When you have a new baby, everything changes.  You may feel overwhelmed at times, but don’t forget to keep the camera handy and capture these moments on film.  They’ll go by in the wink of an eye, and you’ll be glad you kept the memories.  Consider reproducing your favorite photo on canvas for a keepsake that will likely become a family heirloom!

Here are some helpful tips to make sure you get the best pictures:

• Make your baby the focus of attention.  Arrange the picture with baby as the centerpiece and no distracting objects in the background.  Ensure that baby fills the frame, is properly lit and is in sharp focus.
• Make sure baby is comfortable, secure and well-rested.  Avoid taking pictures when your little one is tired, cranky, or needs a diaper change.
• Let baby get used to the camera, and put it down and play with him or her every so often for reassurance.

Stages of Baby’s Development

Different stages of development will lend themselves to different photographic techniques and motifs.

• Birth to three months:  Baby is basically a lump.  Don’t expect more than an occasional yawn or frowny face.  The best pictures you get at this age will be of baby with a parent, grandparent, family member or friend.  Alternatively, you can photograph baby in a variety of unusual settings, such as someone’s hands, a bed of flowers, or some other creative backdrop.
• Three to nine months:  Baby is starting to discover his or her surroundings, and learning to roll over, sit up, and suck on his toes.  Capture all of these momentous events on film!
• Nine to fifteen months:  Baby is learning to crawl, stand up, and even toddle about.  Get down to baby’s level and fill the frame with your intrepid little explorer.
• Fifteen months to age 2:  Baby is on the go!  Use your camera’s sports mode or blur reduction, and be ready to capture all of baby’s many antics.

Don’t forget to edit your photos.  Most digital cameras come with some form of editing software that allows you to adjust the light levels of your pictures, remove red-eye, adjust the color, brightness and contrast, as well as crop your photos.  Remember to use a high resolution setting so that when you crop the photo you will still have a picture that is good enough to print.

High resolution settings mean that your camera’s memory chip can hold fewer photos, so you’ll have to remember to erase them off the chip after downloading them, but it’s worth it to get poster quality photos.  You never know when you’ll get that money shot that you want to convert to a photo on canvas suitable for framing!