With it being Newborn Safety Week, we figured that we would take the opportunity to show you how we achieve the “chin in the hands” pose.
This is not a reflection of our current style, since we don’t shoot newborns that often, and we prefer natural newborns to posed like this, but we used to do this often. We figured that since we had a rare newborn to shoot today, we would take the chance to show how to safely achieve this ppose, for those who are unaware of the correct way to do it.
Babies are humans. I know I sound ridiculous saying this but they are not props. It should go without saying, but sometimes people get excited about a pose and this fundamental truth goes out the window. They are families every dream, desire, and hope. They are loved more then words can express, and you have taken the opportunity to document this fleeting moment in their lives. Please take that responsibility seriously. Treat that baby as you would your own. Be safe. Have spotters. Don’t do things that are dangerous for the “shot”. It isn’t about the “wow” factor. This is a baby.
Ok, off my soap box.
Well…almost.
Even though this shot is a composite, please do not attempt this if you do not know what you are doing. Do not think that by seeing this done in this short video, you are qualified to go out and do this to someone’s child. Please please please–know what you are doing 
Ok, NOW I am really off my soap box.
Here are the before and after images.
The top images+ middle image=the bottom image.
Ok, now a video showing how this is done in Photoshop. The actual merging part takes all of 30 seconds. Seriously, it so fast. I just talk a lot
Jacqueline Ingle
Thank you so much for the video, it will help myself and other Photographers understand safety and will help us gain better images overall. I adore the advice you guys give out, and even more I love the action set I purchased.. YOUR THE BEST!!
Jean Loper
Thank you so much for sharing this. Safety is my big soapbox too.
Pam Vorkapic
Thank you for sharing. I love the approach you take to teaching others your “tricks”. You ladies come across so warm and likable in all your posts and videos. Keep up the awesome work. The world needs more ladies like you
Jaana Janhunen
Thank you so much for this tutorial, and also for the other videos that are available! I am yet to reach a professional level, but I have gotten plenty of great ideas and tips for editing, which I must say is still a challenge. Keep up the great work!
Jennifer Wakefield
Thanks so much for sharing! I’ve know that these were composites, but man was I merging them the HARD way lol
Photography by Sylvia
I love love love this tutorial. I have been a portrait photographer for about 5 years. My comfort level is about 10 (on a good day, lol) when I am at a shoot, but this level of newborn photography, amazingly intimidating to me. I would love to take a class to gain the knowledge and confidence to do them. Awesome images and tutorial! Love your work and actions by the way. Cant wait to buy my first one!
Melissa
I’m trying to play around with this step you have on the video. When I go to make a black mask, the box is white instead of black. Any suggestions?
Amanda Zilligen
Thank you so much for sharing this video. I have been scared to try this and knew there was a “trick” to it. Your tutorials have helped us so much. Thanks again for helping us all become better photoshop users!
Hughens Photography
Excellent tutorial! Thanks so much!
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