10 Tips for Capturing All of Baby's Moments

Babies change so fast in the first year, there's no shortage of milestones to photograph -- first smile, first step, first tooth. Make picture-taking a part of your lifestyle so you can catch all those amazing firsts. We can help you take pictures you'll want to share with friends and relatives and treasure for years to come.

1. Take pictures frequently - - and a lot of them:
   Babies change rapidly, so make sure you capture all the milestones before they become history. Catch each step of baby's development-the first smile, the first bath, the first tooth, the first step. Also, use the best function of your digital camera: the ability to take as many photos as you want with out wasting film. Since babies can be fussy, keep snapping until you get the shot you want.
2. Capture feelings:
   A smirk, a frown, a wail-capture all the emotions, not just the pretty smiles. Babies are uninhibited and uncensored. Show it in your pictures!
3. Get close:
   Fill the camera's viewfinder or LCD display with your subject to create pictures with greater impact. Step in close or use your camera's zoom to emphasize what is important and exclude the rest. Check the manual for your camera's closest focusing distance.
4. Try different angles:
   Let your photo show the world as it is seen by the eyes of a child. When taking photographs of babies or small children, it is natural for adults to point the camera's lens downward. However, this often results in photos that look like the child is overwhelmed by the largeness of their surroundings. Start by shooting at the baby's eye level. This can better show how the world looks to them and resulting in more pleasing photographs.
5. Use a simple background:
   When setting up a portrait shot of your little one, consider simplifying the background to avoid photo clutter. An uncluttered background focuses attention on the subject, resulting in a stronger picture. Place your baby against a plain, non-distracting background. Or, sometimes just moving yourself (and the camera) a few feet one way or the other can eliminate distractions from view.
6. Use natural light:
   Cloudy, overcast days provide the best lighting for pictures of people. Bright sun makes you squint and throws harsh shadows on faces. If you are indoors, try turning off the flash and use the light coming in from a window to give your baby a soft, almost glowing appearance.
7. Set up before bringing in baby:
   When taking photos of your infant or toddler, you don't want them waiting around. The less your subject waits, the less of a chance they have of fidgeting while you are taking the photo. Try to set up the environment and lighting beforehand.
8. Use a fast shutter speed:
   Use the fastest shutter speed possible when taking digital photos of babies. You can't ask babies to pose or smile - it just won't work 100% of the time! Instead, you must be ready for quick sudden movements as well as facial expressions that change in an instant. With a fast shutter speed and quick reflexes you will have a better chance to take a photo cherished for years to come.
9. Make sure the temperature of the room is comfortable:
   You don't want your baby to be too hot or too cold. Take into consideration what she's wearing; if she's just in a diaper, keep the room warmer than you normally would.
10. Incorporate play:
    Toys make good props and also keep babies amused and occupied. Bring in your infant's favorite play things to add color and fun to the photo.
    
    source: www.evenflo.com