Baby pictures are worth a thousand words

BABIES might be the cutest living creatures on earth and their facial expressions might be priceless, but you can never quite show that off unless you have photos to show for it. Many mothers take pictures of their babies using their iPhones, but booking a photoshoot with a professional photographer can be the greatest gift for reminiscing and household decorating.

Taking pictures of precious bundles of joy is what photographer Yasmin Gahtani does for a living. She is also a graphic designer, which helped make her pictures look even better. She enjoys being around children and capturing their every move. She is well-known among Jeddawi mommies who are eager to put their children in front of the camera and create memories for them.

Arab News had a chat with the photographer, who talked about her journey and gave us tips on how to take the perfect shot. How did you get started in photography?

It all started when my father gave me his old Nikon F3 as a child to play and experiment with. I started taking random pictures and later found myself loving taking pictures of my friends and family.

Later in life, I worked in advertising in the creative department and had to be in the studio with commercial photographers. That gave me alot of understanding of what was going on behind the scene. Of all the photography genres out there, you chose to snapshot babies and newborns. Can you tell us a little about why newborns have won your heart?

Having twin boys, I understand children very well and I have patience with babies.

When my children were young, I wanted someone to take photos of them with the style that I had in mind, but I wasn't able to find anyone in Saudi Arabia who did that. So I ended up taking pictures of them. Everyone loved the outcome, and my friends started asking me to take pictures of their newborns. Slowly, through word of mouth, more people started approaching me until I decided to turn it into a personal business. What equipment would I find in your camera bag or studio for a typical shoot?

Just my camera and one lens. No artificial lighting. No additional lenses. Your lighting is soft and beautiful. Do you use natural or artificial light a little of both?

I only play with natural light. Anything artificial is my enemy. What was your favorite photography moment from this past year?

I had a photoshoot of newborn twins, a baby girl and a boy. I was preparing the setting around them, and as soon as I put both babies next to each other, one of them suddenly put its arm on the other. It was a very touching moment that I managed to snapshot. What do you love most about capturing children's faces?

Definitely the eyes. If you look closely at my pictures of toddlers, you will notice that I focus mainly on the eyes. They are a mirror of their innocent souls.

Babies are unpredictable; you cannot control what they do. How do you manage this problem?

I expect different moods and I take photos throughout. I capture moments and believe me, sometimes the best pictures are the ones you take when you least expect. How long does it take for you to snap the perfect picture?

I take my time with babies. I play with them, make them feel comfortable with me and the camera and then I start shooting during that process. What's your goal during each shoot?

To capture the baby's moments and expression. My purpose is to make the parents look at the pictures and feel the baby's character in each photo. What do you do behind the scenes?

Enjoy my time with the child and the parents. A lot of talking and laughter takes place while shooting without a doubt. What inspires you for a new photoshoot theme?

I don't come up with specific themes. I talk with the parents and ask them how they see their child and I take it from there. What tricks do you have up your sleeve to get real smiles from kids who may resist being photographed?

I let the child do what the child wants. If he or she wants to frown, I'll let him. If he wants to play instead, I'll take pictures of him playing. I want the child to feel comfortable with me. Eventually that smile will come. Newborn photography can be difficult to learn. What has been your best form of education when it comes to taking baby portraits?

Practicing on my children. They have been my models since birth. What piece of advice would you offer to those interested in getting into photography for newborns?

Do it with passion and love and just enjoy those precious hours because not everyone has this opportunity.