It is not always easy to get that perfect shot of your new baby.  Now is the time to brush up your skills so that you won’t miss capturing those precious moments on film.  

    The first step to taking great pictures is to know your camera.  Most cameras have settings for indoor shots, or night time lighting.  Some digital cameras have an optic zoom and a digital zoom.  Try a few test runs with these different settings in the area you plan to have your photo shoot and find the best camera settings for that area.

    Secondly, you want to get a great close up, but be careful not to get too close to your little one.  Standing too close can over expose of the baby’s image with the flash, or cause the photo to be out of focus.  It is better to stand at least 3-4 feet away from your subject and zoom in to get that perfect close up. If your camera does not have zoom, start close and take several consecutive shots taking one step back each shot.  You can then choose from the results what distance is best for your camera.

Another technique to try is shooting from different angles. Move around your baby and take shots from above, at the side, from below aiming up get creative.  Turn the camera experiment with different lighting and have fun being a photographer.  Professional photographers take many shots to get the right one.

         Lastly, be aware of your child’s moods. Choose a time of day when your baby is usually in the perfect mood.  If your baby is more content after bath, or first thing in the morning, plan that time for your photo shoot.  Be prepared to postpone if on that day they choose to be fussy.  You will have many opportunities to get that perfect photo and to push on will only frustrate you and baby. 

        Once you have a few successes you will be hooked.  Practice and patience is what it takes. You will be amazed at the great photos you will be able to achieve.