As parent or parent-to-be, there exist a multitude of gifts you’ll be able to give your child to ensure that he or she grows up to be the fine young people you wish them to be. Yes, we’re talking about patience, kindness as well as the occasional toy. But, there exists yet another gift you can give that will ensure that the best parts of your child’s life remain immortalized.

Photographs help us appreciate our young lives, especially when we’re older. They remind us of the good moments, the bad and also where we come from.

Below we’ll acquaint you with a couple of essential photography tips and techniques that will help you, as proud parent, to capture all these moments that will, one day, help your child realize just how much you love him or her.

What To Expect

If you’re about to pick up your camera, just hold on, mom, dad. Take some time to think about photography in general: what is it that makes a good picture? Is it great technical ability? Perhaps the intuition needed to recognize a great shot when it presents itself. Or, maybe both?

In our opinion, photography is about a combination of technical skill and composition. You’ll have to learn to use your camera to its fullest extent while, at the same time, know which elements present in the frame will and won’t work.

We’ll give you a bit of advice on both to best prepare you for your photographic journey to come.

Technical Skills

Remember mom, dad: photography is all about light. And if you learn to manipulate the light entering though your camera’s lens, then you’ll be able to weave photographic magic! So let’s look at a couple of basic concepts.

A Little More About Light…

To best understand the motivation behind the fact that some types of light are good, in terms of photography, while others are less so, we have to understand what is meant by the ‘dynamic range’ of a camera.

The dynamic range refers to the differences in light or tone that can be accommodated before some aspects of the image in front of us loses detail. Our eyes have a dynamic range of about 2000:1, while the average camera only has a dynamic range of about 8:1. What this means in terms of lighting is that, when ‘wrong’ types of light are used to illuminate the subject of our photography, it will cast deep shadows that will appear black on film, even though we can make out the detail with the naked eye.

In practical terms, this means that, if you are planning on a bit of outdoor photography, you’ll do well to take your pictures either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Cloudy days are also suitable and will provide you with the necessary soft light to bring out your child’s beautiful skin tone.

The Exposure Triangle

Your camera will provide you with a host of settings that will allow you to manipulate light as it enters through the lens. The most prominent among these represent the elements of the ‘Exposure Triangle’ and include ISO, aperture and shutter speed. Let’s take a brief look at each of these separately.

ISO

At this stage we’d like to encourage parents of all very young babies to switch off the flash. Not only will the sudden bright bursts of light startle your child, but it can also be potentially damaging to his or her developing vision.

However, that doesn’t mean you should put your camera down. On the contrary, learn to use the ISO setting of your camera efficiently.

ISO is a term that is used rather loosely and refers to the film speed standard for color-negative film as maintained by the International Standards Organization. Those parents who would like a bit more information can search for ISO 5000:1987 (though be warned: you’ll be greeted with a lot of technical information).

Now while most cameras nowadays don’t use film any more, the standards still apply and is more commonly referred to as the camera’s sensitivity to light.

If you are intent on taking a picture of your baby in a low-light environment, then you’ll want to ensure that you are using a high ISO number, like 800. In a bright environment, the reverse is true: a low ISO number will suffice. Acquaint yourself with this feature of your camera by experimenting.

Aperture

The aperture of your camera is defined as the amount of light that gets admitted onto the sensor and works very much like the pupil of the human eye. We measure the diameter of the aperture in f-stop and indicate it as follows: Fn, F:n or F-n, where n is the aperture size. The higher the f-stop the smaller the aperture.

Shutter Speed

The last element of the ‘Exposure Triangle’ refers to shutter speed, which is measured in fractions of a second and seconds. As the name implies, this function determines how fast the shutter opens and closes.

Shutter speeds between 1/60 (a sixtieth of a second) and 1/000 (a thousandth of a second) and faster will allow you to hold the camera in your hand. Shutter speeds of 1/30 (one thirtieth of a second) and slower will require the use of a tripod to avoid camera shake. However, take note: certain shutter speeds can last second, minutes or even longer and will capture more light as well as movement (that’s the cool trailing effect visible on photographs of highways).

Composition

In terms of composition, there are a lot of things that can be said and a lot of rules to be expelled. But in the end, good photographic composition is a skill mastered only by practice, practice and then some more, practice.

All we’ll be able to do is to give you a couple of pointers of things to look out for that will help you recognize certain elements that will help you on the journey to photographic excellence.

Texture & Lines

Take a look around you. What do you see? All physical objects have a texture, and they have lines, too.

The edges of said objects, if not the patterns on them, will fill each photograph you take with a variety of shapes. To excel in your photographic journey, you’ll have to train yourself to pay attention to these lines, shapes and textures. Have a look at your child (if he or she has already been born) and carefully study them for the aforementioned characteristics.

When its time for another photography spell, try to employ the following guidelines:

• - Converging lines will supply your picture with a sense of depth and distance
• - Curved lines or swirls will convey a sense of calm
• - Slanting lines, on the other hand, can imply direction or action

That being said, we’d also like you to pay attention to the various colors that fill the frame of your camera. Photography 101 states that colors that belong to the same tonal range will make for a better photograph than those that seem out of odds with one another.

An Interesting Angle

Last but not least in our mini parent photography course is something present in all brilliant photographs: a good angle. Whether you take a picture over your baby’s shoulder to show what he or she was looking at the time, or whether you find it fitting to show them in a special type of light or way, it’s often the unique angle that draws us to a picture.

Remember: all photographs should tell a story that’s what sets them apart from mere pictures.

About The Author: Betty A. Muscott is an accomplished child photographer who provides tips on how to photograph children outdoors to create beautiful images and some personalized photo gift hints. She provides a review of a great Canon starter digital camera, ideas on how to create amazing babies photos onto canvas and personalized photo gift ideas..

Have you ever gone to a baby store recently? There are so many products available that it’s overwhelming! Many first time parents wonder how many items they really need. Of course, everyone knows that you need diapers, clothes, and, if you aren’t nursing your child, bottles. You’ll also need a crib and a car seat. But beyond that, what do you REALLY need?

I’ve raised quite a few babies: our 6th child is due in August. I’ve learned a lot over my parenting career, mostly from my mistakes. I’ve spent a lot of money I really didn’t have to spend on too many gizmos I thought I needed, and I’ve not spent enough money other items that I actually did need. Right now, I’m creating a must have list as we are beginning to shop for our impending arrival. Read on to see my list!

Health Care Items

Many stores sell health care packages. Everything is nicely contained in a cute container and it looks so appealing. Usually, the price tag is expensive, but it’s worth it. Right? Wrong. You are paying for a bunch of items that you will never use and that cute container. Buy the items separately as you need them, if you need them. Store them in an inexpensive container.

There are two exceptions to this rule: a bulb syringe and nail clippers are an absolute necessity. Look for the syringe that is easy to clean and that has a safety tip. When purchasing the nail clippers, but the kind with the built up handle. They are easier to use.

While you are making purchases, consider buying a cool mist vaporizer. When your little one is congested, a vaporizer is so helpful!

Medicines

When your little one is sick, you’ll want to be prepared. Keep some items on hand now for future use. Some medicines to have include: Gas Drops, infant Tylenol drops, and salt water nose drops.

Comfort Care

The transition from the comfort of the womb to the “real world” can be a real shock for babies. There are a bunch of comfort care products on the market which help to soothe a crying or fussy baby. These are the items I am purchasing for our new baby.

Baby swings are worth every single penny they cost. Most babies love to sit in the swing; for some of my children, a swing was the only thing that helped with their colicky times. When purchasing a swing, look for one that has both a battery and electric option. If you choose to purchase the swing that just runs on batteries, buy re-chargeable batteries and a battery charger. Otherwise, this product can be expensive. I truly haven’t found that the models with the music and sounds work any better than the “regular” model. Don’t worry about that so much! If you can, check to see that the swing has different positions for the seat. For younger infants, it is helpful to have a seat that can recline. Otherwise, a tiny infant will slump over in the seat. Models that have several speeds are also helpful.

A baby sling is so helpful! I have used one for all of my children and I’ve found that it really helps reduce their crying. It is also great for busy moms because you have both hands free to fold laundry or do the dishes. Slings have been used by generations of mothers to calm their crying infants because it works. Many slings are available nowadays in a variety of trendy fabrics. You can even order a few to match different outfits.

Swaddling is an ancient technique used by parents to calm their crying child. When your child is in the nursery at the hospital, you’ll notice that the nurses swaddle the infants in receiving blankets. I never have been able to master the swaddling technique, but I found that I can “cheat” and get the same great results! You can buy swaddling pouches which help swaddle your baby easily and quickly. Simply slide your infant into the pouch and wrap the pouch wings around them. The wings attach to the sides of the pouch with velcro.

Bedding Items

When my children first came home from the hospital, I put them to sleep in a bassinet which I kept near my bed. I found that my children tended to sleep better in a bassinet than in a large crib. When they outgrew the bassinet, I moved them to a crib. If you decide to get a bassinet, make sure to get a model that can rock! This is so helpful to calm a crying infant.

You can never have too many crib and bassinette sheet sets! You’ll need at least four sets of each to be safe. Another product to check out is crib sheet savers. The idea is that you lay your infant’s head on the sheet saver which is on top of the sheet. If your child spits up, you just need to change the sheet saver and not the entire sheet. You can even get different colors to match your nursery color scheme!

Making Memories

It is incredible how quickly children grow and change. I recommend purchasing a quality digital camera which you will use regularly to help you remember all the special times that will happen during your baby’s first year. Above all else, remember to think about storing your photos in a safe place! It is fine to save your photos on your computer, but it’s best to save another copy elsewhere. You could accidentally delete the photo file, or your computer could crash. You don’t want to risk losing those memories.

Important Accessories

While you are shopping, don’t forget “the small stuff”. Pacifiers are an example of a small, but important accessory. I like to purchase silicon pacifiers because they seem to last longer than the latex ones. I also try to purchase orthodontic pacifiers which are better for baby’s teeth than the “regular” kind of pacifier.

A Boppy pillow is an essential purchase. If you are nursing, you can use the Boppy pillow to help you position the baby for feedings. As the baby grows, you can use the Boppy as a support when your baby is learning to sit. Remember to purchase at least two covers for your Boppy pillow just in case baby spits up on it!

I also found that a diaper Genie was a great item to have. The diaper Genie system minimizes the smell that can be so common in a baby’s room. It’s an effective and simple way to dispose of your babies diapers until you are able to empty the diaper pail. Remember to purchase a refill kit for your system. Your baby will go through a LOT of diapers during his or her first few weeks!

You made it to the bottom of my list! That’s not so bad, is it? Remember, preparing for you’re the arrival of your baby doesn’t have to take a huge bite out of your budget! Start early on in your pregnancy and purchase small amounts of items regularly. Before you know it, your pregnancy will be over, and you’ll be bringing home your beautiful bundle of joy.

Author: Michelle Schaefer

The rain’s got you down.  The sun hasn’t been out for days and neither has your camera.   No pun intended, but snap out of it!   Grab your camera, get comfortable with using your flash, and stop missing those great moments around the house.   Sure, we love natural light but sometimes we just don’t have enough of it.  In the case of gloomy weather, here are a few tips and ideas to keep you shooting:

Open Umbrellas and Puddle Jumping

Find some colorful umbrellas for the kids, stand somewhere dry like a doorway, under an awning or carport, and shoot them playing and dancing in the rain.    Or have them jump into puddles while you shoot with a fast shutter speed/sports mode.  These playful portraits will be so fun to obtain. But mostly for the kids to help create.  Just make sure you have some towels in the doorway, though.

Overcast Isn’t the End of the World

Actually, it’s probably going to make for some great shots.  The clouds will act as a natural diffuser and there won’t be any harsh sunlight to contend with.  Shoot as normal in overcast conditions.   Also, after-rain skies are very dramatic.  Shoot from an angle that will catch some of the sky thus creating a very interesting background.

Let the Melodrama Roll In With the Clouds

Have your child(ren) stand with their faces up to the window, looking out on the rainy day.  Make sure to let their faces fill the frame of the shot.  This type of portrait will evoke much emotion and is great for putting on photocards.

Stop Blaming and Start Shooting

It’s easy to blame it on the rain, but when it all boils down you shouldn’t let weather deter you from taking pictures of your surroundings and your children.   Neither the weather nor your children will be the compliant all the time, but getting out there and trying is all it takes.  You will be surprised with the results you get!

Whether they are not wanting to come back inside from playtime for a nap or are refusing to take medicine, toddlers can be a tricky bunch. Their mind is set and they can be the most stubborn of creatures. Sometimes we call it the “terrible twos” but maybe we should change that to the “terrible toddler years”.

During these years it seems the hardest thing to do is capture [your toddler] in portraiture. There will be countless studio visits, tantrums during the process, failed shots due to stubborn attitudes and one track minds. However, it’s not completely impossible to capture your toddler and get that shot to hang on the wall or give to the grandparents.

Tips for Photographing Tricky Toddlers:

• Strive to take portraits when your little one is well rested and full bellied.

• Don’t place too much emphasis on getting the perfect expression. Sometimes the best expression is one that you would normally dismiss (i.e. a pout.)

• Get in their comfort zone and snap away, with your digital camera, at those playful times.

• Pay attention to the surroundings and the available lighting and nature; use it to your advantage.

• Set the scene. Pull out favorite toys and stuffed friends and get down to their level and shoot. Props can and will be very useful when trying to capture the attention of toddler kids.

• Try to stick with natural light as many toddlers have a big time aversion to flash.

• Follow their lead and just snap as they go. You’ll be surprised with the results.

Children grow up way too fast.  One day they are cooing in your arms, the next they master crawling and before you know it they are taking those miraculous first steps. It’s bittersweet when it happens, too. That’s why documenting those precious baby milestones, with your camera, is so vital. It’s important to preserve the stage he or she is in because in the blink of an eye it’s over.

At three months of age your baby is able to hold her head up and she may even smile at you. She might not even mind tummy time. Lay out her special blanket, place her on her tummy, get down in front of her, and snap away. Trying different angles and perspectives will add character to this type of portrait and a digital camera will afford you the ability to shoot over and over again until you get the best shot.

At six months of age your little baby boy can sit up or “tripod” on his own or  he may have started to learn how to crawl. This is a great time to document his developmental milestones. Sitting up and playing with his toys or lunging forward while trying to crawl or concentrating on stacking his plush block; it’s all so exciting and well worth pulling out your trusty digital camera.  Sometimes it’s the little things that mark development that we forget. A picture can help you relive these short lived times.

At nine months of age your daughter is standing and possibly cruising the furniture. She’s eating all kinds of new foods and might even be feeding herself while in her highchair.  Playtime includes peek-a-boo, looking at big picture books, and maybe a push walker toy that helps stimulate the next phase.  These are all prime times to mark with a picture or two!

The months fly by and suddenly your baby boy is a one year old.  This is an extra special time because the possibilities are endless. He’s walking, talking, and learning something new everyday. Making sure to record these marvels will ensure that the busy days of growing up aren’t forgotten or lost. You can look back on this time and be amazed that your little boy has met all these wonderful milestones, and then some.

Photographing all the various developmental phases allows us as parents to look back and cherish those special times. Those special times that are all too fleeting, but oh-so spectacular when you reflect upon them. And with all the photo print deals going on these days, be sure to snap as many as you can!

By Carmen Shuey

If your house was burning down, what would you run to grab in the last few minutes before everything was gone? I know I would get my photo albums, and I’m sure you would too. Why are pictures so important? Without pictures, memory would be the only place to find your sons first baseball game or your daughters? first attempt at making a birthday cake, along with millions of other incredible moments that only happen once.

So I have put together some helpful tips on taking unique, quality pictures, as well as creative display ideas and storage. I will introduce you to easy way to play with pictures as well as print. As an additional feature to this article I have also written 101 Ways to Photography Your Baby. This article will help inspire you to take more pictures, and be more creative.

I use a digital camera for most of my photos for a couple good reasons. Price, you can take unlimited pictures for nothing – not a penny. Flexibility, digital cameras can be easily loaded onto most computers, making them easily printable, easy to e-mail and easy to doctor. (All of which I will cover later.)

If you don’t own a digital camera, and are not willing to invest (you can get a good one for a couple hundred bucks) you will need to invest in a large amount of film – but trust me its worth it, since your pictures will be priceless. To have excellent pictures you will need to take a lot, but in the end it will all be worth it. Not only will you enjoy taking pictures, your children will appreciate your efforts.

If you plan on using a digital camera, don’t hesitate to download Picasa for your pictures.? This program will allow you to doctor your pictures, save your picture, e-mail your pictures, add your pictures to a blog, and much more. Simply go to www.picasa.com and download the free program. Picasa is easy to use, even for the computer challenged and has a lot to offer. Take some time and play around to figure out how to use this program, you will be glad you did.

You will inevitably take random pictures at games, holidays and special events, but consider taking special pictures at least once a year (once a month when they are babies.) Set aside an hour, get out the digital and batteries, or a regular camera and film and be ready to take lots of pictures. Take a photo shoot of your beautiful child! The more pictures you take the more likely you are to get something amazing. If you simply let your child be him or herself as you take pictures you will catch moments that your wouldn’t if you were waiting for them. His/her most beautiful smile is only in between his/her dead stare and his/her cry! So catch all the emotions by simply taking pictures- the cost is minimal when you consider the beauty of what you are catching on film.

Let’s start with some photography basics: lighting, color and background. When it comes to lighting, natural is best. The sun provides better light than any flash ever will! The flash makes everyone’s skin look washed out, which is really undesirable-especially on your beautiful child.? Flash also puts shadows in unfavorable, unnatural places. So, you may be asking, how do I properly light my pictures? Sunlight is God’s flash. Try to take picture in areas that are well lit by sunshine; a doorway which is open to the yard, under minimum shade from a tree, or on the couch or bed under an open window. You will be amazed at how beautiful and natural your child will look in sunlight! But, if you happen to stumble upon a moment perfect for a picture- but not well lit, don’t hesitate. I will explain for to doctor up pictures later.

Color, this can be tricky. Although your child may look darling in the outfit with little dinosaurs all over it – his picture will look best in a plain blue shirt. In a couple years when you look back you won’t be looking at his outfit, but rather his facial features and size. Don’t let clothing be the focus of your photography – let your child be the center of attention. Same goes for background.

When you are considering the background for a picture-forget the background. No one looks at their baby pictures and says “Wow, what nice carpet” or “Look at the trees.” Your children will notice how they had more freckles or smaller ears! Don’t be afraid to get up close and personal with your children – the picture is only too close if it is out of focus. This is easy to determine with a digital camera. Now don’t get me wrong, a picture of her holding her favorite toy, Wiggles the cat, or him next to the house he just built with Power House are classic. Just remember to get close, and focus on what’s important – your child and his/her memories! If you photograph your child learning from and enjoying a toy from my site, I will give you a coupon for 15% off your next purchase at CT Toys! As well as post that beautiful child for all to see (with your permission of course.)

Beyond taking good pictures you must consider printing, storage and display. You can purchase printers, ink and paper to print pictures at home, but I have found that sending them to an outsource company is much easier. Simply pick a company from Picasa’s offerings and sign up for their picture service. This is usually cheaper than you will be able to print them at home – and they are better quality.

Storing your digital pictures on your computer can take up quite a bit of space and slow your computer down. To avoid clutter, save your pictures onto a clearly labeled CD. For safety put these CDs in your safe deposit box at the bank or a fire safe box at home, than you won’t have to worry about running back inside for your pictures, should anything happen to your home!

Displaying your pictures is one of the many fun aspects of photography. You can always display them in a picture frame made of alphabet blocks available on this site, which spell out your child’s name, or an activity like first kite. This idea is inexpensive and cute, giving your pictures a real personality.

Another favorite of mine is hanging alphabet pictures. Simply hot glue each wooden block in your child’s name or another word onto a large nail that is already hammered half way into the wall. Than with pretty ribbon make loops and attach to the backside of each picture to a loop using tape or glue, than hang each looped picture from an alphabet block. This makes a simple and unique wall display you will love to show off.

You can also use Picasa to create collages. Simply select the pictures you want and hit the college button and Picasa will create a beautiful, eye pleasing college-which you can print (I recommend printing these as 8X10) Please continue to look back here for the best place to purchase educational toys, additional craft ideas and pictures displays.

Quick notes-

1. Black and white photos are classic and can really make your photographs stand out, don’t be afraid to try it

    

2. Don’t hesitate to take lots of pictures, you will capture the best moments

    

3. Digital cameras are the way to go, seriously consider this small investment

    

4. Download Picasa NOW! Play with this program, it is amazing

    

5. Consider a bi-monthly picture send outs. Gather a few of your favorites and send them via e-mail to your family and friends using Picasa. You can also tell them to come to www.cttoysonline.com to find out how to get their child’s picture on my website!

    

6. Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about photographing your child and much, much more!

    

7. Join my blog and talk about picture taking and much more!

About the Author
Carmen Shuey is the owner of CT Toys which specializes in toys and articles for babies and children.

There is no better way to capture your baby’s first year and all of his firsts than by taking pictures of him. It used to be that parents were limited to the use of a standard film camera and then having to wait till the pictures were developed to see how they turned out. While some people, especially professionals still choose to take pictures this way, many people have moved on to using a digital camera for their picture taking needs.

The digital camera has many benefits. Not only can you shoot a picture and then delete it if you don’t like it, giving you more room to retake the picture, but you can upload the pictures from your camera onto your computer in order to crop them, edit out blemishes and red eyes, or just make a little tweak to the coloring or contrast in your picture. You can then upload your pictures to a site like Clark Photos, where you can order copies of the pictures you want, in the sizes you want them, or gifts for friends and family members. How do you go about taking the BEST pictures of your baby however?

Posing
Don’t always worry about posing your baby. Sometimes the best pictures are the accidental ones, taken on the fly or spur of the moment. Catching that sideways glance or the tummy time moment might prove to be magical. There are times when posing your baby may be called for. If you want to get a good shot for Christmas cards you can try sitting your baby up, or leaning him against a background or object, and hoping he will smile for you…just so you get that perfect shot. All pictures don’t always have to be posed and planned out.

Background
Think about your background. Take your baby to the woods or to a field of flowers to get some great shots of him. If staying at home consider what your baby is going to be wearing and use a sheet or blanket in a complimentary color. If your baby has bright blue eyes, taking pictures on a blue back ground might really help bring them out. If you have a bright outfit that you want to put your baby in for pictures, try using a black or white blanket as the background, so that your baby stands out more. Pick colors that will draw out your baby’s best features and highlight the mood of your baby.

Props
Props are nice to throw in with pictures done at home in order to change things around some. In the spring get some fresh flowers and let your baby play with them while you snap away. Or take your baby outside and put him in an old wagon taking pictures of the scenery. Pets can often bring out the best smiles and laughs in a baby, so using a pet as a prop during your baby’s photo shoot may get you some great shots. Pictures taken of your baby while he is playing with his favorite toys can be fun and more true to life, as they would rarely be posed and more than likely be “fun” pictures that you will look back on and laugh about. Keep changing your props around so that the pictures always look new, fresh and exciting.

Coloring
Not only can the coloring of your background change a picture and make it exciting, but the coloring of your picture itself can give it a completely different feel. With digital cameras and/or photo enhancing software you can buy for your computer you can easily change any color picture to a black and white or sepia theme. With many cameras you can actually take the picture in black and white. Since most pictures are done in color, these colorless pictures often add a different feeling to your picture, whether it is an old fashioned or vintage. Certain props may go better with different coloring as well, for instance picture of your baby girl wearing an oversized flower rimmed hat would look great as an old-fashioned picture in the sepia coloring.

Other Family Members
Adding other family members to pictures with your baby can make them not only unique, but sweet. Posing dad and your baby, or having dad take a picture of you and your baby will be cherished and loved for years to come. If you have more than one child, taking pictures of the siblings playing and laughing together will give you a lot of picture choices for albums, gifts and to hang on your wall.

Never be afraid to try something new with your baby when it comes to taking pictures. It may work, it may not work. In reality, 20 years from now you probably won’t remember why many of the pictures that didn’t work, turned out the way they did. They will still be pictures that captured a split second of your child’s “babyhood” that you will never get back. So take your camera and take lots of pictures! Have fun with it! Soon your baby won’t sit still long enough to allow you to get good pictures, or he will get to a point where he doesn’t want pictures taken of him and the easy days of picture taking will come to an end.

As a new mother I’m sure that I do not need to be the one to tell you that there is no wrong moment to take a picture of your bright shiny beacon of joy, even when he or she isn’t all that joyous. However, there are times that are simply too special and too intimate to pass up as far as tempting photo opportunities go. The problem is that all too many of us feel that every photo opportunity needs to be staged. The truth of the matter is that unplanned tender moments often create the sweetest baby pictures you will ever have the pleasure of taking.

With this in mind, be sure that you keep your camera in a convenient location and that whenever it is not being used it is in that location. This will mean that you won’t lose those special moments while searching for your camera. Believe me I have lost plenty of great “Kodak” moments searching for the camera (this is especially true if older siblings and children are involved in those perfect picture moments that are so very rare). While I am by no means advocating total structure and rigidity in your life, the camera is a special tool that you will want convenient throughout most of your little one’s childhood.

When it comes to baby photos, there is absolutely nothing wrong with point and shoot photography. You can get the beautiful pictures you desire without having so many bells and whistles on your camera that you have difficulties figuring out which button actually snaps the shot. Believe me, I’ve been there when it comes to cameras and the simplest cameras in the hands of the untrained provide far superior results than a fully loaded camera with countless bells and whistles if you don’t know how to properly use them. Find a camera that you are confident of your abilities to use and let that be your camera. Beyond that my only real recommendation is digital if you can afford the investment as they provide you with the most options for sharing photos and not paying for the photos you aren’t happy with. Even more than that however, I’m an instant gratification kind of girl after waiting 9 months to see my baby’s beautiful face I don’t want to wait one hour let alone a few days for processing. Most of the digital cameras of today offer you the option of viewing your shot immediately.

Sneak attacks work best when attempting to capture those tender moments. Camera shy adults will shy away, turn away, or grimace and camera hogs will send out their cheesiest grins and poses. Sneak attacks allow for a more natural setting and a much more beautiful, unstaged baby photo that will look great in your baby photo album.

All in all, the most important things when it comes to capturing those tender baby moments in pictures is to take the photo of baby and whomever else may be included without either being aware, with a camera that you are comfortable with and can place your hands on before the moment is lost. There will be many moments that are special throughout your baby’s life so don’t despair of the moment passes before it is captured on film or disc. Just remember to keep a vigilant eye out for opportunities and seize them when they appear.

Just before every holiday season, families will flock to portrait studios to get the perfect picture to send in their holiday greeting cards. It’s a tricky process. Sometimes the kids won’t cooperate, sometimes dad is just not into being in a small studio with a bunch of screaming children, and sometimes you really luck out and get that college kid who’s only working at the portrait studio for some some pocket change and really doesn’t know the first thing about taking good portraits. Any way you look at it, this can be really stressful. There are alternatives, though, and one of those is to take your own holiday portraits this year.

Find a Location

Maybe your town has a nice park that has some wonderful fall foliage that you can set up a shot in. Or maybe there’s a place that is special to you that is also beautiful, like a waterfall or rock formation. No matter where you go to obtain the shot, try to scope it out ahead of time to make sure that it’s accessible, easy to maneuver, and shoot at easily.

Prepare Yourself

If the whole family is going to be in the photo, you will need a tripod, and possibly a wireless remote switch for your camera. Most cameras have a self-timer for these instances. Practice at home, beforehand, inside or out to get comfortable with using your equipment. You never know, your test run might yield that perfect photograph. Make sure our memory card is clear and ready to fill, and you should familiarize yourself with how your flash works, as well as the red-eye reduction feature. These are important things to consider when doing your own portraiture.

What to Wear

Think simple. Avoid busy patterns or graphics and try to match colors on everyone as much as possible. If you want a theme think about what you want your family to look like, and plan it out. Keep in mind that busy clothes will detract from the subject matter of the portrait.

Be a Poser

Look around the web at various family and child portraiture sites, and familiarize yourself with various poses for your photograph. This will help make you feel comfortable with doing your own session. You’ll gain inspiration and maybe even be able to come up with your own ideas from it.

If at First You Don’t Succeed

Try and try again. Whether you are taking your portaits in your home, in your back yard, at a local park , or on Main Street USA, the best bit of advice would be to keep shooting and having fun until you get that perfect picture to print and include in your holiday cards. If you get multiple shots that you love, you could go for a variety of prints or create an interesting storyboard for your cards. There are tons of options for printing and you are bound to find something that suits you and your family.