Mr F is so cute!

It has been around a year and a half since I incorporated newborn photography into my business and I must say, I love it. Majority of my business is now focused on wedding and newborn photography.

I really like being able to do both newborn wedding photography. Both genres of photography offer are very different and require different lenses, lighting and ect. Here is a little look into what I do and use in newborn photography compared to wedding photography.

Wedding Photography

Equipment: When shooting weddings, have a lots of equipment I use. I have my camera bag with two bodies, speed lights, 4 lenses, an umbrella, lighting stands, batteries and a few clear umbrellas just in case it rains. My favorite lens and camera to use during a wedding is my 70-200 mm 2.8 and my 5D Mark III. This lens creates an amazing depth of field and really makes your subjects stand out! The 5 D Mark III has the dual memory card slot which puts me to ease when taking photographs.

White Balance: I generally set my white balance to auto because of all the different lighting situations I encounter in a brief amount of time. If I know I will be stationed in one area for a long amount of time I will try to set the white balance to the appropriate setting so I don’t have to spend time doing during post processing.

Lighting: I take majority of photos outside, in natural light during weddings. Occasionally I will use off camera flash for dramatic lighting outside or during the reception.

Pace: Everything during a wedding is happening fast. You have to be able to improve, think fast and be able to communicate poses effectively to your client. I always write a schedule before each wedding with all the details so time in not wasted.

Newborn Photography:

Equipment: When doing a newborn shoot I feel like I’m getting ready for a theatrical show of some sort. There is so many backdrops, props, hats, rompers, etc. I have a small studio space in Port Coquitlam where I photograph all my newborn sessions and would not have it any other way. The idea of traveling with all my gear would be out of the question because there is simply too much; I would need a bigger vehicle!  In terms of camera equipment, I always use my 50 mm 1.4 and my 5D Mark III.

White Balance: I have been recently using K – colour temperature for newborns and I wouldn’t change it. I’m able to get perfect colours.

Lighting: I take majority of my shots with one strobe light. I bounce it off an umbrella so the lighting in not as harsh and have a large reflector to bring a little bit of light back in. I know many people use natural light, which is fine, but I like studio lighting. I have a room that has natural lighting but I feel like it is never bright enough. I have to use high ISO which I do not like.

Pace: With newborn photography you are constantly moving but within one space. Generally all that happens is breastfeeding, playing dress up, posing and SNAP – pictures!

Enjoy!