Pic Tips

Here are some tips and tricks to getting memorable pictures of your little one:

Before you take your pictures:

1.            Make sure your camera is set to the highest quality setting.

2.            Turn off the date stamp on your camera! These are difficult (and sometimes impossible) to remove and they really take away from an adorable picture of your child. (see your camera's manual for instructions).

3.            Set up your "studio" near a big window or glass door to take advantage of the natural light. You may want to turn on overhead lights or lamps as well to give more light. Your pictures will look best if you can use just natural light and avoid using the flash on your camera. Avoid putting your child in direct sunlight as this will cause harsh shadows and bright or washed out spots in your pictures.

4.            Use a simple, solid blanket or sheet for the background. Avoid bright colors and busy patterns that distract from your adorable baby. Black fabric purchased from a craft or fabric store can make a great background and is relatively inexpensive. Boppy pillows are good for propping baby (just be sure to stay close). An infant carrier or bouncy seat with a blanked draped over it are also good places to take pictures of your baby.

5.            When dressing your baby for your photo shoot, choose simple, solid colored clothing with minimal pattern. Or leave the clothes off altogether (but be prepared to move quickly!) or put baby in just a diaper. Some of the cutest pictures of babies are those where baby is wearing only a diaper or nothing at all. 

Taking pictures:

1.            Take lots of pictures, especially if you have a digital camera! It is not unusual to take 40-50 pictures or more to get the perfect shot.

2.            Make sure your baby is in focus, especially if you are not using the flash. If you don't have enough natural light, your camera will leave the shutter open longer to let in more light which may cause your pictures to be blurry or soft. If this is case, you may need to use your camera's flash. It is better to use the flash and have sharp, focused pictures than to use natural light and have blurry photos. You can also try putting your camera on a tripod or propping your elbows on a hard, flat surface to keep the camera steady.

3.            Get down on your baby's level and experiment with different angles. Close ups of your baby's face, hands, and feet are perfect for your announcement. Get in close and fill up the picture with your baby.

4.            You may want to try your photo session while your baby is asleep. Sleeping babies make adorable pictures, and they are easier to pose.

5.            When taking pictures of your baby and older siblings, pose them with their faces close together.

6.          Remember, pictures of tiny little toes and fingers add a special touch to your birth announcement.  Adding your wedding rings to your baby’s toes adds a nice addition.

7.            Use natural light without the flash if possible.

8.            Do not send cell phone pictures, the resolution is way to low and they do not print well.