Baby showers are a great starting point for event photography. If you are a family photographer, or if you work with small brands, you may be asked to photograph a baby shower for your clients. If you have a friend who wants memorable images of their shower, this is also a great place to start. Baby showers are fun and beautiful occasion. If you’d like to add some baby shower photography into your portfolio, here are some tips to help you photograph them.
How to Prepare to Photograph a Baby Shower
When I book an inquiry, it means I’ve received my fee and ready to start planning. I send a questionnaire with some simple inquires about time, place, and who will be there. I ask if there is anything specific they want captured. This helps me know what their hopes are. I address any worries or expectations that may or may not fit with what I’m planning. My last question is simply: “Is there anything you want me to know to make this a wonderful experience for you?” I’ll talk to the client, or planner, beforehand to get a sense of the day and timeline. I’ll think about the mother’s story and what’s important about this day for the parents-to-be. There will likely be homemade touches or special moments you don’t want to miss.
When the date and time are set, I send a contract and model release. I spend time explaining and answering any questions they may have. Your fee is up to you, and depends on how much time you will spend at the event and how many photos you expect to deliver. Event photography tends to be less costly than dedicated portrait sessions considering the length of time spent at the event, but you want the day to be worth your time.
You will probably do some more formal portraits, so take time to research some portrait ideas. If a partner, parents, siblings, grandparents will be there, it’s a chance for generations to get together for group photos.
Creating a Shot List
Your shot list depends on what’s planned for the day and who will be there. Capture both details and the whole environment. Your shots revolve around mom, or parents-to-be. Time with family and friends is important, as well as setting, decor, cake, gift table, beautiful food and drink — and the fashion!
Stay open to capturing candid photos, spend time observing the party and be ready for memorable moments to happen. Some clients may want to open gifts or have certain special moments captured. I stay with the parents-to-be, as sometimes they forget to bring you along with them! I’ll look for hugs, laughter, fun and celebratory time spent together.
Scout a spot for the whole group, as the moment might arise quickly. Find a location to photograph the couple or generations of family together. If you have a group together and it feels static, try having them look over their shoulder and then turn to you. Look for the moment after the moment — often posed moments dissolve into genuine laughter or fun!
Tips for Baby Shower Photography
I arrive early, giving me time to scout, look at the light, and get some details before guests arrive.
Think about the guest of honor or the parents-to-be. The photos I deliver should primarily flatter them, and then think about everyone else. If a great image doesn’t flatter the mom-to-be, throw it out. If you find a moment to pull the parents aside for a beautiful photo, take it! You don’t want to be the center of attention, but you do want to take opportunities to make your best work.
When the mother is posing, encourage her to put one hand above and below the bump to help define it. Have them push their hips back and slightly bend toward you for the most flattering angle.
Light and time of day may not be to your advantage but feel free to ask people to step into the light you want or find a clean background. If you are a digital or film photographer, black-and-white images may help tell the story of the day. You might have beautiful colors in the decor and fashion at the shower, but there may also be moments when black and white will help calm a distracting background or help focus attention on the subject.
At any event I’m photographing, I consider myself a guest. I spend time both observing and interacting. I chat with the guests, give out compliments, make jokes, and ask questions. Then I change my perspective, walk around the scene, go low and high, and just observe quietly. If I’m offered food or cake, I take something! Remember to take time for a break by building that into your timeline.
Gear for Baby Shower Photography
The camera is yours to choose. Overall, you want your gear to have the flexibility to cover your event with automatic settings so you can react quickly.
You want a small camera backpack that holds all your gear for the day. You don’t know where you’ll be from start to finish, so just have it all with you. I prefer a backpack so it’s out of the way if I’m carrying it while I’m shooting. A bag that looks stylish and won’t attract attention when you set it down is the perfect choice.
Baby showers are a great place to try different cameras. Mirrorless cameras are small, light, and easy to carry. You can use a 24-70mm lens, but I often have this 24-105mm lens with me. Just remember that portraits often look best around 40mm-50mm, so don’t get too close while you are set wider or zoomed in because your subjects will distorted around the edges.
Try a film point-and-shoot, or a smaller digital camera. I love my Fujifilm X-series camera with a 23mm F2 lens for events. It’s a smaller camera, people are interested in it, and it has great auto modes.
Also, a speedlight can really be helpful, depending on your lighting. Just practice using it so you’re confident as the moments can move fast.
Photographing a baby shower is about balancing planning and improvisation. Prepare yourself, and then go with the flow of the day. Be light on your feet, keep your mind and gear flexible, and you’ll be sure to capture these special moments beautifully.
Featured Image from Adobe Stock
