Behind The Scenes… Pullbacks Of My Newborn Photography
March 7, 2010These parents snapped away during their daughter’s newborn session and shared with me some pictures of me in action. I thought it would be fun to share these all with you as I know that ‘pull back shots are oh so popular. Here is a little look into what goes on during a newborn session.
Enjoy!
Here I am working with posing the baby girl wrapped in cheesecloth
mommy is soothing sadie and rocking her to sleep as I slip on an adorable hat for her next set up
when shooting from above…. always wear your camera strap! safety first! Here you can see my giant softbox that is to my camera left, side lit and no reflector.
and please do not try this at home. Here is a pull back of my branch shot. there is a bean bag an inch below baby and daddy is spotting her here never letting his eyes off of her and he holds and supports her until I am ready to take the shot. I finally feel like I have mastered the overall look of this after over a year of doing it. I finally switched fabrics that I was using and changed baby’s position and knot placement. I am finally happy with the results. Here is a pullback and then final image.
and one last one for ya! what a sweetheart she was!
I will be happy to answer any questions if you leave me some blog love or visit my facebook fan pagehere… come out of lurkdom, I’d love to “see” who you are! Thanks for reading this far!
Jennie posted the following on March 7, 2010 at 11:43 pm.
I love the pull backs! I am guessing you love them to since we rarely see ourselves in pictures! Your branch shot is perfection.
Melissa posted the following on March 8, 2010 at 12:02 am.
So totally love these pullbacks! I was wondering how in the world that tree shot was done. Thanks! Im an ILPer too and left you a comment on your post. (1) what mat are you using under this shot. Looks like two pieces put together on top of the other floor? (2) What are you using for the cream background on the tree shot? Just seamless? What color is it?
Thanks! I will now stalk your blog
Trina posted the following on March 8, 2010 at 12:06 am.
Hi Amy! Coming out of lurkdom, haha. I stalk you regularly
Thanks for all the pullbacks! I have a question for ya, when you have the shots with the parents, do you position their arms first and then place the baby? I have such a tough time with those shots.
Amy posted the following on March 8, 2010 at 12:12 am.
I answered one of these questions on ILP… for the other, yes it is seamless and it is BONE… one of my favorites!!!
Amy posted the following on March 8, 2010 at 12:13 am.
you got it! I place the parents arms in position first and then I place the baby. I usually have the baby all curled up and tucked in before I lay them in/on parents arms.
Trina posted the following on March 8, 2010 at 12:33 am.
Thanks Amy!
Liz posted the following on March 8, 2010 at 8:43 am.
Taking a peek at your blog. Love your work. Thanks for sharing your pullbacks:)
Melissa posted the following on March 8, 2010 at 2:43 pm.
WOW!! You are my new idol! Your work is amazing, thanks so much for the pull backs.
Alisha Shaw posted the following on March 8, 2010 at 8:04 pm.
Amy, another little lurker here just wanting to tell you how much I adore your shots!!
You mentioned switching up your material and knot for your branch…I am the WORST at this! I have the safety features similar with beanbag, parent, etc, but cannot for the life of me get the baby positioned in a comfy looking way. They look so awkward when I do them. Any tips would be great!
Keep it up!
Melissa Klein posted the following on March 8, 2010 at 9:37 pm.
Beautiful shots! And thanks for all the pull-backs. Love seeing those.
Katie Hollis posted the following on March 10, 2010 at 10:38 am.
Comming out of the lurkdom too! LOL.
So what material did you switch to? I love the pull-back shots too! I have a soft box like yours but it is the medium size. Will that work with newborns or do I need to purchase the larger one so it will be lower to the ground?
Amy posted the following on March 10, 2010 at 1:03 pm.
Your softbox should work just fine with newborns, They are so tiny that it is easy for the light to wrap around them. I just opted for the giant one because it is as if you are carrying around a gigantic window of light
It’s huge though and takes up a lot of space and for that matter can be a pain sometimes… but worth it for me. The fabric was a scarf, its semi-stretchy and sheer.
Thanks for coming out of lurkdom. It’s nice to “see” you!!
Lisa posted the following on March 10, 2010 at 5:43 pm.
Wow! Thanks for alllll the information! I am going to brave taken this image. I’ve loved it forever and if I just get it right once as you have a million times over I will be so happy. You are the best Amy for posting the behind the scene images. Oh, and you know I am always lurking! Hehe! But I leave lots of love. Hope to catch up soon. I’ve emailed you some dates.
Kristi posted the following on March 13, 2010 at 11:11 pm.
Can you share more about the lighting that you are using? Are you using some natural light? And please share more about your softbox and how you use the two together if that is what you are doing. Thanks Amy!
brianne posted the following on March 16, 2010 at 11:27 pm.
I was also wondering what size is your soft box?
Amy posted the following on March 17, 2010 at 1:18 am.
hey! 30×60 giant foldable from alien bee
Sissy posted the following on March 17, 2010 at 8:56 am.
Hi Amy..I just found your site today and enjoyed looking through your pictures. Your work is amazing.
Thank you for sharing all your tips. I think that’s wonderful.
Can you tell me what you are using under the props on the floor, that look like wood. From the pictures they almost look like paneling?
Amy posted the following on March 17, 2010 at 10:14 am.
Hi SIssy!
Yes, this is wall paneling! From Lowes.
Sissy posted the following on March 17, 2010 at 6:18 pm.
Hi Amy…thank you so much for your reply!
It’s funny, I’ve seen this in so many shots in the past but never once did “paneling” come to mind until I saw your pull back shots. Again, thank you for sharing your tips.
Shannon White posted the following on March 20, 2010 at 10:53 pm.
Great work! I love the pull back shots & the softbox looks cool. I’d love to learn more about studio lighting as all I do is natural light right now. It’s been years since I used studio lighting as a youngin at my first real photo job {like 17 years ago….}.
Megan posted the following on April 7, 2010 at 12:07 am.
Hey Amy,
I love your work! You are AMAZING at what you do. I am opening up a studio in Palatka and I am ordering new equipment. I found the softbox from AlienBees. Did you order the stand from them too or did you order from somewhere else? Also where did you get your Barnwood from? I cant find it anywhere? And one more thing, what flash are you using here? Sorry for all the questions>>>
Thanks, Megan
Amy posted the following on April 10, 2010 at 7:23 pm.
THanks Megan! You photographed a friend of mine before! The barnwood floors is a faux mat from bargain outfitters. The flash is the ab800 and yes all from alienbee. Best wishes!
Jenn posted the following on August 31, 2010 at 1:36 pm.
Hi, I love all your pictures. You have a natural talent. I am going to start my own photography business in two years when my husband is done with school. I have been taking pictures for years, but ever since I had my son I have been interested in taking more newborn pictures. I was wondering where you got some of your props. Like the baby bed, baby scale and wooden branch. Also what would recommend for someone who doesn’t have experience with lighting. Should I take a class or how did you learn to use the best lighting for newborns?