The Canon Magazine
CAMERA SKILLS
05
Vary the backgrounds
Using quilts is a great way of
introducing variety. Ask parents if
they have fabrics with sentimental
value to them – blankets knitted by
grandparents can be a great option.
Remember, contrast is good – use
plain as well as patterned fabrics,
and choose clothing for the baby
that compliments the fabrics.04
If available, use the
silent shutter optionTop-end Canon cameras (such as
the EOS 5D series) include a silent
shutter option, which minimizes
the sound made when you
completely press the shutter.
This is invaluable for newborn
photographs as they can be easily
startled. Use the silent shutter
single option – there’s no need for
continuous mode as babies hardly
move when sleeping. To apply this
setting, press the AF Drive button,
and then turn the dial on the back
of the camera to find the rectangle
icon with an S beside it. You may
need to first enable this setting in
the main camera menu.
03
Capture their tiny details
Tiny feet, little fingers and
delicate eyelashes all change fast- photographing these bring back
special memories of the newborn
phase. The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L
IS USM Macro lens is expensive, but
perfect for just such an occasion.
A cheaper alternative is to use an
extension tube, which you can attach
to a 50mm lens to take close-up
details of newborns. Use an aperture
of at least f/4, so enough of the details
are in focus – it can look odd if only a
portion of a close-up detail is sharp.
Get up close and photograph
those tiny, intricate details for
more intimate images