Of course, you could go for a zoom lens instead – something like a 24-70mm will give you a great focal range.  I tend to prefer primes – they are usually sharper (unless you are getting a high end zoom) and because they can open up to a wider aperture, much more useful for shooting indoors when light is low.

If you would like a little more help choosing which lenses are suitable for different situations and shots, be sure to download my “Which Lens Kickstarter Guide” – you’ll get example images from different lenses, and details which focal lengths you should use for different types of lifestyle, portrait and documentary photos, so you know exactly which lenses might suit the job!

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One of my favourite lenses that is a great all rounder is the 50mm focal length. On a full frame camera, this gives you roughly the same view as the naked eye (it’s not exact, but close enough for our purposes!)

Due to the fact that there is no distortion with this focal length, and you don’t have to back up too far to get everything you want in the frame, it is endlessly versatile.

Something like a Canon or Nikon 50mm F1.4 lens, or the Sigma 50mm F1.4 (which is rumoured to be sublime) You could even use the trusty 50mm F1.8.

The other option you have is a wider angle lens – something like a 35mm lens is another lens that can be ideal for newborn photography.  If you find yourself often shooting in small spaces, the 35mm may more useful, because you can back up a little bit more. It’s also a better focal length if you like to fit in more of the environment, (for example wide shots where you see the whole room along with your subject) perhaps if you are more of a lifestyle newborn photographer.

Do be wary of the fact that the wider angle lens produce distortion if you are up close, so this lens is better for when you are stepped back a bit.

(You can find more general differences, and advice about whether the 35mm or 50mm lens is better for you in this recent post. You’ll get a breakdown of what to use when, along with loads of example images)

Some suggestions for the 35mm lens would be the Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art Lens, or the Canon or Nikon 35mm F1.4 lens.

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We love a bit of lens talk here on the blog, so today we are going to be answering this question: what’s the best lens for newborn photography?

If you are just getting started with newborn photography, you might be wondering what lenses you need to get started, and which you can do without! Let’s face it, lenses aren’t cheap, so knowing exactly what you need – and what you can do without – will help make sure you get the best images possible, without spending your life savings.

In this post we are going to cover: WHICH types of lenses you should have, and most importantly, how to choose the best newborn photography lens for YOU!

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The last thing you should consider when choosing your go-to lens is lens distortion. If you are going to be shooting up-close to your subject, then keep in mind that using a 35mm lens can really start to distort your subject. So for newborn sessions, for example, if you are shooting very close to the baby with a 35mm lens, some of baby’s features may appear too large or just disproportionate. And that’s not something we want. So the best option would be an 85mm, or a 50mm. Just something else to keep in mind while you are thinking about which lens is best for you.

Ok, so that’s it for now you you guys – I know I’ve given you a lot to think about when it comes to lenses and newborn photography. But just to wrap it up, here’s what you need: First, choose your go-to lens – I recommend either a 50mm, 85mm, or 35mm… and second, you will definitely want to use a macro lens for close-up detail shots of those sweet newborn babies.

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First, if you have a full-frame camera, you can definitely go with either the 50 or 85mm. However, if you know your camera has a crop sensor, you might find it a bit difficult to shoot with the 50 or 85 – and it might be easier on you to try the 35mm, so that’s what I would recommend. Read more about Full Frame vs. Crop Sensor cameras here!

Next, you really need to consider how much space you’re working with. If you have a lot of space or are working in your own studio, then an 85mm might be a great option for you. If you’re a little more limited on space, or will be shooting in your clients homes that don’t have a lot of room to back up, then the 50mm would probably be better. And of course, the 35mm would give you the most flexibility when you’re working in small spaces.

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So those are the 2 lenses that I use on a regular basis with my newborn portraits. You definitely need a go-to lens, and a macro lens. The macro lens is pretty straight-forward…  but as far as your go-to lens, there is definitely a little wiggle room here, and a lot of different opinions on which one is best. So let’s talk for a minute about how to choose a go-to lens that would be best for you. The 3 most common go-to lenses that a lot of newborn photographers like to use are: a 50mm, 85mm, or 35mm lens. These are all prime lenses, and the number I’m referring to is the focal length of the lens. Be sure to check out Betsy’s post on focal length basics to get more information about what these numbers mean.

All 3 of these lenses are GREAT – and each have their own pros and cons. As I already mentioned, my favorite go-to is the 50mm, but a lot of other newborn photographers also love using either the 85 or the 35mm. Now, a lot of this simply depends on personal preference, like which lens you love the most and what you’re most comfortable with. But there are also a few other factors to consider when you’re choosing your go-to newborn lens that we should mention.

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First is what I call your ‘go-to’ lens. This is the lens that you’ll be using a majority of the time for your newborn sessions. Now, this will be different for each of you, depending on a few factors – which I’ll talk about more in a minute. But for me, my go-to lens for newborns is the 50mm 1.2. I use my 50mm lens for standard portraits of baby alone, as well as for images of families together, and lifestyle images.

The next lens that is really essential for newborn photography is a macro lens. This is the lens that will allow you to capture all of those teeny tiny details that are so important in newborn photography. I love the 100mm 2.8 lens – it is a really wonderful lens. Now, if you don’t have a macro lens, you can try to get these types of details with another lens – but honestly it is just NOT the same. A macro lens will give you the sharpness and show details that you really can’t capture with other lenses.

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This is one of the number one questions we hear when it comes to newborn photography.  If you’re just getting started in the newborn niche, you’ll no doubt be wondering if you have the right lenses to capture those precious little babies. Or if you’re already an established newborn photographer, maybe you’ve been thinking that it might be time to invest in a new lens because you feel your newborn images are lacking a little bit. So here are some tips for you, and what I’ve discovered are the best lenses for newborn photography.

Ok, so let’s start by talking about how overwhelming this can seem for those of you who are just starting out. For example, if you search online for the top lenses you need for newborn photography, you’re going to be hit with a dozen articles all saying different things. Not only that, but some photographers will tell you that you absolutely NEED to have 4 or 5 lenses for newborn sessions. But I have found that that is simply not the case. For those of you beginners out there, here is some good news for you: I’m not going to tell you that you need to spend thousands of dollars and buy all of these lenses right now. When you’re just getting started, you really only need TWO good lenses for newborn photography. Yep, I said just two. These are the essential lenses that you need to get started. Number one is your go-to lens, and number 2 is a macro lens.

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Choosing the best lens for newborn photography can be difficult, as there isn’t one specific lens for everyone. In reality, you’re going to need a variety of different lenses—each for a different purpose—to capture the many styles and types of shots that are typical to newborn photography. Mainly, you’ll need a medium telephoto, a wide-angle, a macro, and a 50mm prime lens.

Since you’re photographing people in your maternity and newborn photo shoots, a portrait lens (typically a medium telephoto lens) is a must. And because you need to capture the tinier details such as the baby’s toes, fingers, or eyelashes, you’ll also need a good macro lens.

Now you can certainly stop there, but if you want to be prepared for other photography situations, you’ll also need an all-around 50mm prime lens for when you need a fast, lightweight lens that works well in low light and takes extremely sharp pictures.

In addition, you should have a wide-angle lens for family (parents and baby) photos or any newborn photo shoot session conducted indoors or in the studio (where you might have minimal space to work and can’t back up to include more in the shot) or outdoors (where you’ll need a wide-angle to include more of the picturesque backgrounds).

Whether you’re a Canon or a Nikon user, this article has you covered. Keep in mind, however, that all lenses mentioned in this article are most suitable for full-frame cameras.

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• The most preferred cameras are the Canon and the Nikon. Thus, find lenses that are compatible with any of these two camera brands.
• Use appropriate lenses for your specific purpose. An example is using a wide-angle lens when shooting a family picture with your newborn baby.
• Before starting to shoot, jot down the photographs you would want to take. This would ensure that you have ample time to prepare properly the props and settings that you need. You have also to note what images you want to put focus on.
• Take pictures at a time when the newborn is at his happiest.Typically, newborns establish a daily routine within a week. Determine what time your baby is not grumpy or easily irritated. Generally, this is when the baby is properly fed, is clean and dry and had slept sufficiently. Some infants may be unpredictable, so always be ready with your camera set. Close up shots are great when the baby is fast asleep because you can move his body to capture the smallest details. A baby is considered a newborn from birth up to two months.
• Maximize the use of props to improve your portraits. Sometimes, the addition of a little prop can significantly enhance the image. Learn how to use pillows, toys, or natural settings (flowers and others) to lend superb contrast and vibrancy to your portraits.
• Be ready to explore and experiment. When the moment calls for it, don’t hesitate to capture that moment, even when that image is not included in your photograph list. Newborns are unpredictable and you have to be ingenious to seize that remarkable moment. Find a good angle and capture the portrait. One of the greatest angles is usually one that you can find when you’re sitting or lying down low and close to the newborn.
• Shoot from all angles and find the best shots later. You can choose this option when your camera can shoot continuously and smoothly. In this case, your cam should be noiseless and smooth as newborns can wake up easily due to the camera’s shutter noise.
• Most newborns are more sensitive than older infants; so, his safety is crucial. Keep your hands clean and sanitized. His delicate skin can get damaged with too much light or friction. Thus, you may opt to use natural light instead.But if your lens can shoot photographs even with low light, then there won’t be any problem. Using cameras ad lenses that can shoot under any type of lighting conditions is recommended. Nevertheless, newborns are the best subjects when you’re able to capture them during their “happiest times”.
• Use post-photo shoot processing tools, whenever necessary. Many of those phenomenal shots of newborns that you can see online areedited to show perfection. Be ready to use the Photoshop app to improve or retouch your portraits. An example is when you would want to smooth the baby’s skin or remove unnecessary distractions, such as dirt on his clothing, or a blemish on his face. Using an application to bring out the best in your photograph is ingenious. Yet, you must not overdo it, or you will lose the natural essence of the photograph.

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