In my former life, I had a graphic design business and sold quite a few birth announcements and holiday cards. My customers always asked for photography tips and this is what I whipped up for them. I thought I would bring it out of it’s hiding place and share it again; it’s been five years – for the Internet, this is vintage!

Let’s face it, photographing babies and children is tough! Here are 21 tips to ensure you get the perfect snapshot of your child.

General Photography Tips

1. Use a tripod to steady the camera. This also helps in making sure your photos are in focus.

2. If you are using a digital camera, make sure it is on the highest resolution setting.

3. If you are using a 35mm camera, use 200 speed film. Film that is 400 or 800 speed tends to produce grainy photos.

4. Use natural light, if possible. If you can’t take your photos outside, try to photograph your baby near a window that lets in a lot of sunlight. You can use a mirror to reflect the light if you wish. If these things are not options for you, make sure you have a good flash so your pictures aren’t dark.

5. Get as close as you can, while still keeping the photo in focus.

6. Be as quick as possible. Keep your photo shoot short so you don’t exhaust your baby (or your nerves). Set things up before you put the baby in the photo.

7. Use solid-colored backgrounds or blankets when possible. Remember to keep things simple.

8. Take lots of photos! The perfect photo probably won’t happen immediately.

9. Start by photographing your baby at eye level, then try a few different angles to see what you like best.

10. Make sure your batteries are charged!

11. Keep your camera on you at all times. You never know when the right photo opportunity will arise!

Photographing Your Baby

1. Make your baby comfortable. Make sure the baby isn’t hungry, has a clean diaper, and comfortable clothing. Uncomfortable babies generally take lousy photos.

2. Capture your baby’s personality if you can. If she smiles or lifts her head, try to photograph her doing these things.

3. Sleeping babies are precious, and pictures of them make lovely announcements!

4. If there are older children in the house, photograph their interaction with the baby. Don’t force them to participate, however, as you might end up with unhappy children throwing tantrums.

5. Remember, it’s not important that your baby is smiling. If you can get a smile, great.

Photographing Toddlers and Older Children

1. Let them rule the shoot and do what they are comfortable doing. Most children get frustrated with sitting still. More often than not, the candid photos are better than posed studio portraits.

2. Use props and/or toys for your child to hold.

3. Make silly noises and faces if you want your child to laugh, smile, and look at the camera. Use a toy to show them which direction they should look.

4. Use your outside environment to your advantage. Is it raining? Dress your child up in rain gear and let him splash in the puddles or gather raindrops on his tongue. If it’s nice out, take him to feed the ducks or to the park to play.

5. If all else fails, bribe them!

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