Another newborn props question.

[Darksharde]

Hi, we're due number 4 baby in just under 3 weeks and I've been slowly getting bits and pieces together for newborn photos. I've located most things that I wanted but the thing I'm really stuck on is a tree branch! Some of my favourite 'stork pouch' photos seem to have the pouch hanging from a lovely sturdy looking tree branch and I can't for the life of me find one. I've tried interiors shops, local woodland (though I'm a bit warey of how strong it'll be if it's rotted enough to fall off a tree), online etc, but I'm still stuck. Any ideas?!

P.S. I'm in the UK but quite happy to fork out for shipping from other countries if neccessary

Cheers
Kitty

[suecassidy]

Go cut one off a tree. Just test it with a couple of bricks that add to up 7-8 pounds, or the size of an average baby. I would probably borrow some little girl's baby doll to use as a stand it to get the framing, cropping etc. You don't need to have a real baby to do that, nor should you tire him out that way. You can use a strong branch and photoshop it to look a lot "thinner", if you want that look. You can have dad just under the "baby bundle", which need only be lifted slightly off the floor. Instruct him to hold on the baby until the baby settles and is asleep and relaxed. when the baby stops squirming, he can tell you and you be ready to snap when he drops his hands. You really only need 1/200th of a second. Take only as many shots as you need to get the right one, don't beat it to death. some photographers do. they have the great shot but keep going and going and going....makes me nuts. Oh yeah, also instruct the dad or the baby catcher to keep his eyes on the baby at all times. NOT to look at you or the camera or anything else. His only job is to keep the baby safe. can't wait to see it!

[jenabean4]

Go cut one off a tree. Just test it with a couple of bricks that add to up 7-8 pounds, or the size of an average baby. I would probably borrow some little girl's baby doll to use as a stand it to get the framing, cropping etc. You don't need to have a real baby to do that, nor should you tire him out that way. You can use a strong branch and photoshop it to look a lot "thinner", if you want that look. You can have dad just under the "baby bundle", which need only be lifted slightly off the floor. Instruct him to hold on the baby until the baby settles and is asleep and relaxed. when the baby stops squirming, he can tell you and you be ready to snap when he drops his hands. You really only need 1/200th of a second. Take only as many shots as you need to get the right one, don't beat it to death. some photographers do. they have the great shot but keep going and going and going....makes me nuts. Oh yeah, also instruct the dad or the baby catcher to keep his eyes on the baby at all times. NOT to look at you or the camera or anything else. His only job is to keep the baby safe. can't wait to see it!


I like what she said! ALso place a mat or bean bag under the baby just incase!

[Darksharde]

Thanks guys. I've half convinced my parents to chop a branch off one of their many trees! And I have a friend whos parents own a farm so she's going to have a look for me at the weekend. Failing that I'll go with Sue's idea. (Well, I'll get hubby to do the sawing as I've got a decent excuse to avoid hard physical labour ;) )

We're going to try the whole photo set-up with one of DD's dolls to save us faffing around with angles etc once baby has actually made an appearance, we're kitted out with a good beanbag and various soft, fluffy objects and the quicker we can get the shot the better!