Documenting your baby's sweetest moments is something almost every parent does, but taking great photos of your child can be tricky - especially if you're not trained to do so. I know how quickly these moments pass and memories fade, so I've put together a list of tips that will help you maintain a visual diary of your child's life. With a little bit of practice, you'll be taking gorgeous photos of your little one in no time.
Use Natural Light: The lighting can make or break a photo, so it's important to turn off the artificial lights and get near a window or go outside for the best photos. If you do go outside, avoid taking photos during the midday sun, when the light is harsh. Instead, opt for the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and more flattering.
Choose the Right Location: The background of your photo is just as important as the subject. When choosing a location, look for something that's clean and simple - you don't want anything to distract from your beautiful baby. A plain wall or a piece of fabric hung up on a clothesline makes a great backdrop.
Get Down on Their Level: When taking photos of babies and young children, it's important to get down to their level. This will not only make them feel more comfortable, but it will also give you a better perspective for taking the photo. If you're taking a picture of a newborn, try to position them so the light falls down their face rather than up it. In other words, you want the light source to be near the top of their head rather than their chin.
Keep Props Minimal: Props can be a great way to add interest to your photos and help your child feel more comfortable in front of the camera, but use them sparingly - you don't want the props to steal the show! A few well-chosen items, like a stuffed animal or a favorite toy, can do the trick.
Capture Their Personality: The best photos are the ones that capture your child's personality. So let them be themselves and don't forget to take a few candid shots when they're not looking. These are often the most beautiful and special photos anyway.
