During this crazy time in the world, we’re all having to sacrifice something. My heart breaks for so many of the sacrifices being made, but being a photographer, one that would be particularly difficult for me would be if I had to give up a photography session for a season that would pass before this social distancing is over. If it had been my own newborn session, for example, that had to be cancelled, I would have been heartbroken. While I can’t offer solutions for the vast majority of problems people are facing right now, I want to help where I can. So… I’ve created a beginner’s guide to taking photos at home.
To keep it as easy as possible, this doesn’t get into a lot of the “why” – just the how. If you have more why questions after reading this, connect with me on Instagram and we can chat!
Not only that, but if you follow this guide and would like some of your images professionally edited, I would be happy to do so. Keep reading for details 🙂 I’m going to break these up into three sections: indoor photography, newborn photography, and outdoor photography. And I’ll keep it all as easy peasy as possible – promise! First…let’s talk about what kind of camera you have.
So this particular guide is going to be helpful whether or not you’re using a DSLR aka “Fancy Mom Camera,” a point-and-shoot aka “small camera” or a phone.
If you’re using a fancy mom camera outside, I recommend changing your camera to the “Av” mode for Canon, or “A” for Nikon. This is aperture priority mode. Once you have it there, you will see a number with an F next to it- like F4.0. Use your adjuster wheel to move this number to the smallest number your lens will go to. It might look like F1.8, F4.0 or F5.6 depending on your lens. Some small cameras also have this setting if you would like to try it!
If you’re using it inside, you can keep it in portrait mode. This may mean nothing to you- if you use Av inside, it could make your pictures blurry.
There are a few steps you’re going to want to take to get your best images inside.
If you’re having to take your own newborn images during this time of social distancing, I’ll leave you with a few tips. First though…this is a TWO PERSON JOB. DO NOT try to take these without a second person whose job is solely to pay attention to and spot baby. Safety first!
If you have older kids you would like to take portraits of during this time- or a high school senior! – outdoor photographs are a great option.
Don’t get discouraged if your pictures don’t look like the pros. We’ve been practicing our techniques, learning about light, and finding our groove for years! These images aren’t about perfection, they’re for preserving your memories as well as you can in a tough situation. You’ve totally got this!
If you get through this guide, take your images with a camera and decide that you would like them edited by a professional, I would be honored to help! I will happily edit them for a rate of $10 per three images. Just email me at nicole@nicolebieleninphotography.com with your name and how many images you have. I can take the rest from there!
If you get through this guide, take your images with a phone and decide that you would like to edit them more, I highly recommend Kindred’s mobile presets. Check them out here!
I hope you’ve enjoyed my beginner’s guide to taking photos at home! Let’s connect on Instagram!
Nicole Bielenin Photography specializes in photography of the early years in the Florida Panhandle including maternity, newborn, baby, and family photography. Based in Baker, Nicole travels to surrounding areas including Pensacola, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Niceville, Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and other 30a communities.
I love to travel, and also work with families outside of this area! If you are looking for a Northwest FL family photographer, I would love to start planning your own family session! To see more of my portfolio, please click here.
Your experience begins with a style guide and complementary consultation call, if desired, to plan your family’s wardrobe. It ends with a full digital gallery of gorgeous images full of love and life. Even more special, I offer packages and à la carte artwork including a variety of exclusive fine art prints, albums, and other heirloom tangibles.
If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click here or email me directly at nicole@nicolebieleninphotography.com.
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