Tips on Photographing Babies

They're only young once. Knowing this, we want to make sure that we don't miss a beat. We don't want to miss that special birthday moment or their first steps. Even haircuts, messy dinners, and play dates are on our lists.

Everyone has photos of themselves when they were babies. Now you have your own newborn and you want to capture all their special moments as well. With digital cameras and cell phones with cameras installed in them, catching all those special moments is a snap. What about family portraits and holidays?

Do not fret; there are plenty of options available to get the job done.

If you have a flexible budget, all the major camera manufacturers offer SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras or digital SLR cameras. These cameras allow the user to see exactly what the picture will look like before the picture is taken. Pre-SLR cameras had view finders in them and the picture could differ greatly from what the photographer thought the picture was going to look like. Also, SLR cameras allow the user to adjust shutter speeds and focusing options.

If all this sounds a tad complicated, digital cameras that are point-and-shoot with auto focus can help ensure every photo is clear and sharp. Point-and-shoot cameras are great for quick, spontaneous snap shots. However, photos that have the range and depth of a professional photographer really demand an SLR camera.

Once you have the camera, you will need to set the scene. Just as with professional establishments, you will want to have a variety of backgrounds in mind if you are trying to capture that perfect shot that can be enlarged and hung over the mantle or placed in a cute personalized photo frame in their room. However, this does not mean investing in multiple pull-down screens. What it does mean is that you carry baby to the area that offers the backgrounds you are looking for. For instance, rake a pile of leaves in the backyard, take a picture by a local water source, or set up an area in the house that provides simplistic color without too much background busyness.

Lighting is also important. Avoid drastic lighting. Mid-day sun on an ultra clear day may make shadows look washed out. You might be better off to wait for a slightly overcast day when the light is softer. However, you also don’t want it to be too dark. Indoor pictures that require flash run the risk of red eye and bright spots. Decisions, decisions – but with a little patience, time, and effort, you can take some incredible pictures of your baby.

There are many printing options available today. With a good printer, you can do the job right from home. However, it can often be cheaper and faster to take your pictures to be developed at a discount store or print shop. For instance, Wal-Mart and Target, just to name two, have self-editing photo booths, where you plug in your camera and display the photos, choose the ones you love, choose the size you want, make small adjustments, and order the prints.

Whether instant, one-hour, or if it takes a few days, these prints are generally of high quality and little cost. With internet access, you can order your prints online. Companies like Kodak offer this option on their websites. Then, all you have to do is buy the baby photo frames and you have the photos of your baby that you have always wanted.