Baby Photo Tip #2

Act normal.

Ever notice how trying to get your child to make a certain face through encouragement often leads only to a loss of energy on your part, and not very successful photos? I recommend taking the pressure off completely, so that by the time the child is four or five, she still acts natural in front of the camera, instead of taking on the habit of needing to force a particular face. Yes, this means you sometimes get serenity, seriousness, or even frowns, but it teaches your child that she can be herself while the camera is out, and no special facial contortions are required.

Let's be honest. Your kid is incredibly smart, and can tell when you are up to something unusual, and will respond in kind. Even though you are laying on the ground, or contorting your body in some strange way in order to get the shot you are looking for, breathe normally, and exude confidence that what you are doing is not out of the ordinary. This also leaves room for spontaneous joy to unfold, and you'll have the camera ready to capture the most genuine smiles possible.

Click here for tip #1, "Don't be shy."

For more, please check out Sarah Sloboda's Photo Teleseminar for Moms.

Baby Photo Tips - Tip #1

I'm starting a new feature on the blog, offering photo tips especially for moms who want to take better photos of their kids - inspired by the free photo teleseminar for moms I'm giving. (If you're interested, click here to sign up!)

Tip #1 - Don't be shy.

The trick is to get low - you want to be on the very same level as the child, as you would if you were sitting down to have a dinner conversation with an adult. This might mean putting the child on a couch or a bed, or it might mean you have to lie or sit or crouch on the floor. Yes, you'll feel a bit ridiculous at first, but once you see that you have achieved the exact right angle to capture your baby's most expressive faces, you'll start to feel less silly on your elbows and knees.

I also recommend getting as close as your camera's focal length allows (some cameras can't focus closer than a few feet). Getting closer creates a more dynamic, real-life image than zooming in from afar, plus you emulate the feeling of the baby's perspective when you show get in close and show some surroundings. Zooming in flattens the space which is great for a soft, soothing sense -- if you want to create energy in the frame, zoom out and get close to your subject.

Click here for tip #6, "Make a scene."

For more, please check out Sarah Sloboda's Photo Teleseminar for Moms.