About This Site
Is First Light a photography business?
No. First Light is an educational resource. I do not accept bookings, sell prints, or offer photography packages through this site. Everything here is free.
Who writes the content?
I do -- Keri-Anne Howell, a Wellington-based birth and newborn photographer with fifteen years of experience. You can read more on the about page.
Can I suggest a topic?
Absolutely. Get in touch and tell me what you would like to see covered. I cannot promise to write about everything, but reader questions are often the best article prompts.
Photography Questions
What camera do I need for newborn photography?
You do not need an expensive camera. A modern smartphone takes excellent photos in good light. If you want to invest, a mirrorless camera with a 35mm or 50mm lens is a great starting point. Check our camera and gear guides for specific NZ-available recommendations at different budgets.
When is the best time to photograph a newborn?
The first two weeks are ideal for the sleepy, curled-up poses that most parents want. After that, babies become more alert and harder to settle. But honestly, every age has its charm. A wide-awake three-week-old looking straight at the camera can be just as beautiful as a sleeping newborn.
Is it safe to pose a newborn for photos?
Some poses are safe and some are not. The key principles: always support the baby's head and neck, never force a position, keep the room warm, and always have a spotter within arm's reach. We cover this in detail in our newborn photography guides. If a pose requires Photoshop compositing (like the "froggy" pose), we explain that clearly.
What lighting works best in a typical NZ home?
Natural window light, almost always. Position your subject near the largest window in the room and use a sheer curtain or white sheet to soften harsh sun. South-facing rooms in NZ get beautiful, even light. North-facing rooms can be too bright in summer -- shoot in the morning or late afternoon. Our lighting guides cover specific scenarios.
Technical Questions
What settings should I use on my camera?
For newborn portraits, start with aperture priority at f/2.8 to f/4, ISO as low as you can manage while keeping your shutter speed above 1/125s. But these are starting points -- every room and every light situation is different. Our guides walk through the reasoning so you can adjust for your specific conditions.
Do I need to edit my photos?
Basic editing makes a noticeable difference -- adjusting exposure, white balance, and a gentle crop. You do not need Photoshop or Lightroom to start; free phone apps like Snapseed do a solid job. We have guides on editing workflow in our editing section.
Can I use these techniques for older children too?
Many of the lighting and composition principles apply to any age. We have a dedicated toddler and child section that covers the specific challenges of photographing children who move, run, and have very strong opinions about sitting still.