The Mommy and Me Self Photos

As a mom, it is always a challenge to get in front of the camera. Typically I am the one who a) thinks to grab the camera and b) am the one behind the camera! Yet the irony is mom is usually the one spending most of the time with their little one. So how can I create more opportunities to have some “mommy and me” photos?

Here’s a trick I learned! Most high-end cameras have a video function. It’s not something I use all the time, but I’m getting better at experimenting with it! I set my camera on a tripod and put it on the highest quality video. I set where I am going to sit and set my focus. If you have the option to film at 60 fps instead of 30 fps (giving the “slo-mo” effect) it is even better.

I import my video into Adobe Lightroom, and as you view the footage you can “capture frame”. Voila! You have a photo. I only spend a few minutes in front of the camera and end up with some decent “photos”! They may not be perfect and are a little grainy, but it will be something my little one can look back and see photos with his mommy at this adorable and cute stage of life! And I can do this on my own time without bugging anyone to “take our picture!”

I turned a lot of them black and white to make up for the softer focus and grain.

This could also work well if you want some fun couple photos too or even to get some “selfies” without the outstretched arm in the photo!



Guide to At-Home Newborn Sessions

Having my own little one at home has been an adventure in understanding photos from the mom's perspective!  There is so much I want to capture on a daily basis and I try to have mini photo shoots at least every few days to capture this time that I know will go too fast.

Here are some tips for capturing these moments at home:

1. Find a good light source


The most important thing is a good light source.  You want your baby to be facing the light, so it falls on them.   A large window is perfect.

2. Be ready


I can never predict when my little one is going to be in the mood for photos.  When he was just born he hated being put down for any reason, so when I had a moment, I needed to be ready!  I keep the bed in front of the window with a simple white bedspread and have my camera nearby so I can just plop him down on the bed and I'm ready!

3. Keep the background simple


I have my setup with simple items in the background so it's not too distracting.  By using a camera with a low f-stop and shooting "wide open", it blurs the background so you can't really see what's going on back there.  If you are using your phone, using "portrait mode" will give this same effect.

If it's a hot mess back there, you can set up some pillows behind the baby and drap the bedspread over them so it forms a "wall" behind them and you just see the bedspread.

4. Use what you have


Bedspreads, blankets, swaddles, quilts, etc all work well to put the baby down on and have an instantly good backdrop.  Textures and patterns can add something different and give depth to the photo.

5. Pick out your favorite outfit


These little guys grow out of clothes so fast, so use your photoshoot time to capture that outfit he may only wear once!  Textures are great here too- play with hoodies, hats, headbands, etc.  Sometimes just going with the diaper shows off those cute baby rolls!

6. Don't forget the details


We all want to capture those sweet eyes and endearing smile, but don't forget to capture those little hands, sweet feet, and anything you want to remember and know you can't hold onto!