First Timer Baby Photos

[Treat me like a tourist]

Yesterday i had my first attempt at a baby shoot for a family friend. I thought it would be easy, as she was quite young and couldnt even crawl yet. How wrong i was, the facial expressions are so quick you have to guess more than react as smiles quickly disappear. Also i wasnt quite prepared for all the arm flapping and kicking :) it was fun though, and a little tiring :)
Anyway these are the two best. Not great i know C&C are most definetly welcome as i am totally clueless on what to do.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2502/3736410273_60726f11f2_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3469/3737114292_fc9a13b122_o.jpg

[moeronn]

The first one is a great capture of the baby looking into the mother's eyes. The main issue is that the exposure difference between them is pretty severe. My suggestions would be to try and balance out the exposure, and maybe change the aspect ratio to 8x10 and crop up from the bottom to get rid of her hand.

The second shot is a great expression. Again, you might be able to adjust the exposure on this one. Maybe even try it as a B&W.

Regardless, I'm sure she will be pleased with the shots.

[michillebaker]

I actually like them both. Even thought the second is overexposed it still could be saved in photoshop. And like moeronn said if that doesn't work b&w i bet would be gorgeous with this photo.

[Treat me like a tourist]

I had tried doing a B&W before, i didn't think that it worked but following your comments i went back to the drawing board so to speak. Anyway I decided to use photoshop play with curves and saturation levels. Let me know what you think with this version, C&C welcome as usual.
Many thanks.

Andrew.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/3745802653_0d7c047b0c_b.jpg

[michillebaker]

Love it! Defiantly a lot better!I had tried doing a B&W before, i didn't think that it worked but following your comments i went back to the drawing board so to speak. Anyway I decided to use photoshop play with curves and saturation levels. Let me know what you think with this version, C&C welcome as usual.
Many thanks.

Andrew.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/3745802653_0d7c047b0c_b.jpg

[adellecousins]

Hi Tourist
I worked in a studio photographing babies from 3mths - 13 yrs! Its hard! You pretty much have to click 20 times simultaneously to get a good expression! Avoid the up the nose shots like the one you posted, babies noses are so small and when you shoot like this they look massive!
I took my photography home and started shooting on the side too...a lot harder but use natural light as much as you can and invest in small bean bags for 3mth and up to drape over and lift their own heads up - makes for beautiful head shots. I have no examples - all on my backup drive unfortunately, i havent taken a photo of a baby for a year or 2 now haha
Del :)