I fully believe that everyone should have a specialization or area that you focus on. When you truly have a niche of your own, I think that we are able to work hard & really grow our skills. Early in my portrait career, I settled on newborn and family photography. The list below is what I have found to be The Best Camera Equipment for Newborn Photography.
Best Camera Gear: The Camera
Mirrorless cameras are the way of the future, don’t you think? In late 2019, I traded in my Nikon D750 for the new Nikon Z6. Full disclosure I have the original Z6, but I recommend the z6ii because it has dual card slots! I rented the z6 for a week before purchasing. The photos I took were razor sharp. The focus on the mirrorless is unmatched which is still my favorite thing about it today! When you combine the Nikon mirrorless with the Z series lenses, the result is pure magic!
I know that many photographers have jumped ship and switched over to Sony. The one thing that made me stick with Nikon was the ability to keep my lenses! The Nikon Lens Adapter was the perfect solution for me to upgrade my camera and keep my favorite lenses.
Best Camera Gear: The Lenses
As photographers, I know that we all love getting new gear, but buying new lenses often is just not feasible, right? I have finally settled on the lens trio that makes my heart sing! Two of these lenses are not Z lenses which means that I also use the Nikon FTZ lens adapter.
The Sigma Art 50mm
This Sigma has been my workhorse lens! I have had this one the longest and know that it is solid gold. It’s the lens that I grab most often, especially with my own kiddos and my posed newborn shots.
The Nikon Z 24-70mm 2.8
The Nikon 24-70 is the first and only zoom lens that I have! It is a wonderful lens, but I am definitely a prime lens girl. I use this lens in all tight spaces and for the family portion of every newborn session. It helps me get up close and pull back farther for full body shots!
The Nikon 105mm 1.4
This is the lens I use anytime I am shooting outdoors! I love its creamy bokeh and tack sharp focus. I primarily shoot outdoor family and maternity session with this lens in places where I have plenty of space to move around.
Over the years I have had other lenses, but I find that these are the 3 I truly use and love! For those who shoot a lot of lifestyle newborn sessions, a 35 mm 1.4 would be helpful as well!
Aimee Hamilton is a newborn and family photographer in Dallas, TX. Aimee’s newborn portrait studio is just north of Dallas in Downtown McKinney.