Baby Photography

Here are some easy baby photography tips to help you get the best possible photographs of your little one during those fleeting first years.

• Move in close. Photograph babies at their eye level. Get down on the floor if you must. You'll likely photograph very young babies from above as they sleep or are bathed. Look for the best angle for the shot while keeping in mind the move-in-close rule.

• Be patient. Young children tire easily. Fortunately, it's not too difficult to get an expressive shot of young babies because they ignore the camera. However, babies also look to adults for other needs, so hovering around with a camera may invite a desire to be held or other types of attention. Work quickly or until the child shows the first sign of frustration or fatigue.

• Use props, such as a stuffed animal or toy. This creates added interest in the photograph while providing something to entertain the child.

• Use natural light. Soft, natural lighting from an open window is not distracting or distressing to a young child, and it doesn't flatten a baby's face the way a flash often does.

• Watch your background. Don't let it ruin a great shot. Be selective and let the background add to the composition. A pure white background is great for photographing young children, or use a baby quilt or other simple items found in the nursery.

• Take candid shots. Photos of babies engaged in day-to-day activities such as playing, exploring, banging on pots and pans, being bathed or even napping make great picture material.

• Use distractions. For a more formal portrait, use toys and other distractions to keep baby engaged and get the right shot. To get that perfect expression, sometimes you have to play the fool.

• Take lots of shots. You'll have plenty from which to choose the best expression, lighting and composition.

• Take a series of photos when your baby is actively engaged in an activity. Arrange these shots chronologically to tell the story of baby's adventure.

• Take parent-child shots. Photograph Mom or Dad holding or interacting with the baby. Move in close to capture that natural bond between parent and child. These intimate and expressive photographs will become priceless as the child grows up.

Here's a great project for an older sibling: Photograph a day in the life of the baby, from the moment he or she awakens until bedtime. Include feeding times, playtime, explorations, a ride in the stroller, a swing at the park, naptime even a diaper change. Have the photographer mount the photos on separate pages and write a description for each. Then insert all pages into clear plastic sleeves and bind into a book. Baby's older brother or sister will be proud of this important family record that he or she created for everyone to enjoy, and soon baby will enjoy reading it over and over again.