Baby Pictures - Guide to Snapping a Great Shot!

One thing that can be very fun or very frustrating to a new parent is trying to take the perfect picture of their new baby. There is one difficulty in taking new baby pictures, though-the baby has no idea what you are trying to do! Sometimes it seems as if the minute you pick up the camera, whatever baby was doing that was cute melts into tears and screams. Here are a few tips you can use to help snap that perfect picture.

First, make sure that the baby has no significant needs. If she is hungry, the picture session is not going to go well. If she is tired, you are not going to get the picture you are looking for. Meet all of babies needs. Pick a time to do the photo session when you know baby is usually awake and wanting to play.

Second, make it fun. Have a camera that is easy and quick to use, and make it a game. Does baby like to play peek-a-boo? "Hide" behind the camera and make a game out of it. Not only will you avoid frustration, but you may get some cute smiles as well.

Let's take a look at different ages and some photography ideas. From newborn to three months of age, the baby cannot hold up her head on her own well. For pictures at this age the baby will need to be held or propped. A great newborn pose is the newborn baby cradled in daddy's arms. Also, if you have an infant carrier, drape it in a solid-color sheet and place the baby in it. This will provide a nice background and give the baby support. It works well to take pictures of sleeping babies at this age. If you are trying to get a picture with eyes open, good luck. You may want to lay the baby on a safe surface, such as your bed, and take the picture from above.

From four moths to six months is a great time to try to capture the gummy baby smile, before teeth come in. Make this a family event! Set baby in a secure location, and have her interact with a parent who is out of the frame of the picture. As she begins to coo and smile, have the other parent snap some pictures. If you do this outdoors, the baby will not be distracted by the camera's flash. Take more pictures than you think you need. You do not want to miss the perfect shot because you think you are done.

Does your baby have an adorable crying face? Don't forget to photograph this!

From six to nine months, your baby is beginning to get mobile. She can sit up on her own somewhat, and is really exploring her world. Instead of focusing on getting a picture with her face to the camera, snap some shots of her interacting with her environment. Is she gazing in fascination at a certain toy? Capture that expression on film! Also, you can sit baby in a u-shaped pillow and take some head shots. The pillow will keep her from falling over.

Once baby begins to walk, watch out! You will be running everywhere trying to keep up! Snap some action pictures. For portraits, you are going to have to be creative. Snap photos of baby snuggling with mom or dad, just zoom in close to the baby's face. She is not going to want to sit still for long!

No matter how you do it, make sure you get lots of pictures of your little baby. They change almost daily and you want to make sure you remember every moment!