Photographing Infants & Small Children
Camera Technology has advanced to the point that even a novice can create incredible images.
Take my word on this, I will get right to the point.
You need an DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera. Point and shoot digital cameras are great as long as your subject will wait for the shot. You don't need to go out and get the big guns like we shoot with but an SLR is a must!
I would recommend either the New Nikon D40 kit (retails for $599) or if you have the money and want to print larger pictures the new Nikon D-80 Kit (about $1000). The Lenses that come in these kits are of acceptable quality and you can upgrade latter to better glass. Also invest in a DVD Burner. As these are digital cameras the cost to shoot is negligible So FIRE AWAY and archive the images to DVD.
Invest in a good camera bag the padded ballistic nylon bags work well and be sure to get one with room to grow.
Read your camera manual, and practice using it.
Labor and Delivery is an intensely personal and emotional
experience. The birth of a child is a miraculous, life changing event. When
I picked up my first professional camera at the age of 16 I had no idea of
the journey this career would take me on. I photograph people. Wedding
photography came latter as a result of a friend in need, I found a thrill in
capturing the joy and beauty, consequently the path of my career broadened.
When my first child was born I didn't even take a camera, I had misgivings
about being there at all. Even though I had attended Child Birth Classes I
figured that I was just as likely to faint and become a patient myself, well
I didn't pass out. My first daughter was born with her eyes wide open, and I
swear I saw her soul in them and my life was forever changed .
When my second baby was coming I attended Lamaze based birthing classes.
When he was born, once again I took no pictures. By this time I had become
an advocate of natural child birth and breast feeding and had been involved
with the Mothers Guild and LaLeche League.
Our third pregnancy was rather un expected, a miracle actually. We
attended Birthing Classes here in California, this time based on the Bradley
Method give or take. This time I packed my cameras, thinking maybe just a
few shots before and after. The birth of our daughter turned out to be a
difficult one. The N.I.C.U. team and more nurses were called in and at the
time of her delivery. There was no longer room for a birthing coach at the
bedside. I picked up my camera.
Through tears of joy I photographed a birth for the first time, It
is always that way my own work from that day still makes me cry.