Baby Photo Tip #3

Find a rhythm.

Put on some music! Try creating a little portrait session in your living room with some music on, and notice how the music creates a flow for both you and your little subject. I recommend the Beatles or a live jazz recording from the 1960s or classical music - something you will enjoy more than the latest Elmo song - because it's as important for you to find a rhythm with the camera as it is to amuse the baby. Allow the flow of the music to inspire you, and follow the instincts that surface about the moments you feel inclined to press the shutter. Over time, you may find you can achieve this rhythm outside with the birds chirping, or with no music at all.

Finding a rhythm while behind the camera is a very personal experience, and each camera brings its own challenges for doing so. For instance, many point-and-shoot digital cameras have a delay between when the camera's shutter is pressed, and when the actual photo is captured. The best advice I have for this, is to keep shooting, and keep paying attention - you can learn the timing of any camera, with patience and practice.

Click here for tip #2, "Act normal."

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

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.