P#10 Q1: What Is The Single Biggest Mistake People Make When Taking Baby Photographs?
How To Avoid The Common Mistakes Seen In Baby Photographs Everywhere
Carrie Sandoval has been taking breathtaking baby photographs since 2006. Her work is definitely stunning and each shot shines with her passion and love of newborns. We asked her what the biggest mistake is that people make when shooting baby photographs.
Carrie was quite familiar with the answer to that question, as she had made the very same mistake herself when she first started out. She offered our listeners some simple and straightforward advice.
Simplicity Speaks Volumes
Carrie Sandoval: I know the answer to this question. I even made the same mistake when I was first starting out. That's why I don't feel bad giving the answer -- I don't feel bad saying it!
One of the biggest mistakes photographers make when taking baby photographs is that they underestimate the power of simplicity in a baby portrait. I feel you should keep it simple and focus on the baby.
Audri Lanford: In other words, you don't want all this other stuff around.
Carrie Sandoval: Yes, but don't get me wrong. I do use props. Simple props like bowls, chairs, chests, and baskets are okay.
I also use a really shallow depth of field. Doing this allows the pictures to keep the focus on the baby.
As long as everything is tastefully put together, I think props are okay. It's just when people stuff as many objects and props and textured blankets into the same picture as possible, then it gets a little crazy. It's like "Where's Waldo? Where's the baby?"
In Closing
The biggest mistake people make when taking baby pictures? It comes down to the old adage that less is more. Don't drown your baby in props. Keep it simple and your baby will be what people focus on when looking at your baby photographs.
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