment. Of course, the Canon 50mm f/1.4 also makes a good alternative, and at $339, you can pocket the $1300 difference.
Canon Macro 100mm f/2.8L ($1,049)
Because newborn photography can involve close up details of tiny hands and feet, it is also a good idea to invest in a macro lens. The Canon Macro 100mm f/2.8L not only provides excellent images throughout its aperture range, but it also has Image Stabilization (IS) to minimize camera shake.
Photographic Accessories
When it comes to lighting for newborn, you really don’t need much more than a very nice window light. Although you can use studio strobes, we generally do not use strobes for newborns because they can be extra sensitive to the flashes. Instead, we prefer to use soft (and free) window light.
The good news is that this means that you really do not need to invest in a lot of photographic accessories. In fact, the only really “must-have” item on our list is the pop-up reflector.
Wescott 301 Photo Basics 40” 5-in-1 Reflector ($39.90)
A pop-up reflector such as the Wescott 301 Photo Basics 40” 5-in-1 Reflector is very useful when it comes to working with natural light. It is very cost effective and easy to carry around when folded up. We typically use the semi-translucent white interior fabric to diffuse the light and also the white cover to bounce a fill light and open up the shadows.
Light stand and Reflector holder ($31.99 + $59.95)
Although it is preferable to have an assistant hold your reflector for you, there may be times where you will be working by yourself. This is where a Light stand and a Reflector holder are useful to have. The Reflector holder simply attaches to the Light stand and then holds the pop-up reflector in place.
Just be sure to weigh down the Light stand with either a sand bag or something similar that way it does not tip over.
The challenge you will probably face is how to pose the newborn and keep the mess to a minimum.
In this guide we will touch base on the camera gear that we recommend, as well as useful accessories and props that can help you have a great newborn photo session.
Camera and Lenses
When it comes to camera gear, just about any modern digital camera within your budget is capable for capturing beautiful newborn images. In fact, you can have an entire newborn session with only one camera and 2-3 lenses. Additionally, advanced pro functions such as sophisticated AF tracking and high burst rate are not as critical in newborn photography as it would be with other photography fields because typically the newborns between 7-14 days old do not move around as much.
For our entry level setup, we are going to keep it simple by using either a Sony NEX-5N or NEX-6 with a couple of prime lenses. Our higher end professional setup consists of a Canon 5D Mark III and 2-3 prime lenses.
As for lenses, because a newborn is generally not moving around too much, we usually recommend using prime lenses and macro lenses because they can produce higher image quality and shallower depth of field than using zoom lens.
Sony NEX-5N ($548 body only)
The Sony NEX-5N is one of the smallest mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras with an APS-C sensor. What this means is that you have a camera with really good image quality in a portable package. With the advancement of modern sensor technology, the NEX-5N‘s 16.1 MP APS-C sensor provides an image quality that is very comparable to full-frame sensor.
The Sony NEX-5N uses E-mount lenses that are made from a handful of manufacturers including Sony, Zeiss, and Sigma.
Sony NEX-6 ($648 body only)
As the next step up from the Sony NEX-5N, the Sony NEX-6 adds a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) and a second command dial for easier manual exposure changes. Additionally, the NEX-6 also has built-in Wifi for sharing the images with a smartphone or tablet.
Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS ($298)
The main benefit of the Sony 50mm f/1.8 prime lens is its bright f/1.8 maximum aperture which allows you to create a shallow depth of field and great bokeh. The lens is sharp even with the aperture wide open and its Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilization makes it easier to shoot with slower shutter speed without having to increase the ISO. This is especially useful for newborn photography since you are generally hand-holding your camera and you may be shooting from a higher vantage point while standing on a chair or a small ladder.
The Sony 50mm f/1.8 on an NEX camera has a full-frame focal equivalent of 75mm, which is good for as a portrait lens.
Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS ($448)
The Sony E 35mm f/1.8 with its 52.5mm full-frame focal length equivalent is a great all-around lens for the Sony NEX system. Just like the 50mm lens, the 35mm’s bright f/1.8 maximum aperture can also create shallow depth of field and lovely bokeh. And just like the 50mm lens, the Sony 35mm has optical stabilization.
Canon 5D Mark III ($3,349 body only)
As a full-frame DSLR the Canon 5D Mark III is a great choice for newborn photography because how well it performs indoors and in higher ISO. Its 22.3 MP full-frame sensor will produce more detail and have better control over depth of field than the Sony NEX’s 16.1 MP crop sensors.
Of course, full-frame camera bodies and lenses are more expensive than crop sensor cameras, and while the Canon 5D Mark III does offer a lot more features and functionality when compared to the Sony mirrorless cameras, in reality, the majority of these advanced functions are generally not necessary for newborn photography. So the highest cost will come from potentially better image quality and shallower depth of field.
Canon 50mm f/1.2L ($1,619)
The Canon 50mm f/1.2L prime lens is one of Canon’s most versatile professional prime lenses. With a very bright maximum aperture of f/1.2, you can easily create very shallow depth of field with soft and buttery backgrounds that help separate the subject from the background and give that “cinematic” or professional look.
At around $1,600, the Canon 50mm f/1.2L is a fairly pricey prime lens, but its performance is worth the investment. Of course, the Canon 50mm f/1.4 also makes a good alternative, and at $339, you can pocket the $1300 difference.
Canon Macro 100mm f/2.8L ($1,049)
Because newborn photography can involve close up details of tiny hands and feet, it is also a good idea to invest in a macro lens. The Canon Macro 100mm f/2.8L not only provides excellent images throughout its aperture range, but it also has Image Stabilization (IS) to minimize camera shake.
Photographic Accessories
When it comes to lighting for newborn, you really don’t need much more than a very nice window light. Although you can use studio strobes, we generally do not use strobes for newborns because they can be extra sensitive to the flashes. Instead, we prefer to use soft (and free) window light.
The good news is that this means that you really do not need to invest in a lot of photographic accessories. In fact, the only really “must-have” item on our list is the pop-up reflector.
Wescott 301 Photo Basics 40” 5-in-1 Reflector ($39.90)
A pop-up reflector such as the Wescott 301 Photo Basics 40” 5-in-1 Reflector is very useful when it comes to working with natural light. It is very cost effective and easy to carry around when folded up. We typically use the semi-translucent white interior fabric to diffuse the light and also the white cover to bounce a fill light and open up the shadows.
Light stand and Reflector holder ($31.99 + $59.95)
Although it is preferable to have an assistant hold your reflector for you, there may be times where you will be working by yourself. This is where a Light stand and a Reflector holder are useful to have. The Reflector holder simply attaches to the Light stand and then holds the pop-up reflector in place.
Just be sure to weigh down the Light stand with either a sand bag or something similar that way it does not tip over.
Content Courtesy of Slr Lounge
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