The flowers are blooming, the grass is getting greener, and the day longer. After a long winter and some definite cabin fever we are finally able to get out and enjoy the fresh air. This also means that there will be a lot of natural light for some great pictures to make prints of, for the family album. No more pictures in front of the fireplace; it’s time for pictures in front of the tulips, daffodils, and blossoming dogwood trees.

What’s more metaphorical than a newborn baby in front of freshly bloomed flowers?  What a beautiful way to create a photo keepsake or gift, to commemorate your baby’s arrival this spring. A simple wicker basket with a special blanket laid down inside would make a nice prop for such a photo shoot. It doesn’t even matter if your baby is asleep or newly wide-eyed. The natural light and blooms will make a picture such as this a family favorite for years to come.

Another spring-time renewal is the picnic. No more picnics in front of the television set; it’s time to picnic under the puffy clouds of spring. This setting calls out to be documented, whether it’s in an album or for scrapbooking.  It’s the perfect natural backdrop for a portrait of your children sitting together, eating, laughing, playing, and enjoying the day.

Some tips for making your spring-time photos flourish:

1. Take photos in the early morning hours, before the sun is at it’s highest.
2. Create “catch light” in the eyes of your subject by making sure the sun is behind you.
3. Coordinate your childrens’ outfits and stick to non-busy, distracting styles of patterns.
4. Be sure to capture your child’s energy by taking shots that are everyday but extraordinary.
5. Snap that camera a lot; you are obtaining images that will last a lifetime.