Introduction

While on the surface, it would seem to be an easy task…to take a good picture of a baby.  Babies are cute!  Baby pictures are cute!  Well sure, it is easy to take a “cute” picture, but wouldn’t you rather take a great picture?  In this article, I will talk about a few simple tips that will help your photos go from “cute” to “great”.

Composition

In earlier articles, I discussed the rule of thirds.  That technique can help you.  Try to avoid the pitfall of centering your subject in the center of the frame.  That’s not to say that all your shots need to be off-center, but having the focal point somewhere besides dead-center helps to make a more interesting composition.  For instance, if the baby is awake, try photographing him so his eyes are above the center line.

Another tip is to make sure to fill your frame.  Try to limit the amount of space around your subject.

Not every picture needs to be of a face either.  A photograph of a baby’s toes,  or button nose can be very powerful.  A close-up of your baby’s fist wrapped around her daddy’s finger can be a touching portrait.

Positioning

If the baby is very young, it may be difficult to get a good shot vecause the baby cannot sit up.  Try to avoid the “baby couch potato” look that is achieved by propping the baby up in a corner of the couch or chair.  If the baby is very young, you can try covering a pillow in cute fabric and placing it in a big basket.  You can nestle and prop the baby on the pillow.  If the baby is a bit older, but still “tippy” when sitting up, you can try using a boppy-type pillow, and sit the baby up in the curve of it.  You can also place the baby on her tummy, and then lay on your tummy facing her, and take her picture when she pushes herself up.

Getting their attention

When I photograph babies, I keep a few toys hidden from their sight.  That way when I have the baby in the position that I want, I can capture her attention by pulling a toy out and giving it a squeak.  I often use a feather duster (never used for dusting of course!) to tickle a chin or a foot to elicit  a smile.  It also helps to have an “assistant” to stand or sit behind you trying to get the baby’s attention and to make the baby smile.  The perennial favorite “Peek-a-boo” almost never fails to win a smile.  Just make sure you’re ready to capture that smile when it comes…sometimes it’s fleeting!

Lighting

In my opiniion, in-camera flash is the most unflattering light.  Often all you achieve is red-eye, and “baby flash burn” where the baby’s face appears overexposed in the picture.  Natural light is wonderful for babies.  If you are doing a portrait, choose a spot in your house that has a lot of natural light.  If it is nice outside, photograph your baby in a light shady spot.  If it’s overcast, even better!  Overcast days provide beautiful, even light.  Avoid direct sunlight…it’s unflattering, and also uncomfortable for the baby.

 So with a few adjustments in composition, positioning and lighting, you should see an improvement in the quality of your shots.  Babies make marvelous subjects to begin with, and these simple techniques, you’ll be able to do them justice!