Tips for Photographing Your Baby

by Ann Scaling Tucker (from www.theclassicbabystore.com)

More pictures are probably taken of babies than any other subject is; however, most of them aren't worth showing to the neighbors. We've collected some hints that may help make your pictures better:

• Always move close to the baby - don't shoot from across the room!! That is unless you want a long-range photo.
• Don't place the baby in the midst of a bunch of objects.
• Make the baby the object of the photo.
• >Don't think that the baby is going to hold still for very long. Don't expect the baby to do something cute when you're ready. You need to be ready when they do happen to do something.
• Take lots of shots and you should get one or two out of the roll that are really worth showing around the office.
• Use soft light. Soft light compliments a child and prevents squinting. Always use soft light when taking a photo of a sleeping baby.
• Take into account the age of the child. A newborn will lie there looking angelic unless it decides to have a good cry. Then you'll just have to wait and wait and possibly wait. The older baby will move around more, putting whatever is near in its mouth, which is usually the fist or the fingers or both. If the baby has become a toddler you're on your own as the toddler does what toddlers do - get into everything or tries to leave the country as fast as their legs will take them.
• It is probably best to have your spouse or a sibling help keep the baby's attention and possibly make them laugh. Also they can be prepared for unexpected things like a sudden roll over or a fast get away.
• Be sure to take your pictures after the baby has napped, eaten and had a diaper change. The baby's playtime is a good time if you want a wide-awake, possibly smiling child in your pictures.
• Other pictures taken a naptime, eating or even when the baby is crying can make cute pictures also so don't take only planned set ups.
• Always have your equipment ready for those candid and informal shots. Make sure your batteries are good and you have plenty of film handy. There is nothing more frustrating than to be on the next to last picture of your last roll and the baby or child is in a really great posing mood.
• Babies at play, with props and toys, provide a great selection of photos. Good informal portraits can be made if the baby's attention is focused on something that moves or makes a noise. You can also hold attention by rolling a strip of tape with sticky side out and placing it where the child can play with it. Just be sure to grab it if it starts going to the mouth. Giving toddlers a new item they haven't seen before can keep them occupied.
• When doing portraits always focus on the eyes. Don't make your background too busy or cluttered. Make the baby or child the main object in the frame. Formal portraits are a little harder and are usually done in a studio or if outside, with more sophisticated equipment. The new parent who is an amateur photographer is discouraged from trying the formal portrait. Let the pros (like Merrifield Photography) get those special shots meant for the fancy frame over the fireplace.
• For better shots - turn off the flash and move near a window. Faster speed film will help. Get eye level with your baby. You don't have to dress the baby in the fanciest outfit since you're after the baby's picture - not the clothes.
• Don't get all bent out of shape if you miss that "first" step or roll over. Just get lots of those shots; it just doesn't have to be the "first" one. When you want that special shot - a favorite toy is a must. Candy or a treat is not a good idea. Sticky fingers and chocolate all over the face is not a great idea.
• Remember that the baby or the baby and family members should fill three-fourths of the image. Soft light from a window or a lamp is best for indoors. Place the baby where the light shines from the side. Take close up photos and let the family get relaxed before snapping the picture. Photos can be even better if the subject(s) is slightly off center.
• Another great look can be obtained with mother and child are dressed in the same color. Great baby shots make cute birth announcements. Punch two holes in the picture and a blank card and run a thin ribbon through the holes to secure the picture to the card.
• A unique look for a photo is using the Sepia tone setting and making the photo look like it was taken in the 1800's. An example of this coloring is the photo of our baby on the heading of the home page.

Don't be afraid to experiment but always remember to take off the lens cap and keep your fingers away from the lens. Have fun taking pictures of your baby and don't forget to send lots of photos to the grandparents!!! I hope you enjoy learning to use this technique, and I hope you become a better photographer for it. Happy shooting to you, and be sure to stay tuned for more helpful hints from www.merrifield-photography.com.

Tags: baby, photography