Wow! That’s A Great Camera – No Wonder Your Baby Pictures Are Good!

I believe all photographers have heard this phrase at least once:

‘That’s a great camera, no wonder your baby pictures are so good’

Now there is no denying that the right equipment can make a huge difference to the quality of your baby’s pictures, that’s a fact! But today, I’m here to bust this myth!

A mother lying beside her newborn baby, gently holding the baby's hand and resting her face close to the baby's head.

It’s true to say that investing in the right equipment does help me enormously to carry out my job as a London newborn photographer to the best of my ability. 

That said, the glass (or the lens) that’s on the camera is probably more important than the actual camera body.  Lenses can often be two or three times the cost of the camera itself.  I need to be continually investing in equipment such as lenses to be able to give you the very best service possible. However, you can have the best camera and lenses in the world and still only produce mediocre photography. 

The most important piece of kit is actually behind the camera! 

My brain, my creativity and my ability to put into practice all of the training I’ve invested in is what makes the difference between a mediocre picture and a great portrait.

Firstly I have to understand the ‘basics’ of photography.  Anyone can get lucky with a baby picture and snap the perfect portrait.  But producing high-quality, wall-worthy work consistently, well, that requires a really good understanding of photography. That takes training, study, practice and experience.

dad is holding newborn baby on his hands and giving him a little kiss

So What does it take for beautiful baby pictures?

Light is the most important factor and is the element that ‘makes’ the image. 

Without light, we have no images.  Understanding how to control light in the studio and how to make it work in my favour outdoors is essential to creating beautiful portraits for you.  Light can shape and flatter or it can be harsh and unforgiving.  For example, I want the softest light to gently illuminate your newborn to give us stunning heirloom images that are timeless.  I need to create this, it doesn’t happen by accident and it certainly isn’t controlled by the camera I use.

Next up is focus.  I need to be able to produce images that are clearly in focus.  The model of camera I use can make this task slightly easier but when I’m working with tiny newborns, a few millimetres can make the difference between a face in focus or not!  This is something you might not notice so much on the small screen of a phone camera but as soon as I want to create a large piece of wall art, the focus has to be pin sharp!  I also need to control the area that’s out of focus.  This is called the depth of field.  It’s a more complex version of ‘portrait’ mode on your phone camera.

baby picture: newborn is laying on his side and sleeping on a white blanket with a soft white warp to keep him warm.

The third element I have to master as a photographer is exposure.  In simple terms, this is the amount of time light is exposed to the camera’s sensor.  The reality is I have to decide how long I want the shutter open (a long time will affect my focus), how wide I want the opening to be and finally how sensitive to light I want the camera sensor to be.  Although this sounds complex, it does become second nature – a little bit like learning to drive a car.  

These are all technical bits but I think there are other important factors for good baby pictures.

Another important factor is set-up and clothing. You could have a perfectly exposed image but if you have a busy background or the wrong choice of clothes and colours that photo could never be harmonious and pleasant.

Then there is connection. It’s important to create connection not only between the subjects in the photo but also between the photographer and the subjects. If the parents are relaxed and at ease, the children or baby will be too and that results in better photos.

And last but surely not least, actually probably the most important one is emotions. I believe a good photo is not about technical perfection, that’s a bonus. I believe a photo has to transmit something and has to tell a story. A static portrait of mum and daughter or a family looking straight at the camera to me is kind of dull. A dynamic photo like this below, where there is an interaction is what warms up our hearts when we look back at it. Don’t you agree?

happy moment during a family photoshoot. Mum is holding her daughter and dad is behind them, they all look at each other smiling.

So, all of this is something I’ve dedicated time and money to learning – all before I start thinking about creativity.  Choosing wardrobe and simple prop items, thinking about the composition of my images, learning posing techniques – it’s an endless list that I’m constantly investing in and developing.

So, in short, yes, my camera is pretty good but a bit like James Martin’s amazing outdoor kitchen it won’t produce stunning results by itself!

Without my thinking and skills behind it, the camera couldn’t take the same baby pictures. And that’s why parents come to me with their babies.

For tips on how to take better photos of your baby follow me on Instagram. I’m quite active in stories and I often talk about tricks.

And if you are interested in having a shoot with me, fill out the form below and I’ll be in touch soon to discuss it.

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  • It’s great to have baby pictures like these. We definitely need a great camera. Interesting post! ReplyCancel

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NEWBORN MODEL CALL - Don't miss it and please share it!

I’m looking for a newborn (born after 1st July) to model for a 1:1 training session in my studio on Wednesday 16th July – morning only.

Both parents need to be available at the session and comfortable signing a model release, as the images will be used for portfolio and promotional purposes. (No siblings, pets or extended family on this occasion, it's just baby and parents)

This is a lovely opportunity to enjoy a complimentary professional newborn session (value £290) and receive some beautiful photographs of your new baby.

The session will take place at my cosy studio in Twickenham (SW London), designed to offer a calm and relaxed experience for you and your baby.

If you or someone you know has recently welcomed a little one and might be interested, please DM me or email vale@photographybyvalentina.com – I’d love to share more details with you!

#londonnewbornphotographer #londonmums #londonmumsnetwork #londonnewbornshoot
Not all breastfeeding stories start with ease.

And some carry more than we can see.

This wasn’t just a photoshoot, it was a moment to honour a deeper journey.

One that mixed pain and joy. Loss and healing.

Feeding her baby… and feeding her soul.

The plasters were symbolic. So was the baby’s breath.

But the emotion? That was all her.

And honestly, it stayed with me.

If this speaks to you, know you’re not alone.

We carry so much. And sometimes, we need someone to see it.
 
My book will hold this story and many others like it. 
If it speaks to your heart, save it. Or share it with someone who needs to feel seen. 🤍

#breastfeedingjourney #breastfeedingsupport #breastfeedingproject
Natalie and Sara aren’t just sisters-in-law, they’ve walked side by side through the early days of motherhood, holding space for each other’s struggles and joys.

This session was a reminder that we don’t have to do it alone. In motherhood, as in business. That when stories are shared, healing begins.

That sometimes, the most powerful thing we can offer… is simply to be there.

And that’s the heart of my book: sharing stories, truths and experiences that make us feel less alone.

If you’ve ever felt supported by another mum, tag them below. Let them know they mattered.

And if you’re curious to read more stories like this one… keep your eyes peeled for news about the book release coming very soon!

#sisterhoodinmotherhood #motherhoodunfiltered #breastfeedingjourney #postpartumtruths #storytellingthroughphotography #londonmaternityphotographer
This photo? It’s actually two images merged into one.

The eye you see? Hers.

The reflection? 
A moment of feeding, held in her memory and now in this frame.

It’s not just editing. It’s storytelling.

Inspired by her journey. Created from emotion.

Because photography isn’t just about what you see, it’s about what you feel.

And this? This one feels like truth.
Working from a new spot because staring at the same screen in the same room wasn’t doing me any favours. 

Sometimes all it takes is a shift in perspective (and some cloud therapy)

Do you have a go-to place when your brain needs a reboot?

Drop your favourite focus spot in the comments: your garden? a café? kitchen table? I’m all ears.
Not my first time at the House of Lords… I know, I know. You’re probably thinking “Her again?!” 😅

But I promise, it never gets old.

Today was all about creativity (of course—hello, we’re talking about Adobe!), and how refreshing it is to chat with other small businesses in the creative world.

Huge thanks to the fab @adobeexpress team and @britainsmallbiz for putting together such a great course and for filling the room with so many lovely, inspiring people.

(And yes… I still take photos every single time I go!🙈) 

What’s your favourite ‘pinch me’ work moment so far?

VALE@PHOTOGRAPHYBYVALENTINA.COM

07577 978246

LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

BASED NEAR RICHMOND - TWICKENHAM