How To Take Photographs Of Your Baby
Your baby, toddler or child will grow so fast that you won’t know where the time went. This article looks at how to take effective baby pictures to help you capture these moments whilst you can.
- Make sure you know your camera well and are aware of what it can do. Hold the camera absolutely steady as you press the shutter to ensure you pictures are clear. Push you elbows into your body and stand with your feet slightly out turned to make your posture as stable as you can.
- Try to keep a camera handy whenever possible. Photogenic opportunities usually come up when you least expect them. You will get much better baby pictures if your child is used to seeing you use a camera
- Take as many photos as you can. You can also be selective later. It is better to take too many photos and then discover a interesting pose, then to realize to late that you wasted a good photographic opportunity
- Think about unusual backgrounds and environments, autumn leaves, frosty days, or flowery gardens for example. Familiar backgrounds will help
- Get up close. For a really good baby picture, aim for your child to occupy at least one third of the photograph’s area. Get down to their level for a more personal photograph. A telephoto or zoom lens will help with this.
- Use a fast film, 400 or higher if your are worried that flash lights will frighten or alarm your baby
- Babies are tiny for a very short period of time. Make the most of this time and try to snap as many baby pictures as you can
- If you are taking a more distant shot, try to opt for a neutral background so as not to distract from the subject matter.
- Once your child is a little older, try to get a mix of natural and posed photos, Try to mix photos of them dressed in grubby, scruffy play clothes as well as in their best party clothes.
- If your child is feeling self conscious about having their photo try to distract them with dressing up clothes or props. Talking to them about what they are doing distracts their attention away from the camera and back to the activity that they are doing.
- Do not worry about your child being in the centre of all your baby pictures. A subject that is off centre can have artistic appeal
- If your baby photo is to be a close up look straight at your child, use a single central light source. This minimises the light and shade and shows your baby to best effect
- If your baby photo is to be a side on snap, use side lighting. This adds depth and shadow to your baby picture. A nice effect can be obtained by placing your baby close to a window and letting the sunlight shine through, shutters or blinds.
- Your baby will be much more receptive to having his photo taken when is well fed, warm, comfortable and happy
- Take photographs at a time of day when your baby is happiest
- Start a baby diary. Take baby pictures through the year to show seasonal variety and put them into an album with souvenirs of the days the photo’s were taken (pressed flowers, autumn leaves, lock of baby hair, napkins, ticket stubs and so on)
- If you are using a film camera, order enlargements and put them into frames. These make ideal Christmas presents for proud grandparents, relations and friends. They can be printed onto mugs, coasters, t shirts and jigsaws. Digital photos can be made into wall papers and screen savers on your computer
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