Posing Series Part II: 3-6 month olds
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Shalom! I am just back from a photographer’s conference in Las Vegas, feeling well-rested and inspired, and ready to offer what I hope is a thorough follow-up to Posing Series Part I: Newborns.
Let’s face it – this can be a tough group for sure, particularly because these babies are not yet sitting up. The nice thing in general, however, with this age group is that they are really starting to be interactive so it’s important to capitalize on that as much as possible. Okay, let’s dig in…
I often start with my trusted blanket shot if the baby seems comfortable. In this situation, the color of the blanket can add a nice element to the photograph. I will often do some with clothing up top (for colour) and without (for variation as well as the super cute factor).
- Delicious… with some nice color!
- Adding variety as well as a different body crop…
Getting in nice and close on the blanket as well…
Beauticious little man 
Hats and clothing can be really important for this type of session. Change it up once or twice for variety – and bring it all together with some complimentary colors…
A whole lotta lovely blue...
Next up… the tummy shot. I always try and get this one, if possible, even if the baby can only hold their heavy little heads up for 5 seconds. I make sure to have their parents tuck their arms in right underneath them for support (as in the first example). I may do clothing/no clothing here as well.
Happy days...
You talkin' to me?
I love using a parent’s shirt – that compliments the baby’s clothing/hair/eyes if possible – and coming in fairly close.
Blue on blue...
And in keeping with the arms theme… this little guy was simply sitting in his mother’s arms – with a touch of a blue blanket that I placed behind him, using a shallower depth of field.
Coming in fairly close again...
Even tighter here so the background becomes less important...
On his side but still in Mom's arms...
I try and shoot them on their side, looking at me – making sure I am right at their eye level…
Sweet and innocent...
Making use of colorful wall (backdrop) here...
Who doesn't love the toe-grabbing shot
Capturing them in their crib...
Over the shoulder can work really well – looking to the side or looking at you…
Engaged, looking at his mother...
And if it happens while you are shooting, there is nothing like a sleepin’ babe…
Changing it up a bit with the angle...
Containing these babies can work well sometimes. I have a basket that can accommodate a 3 month old (shown) and have occasionally used a Bumbo…
- This basket keeps this guy contained and supported…
Enjoying his time in there...
- It can work well with sibling shots occasionally…
And what parent doesn’t love the between-the-legs shot (this is usually 4 months +)…
Lovin' his Mamma...
An extension of this is getting just their feet (I haven’t shown any solo body part pictures but that is definitely an option for this age as well).
Love this one - it helps that Mom has a manicure
A really important part of the this type of session is making sure I capture the interaction and relationship between the baby and their parents. This provides extra variety in what you show the client, in addition to providing sweet memories for the child when they grow up (I always remind parents of this in the ordering session when they are picking apart their appearance – that it’s all about the connection for the child – not whether their parents hair was a bit messy that day!).
Mom and babe...
Daddy's turn...
Last, but certainly not least, try and capture their connection as a family…
Fussing over their sweet pea...
It's clear who the star of the show is here...
That, my friends, is it!
So the Bottom Line is that you can photograph them…
- On their backs on colorful blankets with you shooting over them
- Close-up, in their parent’s arms, with thought to the parent’s clothing
- On their tummy
- In fun hats and in fun colors
- In containers or baskets or cribs or beds
- Lying down from the side
- With clothing and without
- In between Mom or Dad’s legs
- Over the shoulder
- Sleeping
- With Mom and Dad separately
- With Mom and Dad together
I hope it was helpful for many of you reading this, and if so, please spread the word in any way that suits you – friends, forums, Facebook, Twitter, you know the drill. Thank you in advance. It would be GREATLY appreciated.
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Tags: posing guide, posing tips, Shooting Tips
7 People have left comments on this post
Cute images, and great ideas. Thanks!
Great advice. One thing you mentioned was the shallow depth of field. I often shoot at around f2.8, how do you manage keeping the eyes sharp when they are moving about. I find myself having to refocus, which means sometimes I lose the moment. I could bump the ISO up, but I run the risk of noise. This probably could apply to all the age groups. Thanks!
Hey Scott,
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I try not to have my depth of field so shallow that one of the eyes is softer, but it still happens frequently enough. Your f2.8 would be okay with a 50mm prime but would have less flexibility once you are going with a longer lense. I shoot primarily with a 50mm indoors. I agree that it’s the same for all ages
Fabulous post. Going to use this on my shoot next week!
Brilliant, I am so loving your work Jennifer… Thank you again for your time and effort in sharing your sage
Lee
thanks so much this is most helpful. doing a impromptu photoshoot of a 6-8 month old today! Its what happens when you are the only photogrpaher in the family you get pulled in to all the family events and then individual photoshoots as well lol.
Thanks, this is just the type of article I was looking for! Very nice work!