When taking photos of babies and children, there are a few simple techniques that will really enhance the outcome of your photographs.

 

1.  WATCH THE BACKGROUND!!  I can not stress this enough.  A simple background is the best background.   If you look at professional portraits, the backgrounds are simple and uncluttered.  So move away anything that is distracting, take out clutter from the background, use a plain wall or hang a solid color blanket behind your baby.  Pay attention to what your baby is laying on, in should be a plain color, avoid patterns.

 

2.  Schedule your "photo shoot" for a time of the day when your baby is at his/her most calm.  After a feeding or a warm bath are great times because your baby is fulfilled and relaxed.  Avoid times that are to close to nap-time or after a highly stimulated playtime. 

 

3.  GET CLOSE!  The focus of your picture is your baby, get up close to get a precious shot of their little ears, their long eyelashes or those chubby baby toes!

 

4.  Make sure the room is warm and quiet to relax the baby and to avoid over-stimulation which might make your baby cranky.

 

5.  GET DOWN TO THEIR LEVEL!  Kneel down, sit down or even lay down to position your camera at the same level as your baby.  This is another one of those important techniques that separates a snapshot from a beautiful portrait!

 

6.  If you can, position your shot so that there is light coming from a window to the side of your baby.  If you have a sheer white curtain to hang on the window this will filter the light even more and allows for the most flattering natural lighting.