The first in a series on common “faux pas” in the world of portrait photography

Diapers were not meant to be photographed. Nothing about them screams “quality” or “elegant.” They serve more function than form and for that reason, photographing a baby with a diaper, but sans diaper cover, is a professional portrait faux pas. A portrait should never scream “sponsored by Pampers!” (And before all of the “lifestyle” photographers yell at me, I will agree that there may be exceptions for certain types of lifestyle/photojournalistic type sessions.)

The first objection I hear when pointing out the diaper faux pas is “I don’t know where to buy basic diaper covers!” Well, fret no more – here is a vendor that will get you started!

www.titch.biz – a great resource for basic knitted diaper covers. I suggest buying two in the newborn white and if you photograph older babies, a few of those in white as well. It’s a great start for a very basic cover. (I will warn you that I am not crazy about the off-white color that she offers. It’s a bit too yellow for my taste.)

A Titch cover in action (imagine this portrait with an uncovered diaper!)

When you are ready to expand your collection of diaper covers, you can easily search Etsy.com for “diaper covers” and be presented with a multitude of options. In a previous post, Kuttin’ Up was featured with her boutique covers, but she also offers a few simple styles that I love to use with little girls.

So, bottom line – while bare baby bums might be preferred, if you need to have a diapered baby, be sure to use a diaper cover!