Baby Milk Bath Photography: How to Make | 6 Safeguard | 11 Photo Tips

Are you looking for a unique way of taking baby photos? Using a milk bath is a reliable method that comes in handy for various baby/kids-related photography. Luckily, various diverse ideas are useful when trying to get multiple quality baby shots.

If you're interested in these, the article below gives thorough milk bath photo ideas you can try in your next shoot. Also, continue reading for a tutorial guide on how to make baby milk baths. That said, let's get started!

What is milk bath photography?

The process involves using milk to make a warm, whitish liquid solution. This creates the perfect environment, foreground or background for photographing a naked baby

Here are the uses of a warm milk bath: 

• Capturing newborn portraits. 
• Photograph older babies and toddlers.

Steps of Making a Baby Milk Bath

Here is what you need for the process: 

• A container that can fit the baby
• Baby accessories. It can be toys or props preferably placed on the ground. 
• Towel, or cleaning cloth
• A bottle of soap and water.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to make the milk bath. Also, included are safety features to ensure you don't harm or make the infant/toddler uncomfortable.

Photo by Olga Tsybenko on shutterstock

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to make the milk bath. Also, included are safety features to ensure you don't harm or make the infant/toddler uncomfortable. 

Step 1 - Find a suitable shooting location and bathtub 

Ensure to account for natural lighting interference when shooting outdoors. 

Step 2 - Gather preferred tools and decorations

Collect all you need depending on your specific context, age of the kid, or the parent's preference. 

Step 3 -Determine how to get your ‘milk’ solution

You can actually use milk or create a white solution. Remember not to use harmful chemicals. 

Step 4 - Set Up Your shooting set 

Place each prop in accordance with your tub's position. 

Step 5 - Place the Baby in the tub and start shooting.

Safety Tips to Consider When Taking Baby Milk Bath Photos

1. Confirm the Safety of Your Location

Babies are sensitive to their surroundings, thus needing your shoot location to be conducive. Ensure there are no hazards like hit surfaces, big spaces, and sharp objects lying around. 

2. Ensure You Get the Right Sized Tub

You should consider your preferred shots when getting a tub. The container should protect the baby from drowning. Also, it should give them freedom of movement and safety from falls. 

3. Use Fresh Milk and Distilled Water

Refrain from formula milk, which can contain allergens and other pollutants.

Photo by Olesya Symanchuk on shutterstock

4. Don't Use Additives 

Another crucial factor is avoiding chemical substances like detergents. This includes washing the container, as the chemical can react and contaminate the fresh milk. 

5. Confirm the Bath's Temperature 

Convenient temperatures are between 36-38 Degrees Fahrenheit or 2-3 Celsius. It's crucial to have a thermometer close to record temperature changes. 

6. Maintain a Safe Distance While Shooting

An anxious subject can complicate your shooting set. The worst-case scenario can involve damaging your expensive photography gear. Therefore, it's safe to avoid close-up shots or getting too close to them. In case they're anxious, let the parents or guardians help in making them calm.

11 Tips for Quality Baby Milk Bath Photos

Having known what to do, let's look at various tips you can use to make your milk bath successful.

Photo by Olga Tsybenko on shutterstock

1. Include Food Color in the Milk

Food color is a creative way of enhancing your photoshoot, allowing you to capture long-lasting memories. However, ensure you’re using safe food color to protect the infants. A safety tip is to appropriately dilute before adding it to the baby's milk bath.

2. Use Rose Petals or Flower Heads as Decor

Using flowers in your shoot can never go wrong. They are perfect for baby shoots, helping display the babies as the adorable creatures they are. Flower heads or rose petals can add some elegance and authenticity to your baby's milk bath. Additionally, they’re visually appealing, helping intrigue the photo viewers.

3. Select Props that Complement Your Themes

It's easy to go wrong when selecting suitable themes for baby photoshoots. An important tip is to watch out for color and size mismatches in your props. Some of the factors you can use to elevate the scene include the following: 

• Using playful bubbles
• Cute animal dolls, 
• Incorporate other themes, such as spa-like vibes.

4. Place the Photo Subject Correctly in Your Tub

It's advisable to place the baby lengthwise in your tub. This method lets you capture the baby’s front and back. Additionally, the placement mode gives room for other props like hats and visibility or rose petals or toys.

5. Use A Bright Backdrops

You can use bright backdrops to enhance the mood of your shoot. For instance, a white backdrop matches the brightness of the milk bath, thus helping the photo subject pop. Also, a white version lets you apply creativity without worrying about color distortion.

6. Dress the Baby Accordingly

Photo by Visual Intermezzo on shutterstock

The final results also depend on how you dress the baby. The right baby’s outfit, makes the shoot adorable and fun. For instance, dressing the baby in footie pajamas is a cute option, pairable with props like roses, dolls, or colorful backdrops.

7. Apply Candid Photos

Candid images help you capture emotions and expressions experienced throughout the session. This gives the photos a realistic look and makes them more appealing. Ensure you maintain a joyful and fun mood through playful activities to get the right shots.

8. Have Helpers Within

Unlike shooting adults, babies tend to be uncoordinated. Therefore, having an assistant photographer to arrange your set or coordinate the baby makes your work easier. Additionally, they can help with roles like cheering the baby.

9. Include Parents and Siblings In the Shoot

Parents can come in handy in keeping the baby calm or being included in the actual photos. The latter is an adorable aspect, helping create a wholesome family photo and if possible, instruct siblings to show up.

10. Use the Right Camera Gear

You don't need the most expensive lens to capture the best milk bath shoots. A 24mm camera comes in handy for the genre and is convenient for getting medium and close-ups. However, remember to incorporate appropriate lighting for the best results.

11. Edit the Raw Photos

Appropriately editing your raw photos is among the important factors of photography. The process helps you transform the baby photos into majestic creations, where additions like contrast or whitening can help brighten up the photos. Additionally, you get to correct any errors and color corrections.

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Conclusion

That's all you need for your first-ever milk bath photoshoot. The article highlights equipment and procedures required, to ensure beginners can also execute the photoshoot. Remember to adhere to the safety tips for a successful time in your set. 

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