Newborn Photoshoot Tips With Ali Ghorbani

While Hong Kong based, Ali Ghorbani, known to all as Ali G, is most known for and sought after as a wedding photographer, his passion for photographing people starts at the very beginning of his client’s lives. His expertise and knowledge extend from wedding festivities, social events and corporate boardrooms to photographing babies and children in a safe and protective manner.

“Newborn photography is one of the biggest joys of my job”, says Ali. “There’s nothing quite like capturing this special time in a family’s journey, making memories out of these precious, intimate moments. To this day, my mother has a baby photo of me and my younger sister on a wall in their home. This just shows that the value of investing in a professional photoshoot goes beyond the regular ‘investments’ we make in our lives. These are images that will be cherished for generations.”

Over the years, Ali has picked up some tricks of the trade that he would love to share with parents so they can make the most of their newborn’s photoshoot.

Don’t delay
“They grow up fast” may be a cliche, but it’s also very accurate. While you’re busy doing and thinking about a million things after the birth of your baby, the weeks and months will pass by in the blink of an eye. As you see your baby daily, it’s also hard to gauge how quickly they grow. In a newborn photography session, you want to capture your little one at their absolute littlest, so don’t delay. You’ll have a big gangly teenager on your hands before you know it!

Don’t worry about clearing your schedule
The first few weeks and months of a baby’s life can be pretty full-on for parents, especially in Hong Kong. The last thing you’re probably thinking about is bringing another variable, such as a newborn photoshoot, into that mix. My advice here is don’t stress about finding the perfect time for your shoot. One of the most comforting aspects of newborn photography is its flexibility. You can slot it around all your usual activities, whether feeding, napping, bath time, or even nappy changes. And don’t worry if your baby is grizzly that day, either. I’ve done some of my best newborn photoshoots with grumpy babies!

Pick out some props
If you’re considering a newborn photography shoot, you might have already found a few things your baby responds well to. While professional props are great and look good, things that a baby is using or fond of can make for very authentic pictures. Maybe it’s the fluffy towel you wrap him/her up in after a bath, maybe it’s a frozen strawberry, or maybe it’s your car keys. Arm yourself with the things that make your baby’s world rock and a selection of outfits or accessories you love, and you’re guaranteed to have fun and get some awesome pics.

Look your best, but don’t overdo it
New parents barely have time to think about themselves, but you’ll probably want to take 10 minutes to comb your hair and sponge the baby puke off your shirt before your newborn photo session. That said, there’s no need to overdo it on the hair and makeup. New-born shoots are all about natural beauty and connection, so there’s no need to go all out for your photographer. Don’t delay because you’re worried about your appearance; trust the photographer and let the photos be authentic.

Get other family members involved
You don’t need to limit your photoshoot to just baby and parents. Newborn photography sessions provide excellent bonding opportunities for the whole family, whether it’s doting grandparents, attention-starved older siblings, or even protective pets. Having a little gang around also helps keep the baby engaged and entertained, making it more fun for the parents.

Here are some tips for parents taking photos of their newborn
“ Photos from the phone are great for social media while photos from a professional camera are great for prints AND social media!” says Ali. “They are two different things, both important for their own reasons and benefits.”

1. Smartphone technology has vastly improved and changed the photography landscape. In fact, I have been giving smartphone photography workshops for 7+ years, covering topics ranging from Food to Portraits! For day-to-day moments, I encourage parents to capture their children on their smartphones. Don’t overthink it; just keep your camera ready and click.
2. When photographing your newborn, look for a variety of angles; don’t just shoot straight on all the time. This change of perspective can really give you better photographs because most of these angles will not be your average point of view!

“Other than the wedding day, the birth of a baby is the happiest and most auspicious event for a family. An experienced photographer who understands lighting, composition, etc., can elevate this experience by capturing memories that will be a part of the family for generations. Personally, I think it is a blessing to be present with families during this most unforgettable period of their lives.”