No doubt you can still achieve great results if want to take a photo of a newborn without the flash which many parents don’t know.
Is it possible to take a picture of a newborn baby with a flash? Certainly yes, You can easily manage to obtain high-quality photos by using artificial or natural light. Continuous-artificial light placed at a recommended distance or by using an area close to a window for a natural lighting source. Both constant lighting and daylight are great as with the flash choice.
By reading this article, you’ll find out how to take pictures like a pro without using the flash.
Tips on how to get pictures done of your newborn baby without the flash
Using just the daylight
The natural light is the most popular lighting style used by photographers in general.
Not just because it is more affordable, but for its naturalness what most of us are after.
If you are planning to take pictures on your own; first, look for a place in front of a large window.
Make enough space so you can move around with the camera, you need mostly between baby and the window.
Position the baby on the bed, sofa or something stable and safe so the baby won’t fall.
Even the kitchen table can work perfectly fine; usually, this is the most lit room in the house.
Use the blankets and wraps to support the baby’s body and lay the child facing the window or facing up. From here, you can experiment with the angles depending on what you want to achieve.
Most of the time, you will be standing with a window at your back, try not to block the light, making unnecessary shade on the baby.
If you feel you have positioned the baby too high for you de get all details in the frame, grab a chair or a solid coffee table to stand on.
If all is happening on the floor, then you have enough room between the baby and your phone or camera.
To enhance your photo session, even more, you might find friends or relatives who are in the photography industry who have light reflectors.
Also, they are around 10$ -15$ on Amazon where you can get a kit with different colour reflectors(golden, silver, white).
Professional photographers are usually using them for headshots. In our case is a perfect tool to bounce back the light and soften the shadow.
Keep moving around in different angles and see what you manage to achieve.
Using handy lightning equipment
Not many people know that newborn photographers are using continuous light also.
In a few words, the continuous light system is a constant source of light which is not flashing.
With this type of studio lights, you can adjust the brightness, which is also softened by the 2-3 layers of the softbox.
Continuous light is more than enough for a photographer with good auto-focus to achieve amazing results.
If you still want to do it yourself and thinking of what light to use and not spend much; improvise, look around the house for the lights you might find.
For artificial light, you can even use a desk lamp or other lightning gadgets you have handy (you can have a look in your husband or dad’s tools as well )
If it’s too bright, cover with some semi-transparent white fabric or paper to soften the light.
Make sure that it stays safe if you’re covering it, don’t get anything on the bulb, try to use LED light if it’s possible.
Double-check if the light is on a stable surface and won’t fall on the baby.
Look up on Amazon or eBay for some cheap amateur umbrellas for defusing the light.
Don’t forget about Facebook marketplace; some people are just giving the lighting equipment for free.
And that’s it!
Using an iPhone or professional camera, daylight or inexpensive lighting equipment, you’ll be able to get fantastic pictures.
Bellow I have attached a video for more inspiration on newborn photography at home from The School of Photography chanel.
Why are photographers preferred to use natural light instead of artificial?
There are many pros and cons of this topic when it comes to choosing which one is best.
The photographers owning studious with massive windows always prefer to try the daylight first.
The daylight consists of open sunlight, which gives warm shades and increased contrast, diffused light, which in itself is cooler and contrast, as well as balanced light.
At different times of the day, you have distinct contrast and white balance.
From noon, the Sun slowly descends to the horizon, along with this, the contrast of the images gradually decreases.
The information above will be useful for those who have a decent DSLR to hand and wondered how to take a photo of a newborn without a flash
What artificial source of lighting can I use?
Desk light
We all got them in the house, many times only with that you can achieve brilliant results.
Beauty ring light
This is another gadget which persists nowadays in a woman’s beauty arsenal often.
If you haven’t got one, it won’t get dusty after; it’s worth the price.
Umbrella lighting stand kit
For a few dollars, you can find some proper lighting umbrellas.
Starting from $15-$20 on Amazon, which can you will have ready for the following milestones photo session.
Recommend a distance between the light source and the baby.
Use common sense here to keep your baby safe at all times during the photo session.
Nothing should be too close, in case it falls to harm the baby, if the source of light is not very powerful, half a meter can be enough.
If you have chosen a light stand with an umbrella which is quite tall, the meter and half will be the recommended distance.
Consider stabilizing the stand, by adding some weights at the bottom of the stand if you feel income and balance quickly.
Don’t keep the light right in front of the baby’s face, position it from an angle if it comes from above the baby’s head if he is lying horizontally.
The best part of the day to take a picture of your newborn by using the natural light?
The worst part of the day to take pictures is noon, When the sunlight is landing perpendicular straight down rather than lightning from an angle.
Most professional photographers have a big break at this time of the day if they use in the sunlight. Next
The most surprising results are achieved in the afternoon after 4 pm up until 7-8 pm.
Wedding, Portrait, nature, newborn photographers all hunting the afternoon Sun To get the most Authentic natural results ever.
Morning’s photo section can be brilliant as well with it with specific fresh and soft tones of sunlight.
Should I wait for these sunny days to take the newborn pictures?
You still can make great pictures when there is no sun, much depends on the clouds, which on their own represent a natural filter.
I wouldn’t bother when outside are them dark cloudy, rainy days. It’s not worth spending the time, but I would wait for brighter days.
Summary
There are many ways to get newborn pictures done without a camera flash.Hope you found some new fresh ideas in your journey in your newborn, kids or family photography.
Related questions
Is it newborn photography safe?
Usually, newborn photographers who have been in the industry for years and years are highly skilled and safe professionals, who have a lot of experience. These are mom’s, and rarely dad’s who have got quite a few first aid and child safety courses done throughout their career.
Do I have to tip a newborn photographer?
Tipping photographers isn’t necessary; everything is included in the fee that you already pay for their services. The photographers, in general, are more than happy with positive feedback online and referrals.
How long is a newborn photography session?
On average, a newborn photo session takes between two and four hours. This seems to be the average time with all photographers worldwide.
It may last longer if not enough preparation has been made or if the photographer lacks experience.