General Tips

Remember when you are taking your pictures that you should have your camera set to take them at the highest resolution that it can. If you don't know what that is check your manual, it will tell you. Also, don't be afraid to zoom in. Close-ups are great and they always look great with children! When photographing newborns, take pictures of all their body parts- hands, feet, facial parts, ears, ..... you get the idea! Having a picture of their little hand holding your finger is so precious! Just don't be afraid to be trigger happy - that's the great thing about digital! You can erase what you don't want, but if you capture that one smile that your newborn gives you while your snapping away, your sore finger is worth it!!!

Props

Props are always a fun way to spice up your pictures. You don't want to go prop crazy but a few can be nice! Colorful hats, a string of pearls, a flower, rose petals, tulle or a feather boa are some examples of things you can use for girls. Hats for boys as well as fake bugs, a baseball mitt or a big truck can be cute. Newborns in a large basket with tulle or a blanket around them is so precious. Or them peaking out from under a blanket is great for boys or girls. Pretty much the sky is the limit!! So have fun with it!

Lighting Tips

Natural light for your photos is always best. Natural light creates a natural look and that's what you want in your pictures. Between 8-10 in the morning and an hour before sunset evening is the best time for natural light pictures. That is not always true. I have gotten some really nice pictures in the afternoon that were just as nice. But usually that is the case. You don't want the harsh shadows that the noonday sun can create. If the sun is too bright, move to the shade. Also cloudy days are great (as long as it isn't raining!!). For indoor pictures, you will want to find a large window or door to take your pictures in. Same rules apply inside as outside - you don't want the direct sun, you want indirect sunlight. So don't choose the window that is facing the sun to take your pictures. Choose a different window or wait until a different time of day. Again these only guidelines. As long as you are not getting harsh shadows on your child, go for it!!

Background Tips

A clutter free background is best. It keeps the focus on your child! A favorite blanket or a plain colored sheet can work well for indoor or outdoor. White or black backgrounds create a timeless look, adding a texture in is always nice. It all depends on what look you are going for! In the picture above, all I did was lay her on her fluffy, cream blanket in her crib in a room with plenty of natural light and started snapping!!

Birth announcement

Another example of birth announcements that I can do! Check out my designs available for purchase! http://www.A-ZehrDesigns.blogspot.com

Winter pictures

A fun outdoor picture that was done on an winter day. Just put on your hats and scarves and head outside to play in the snow! Great for Christmas cards! Just make sure the sun isn't too bright because the reflection off the snow would not make for attractive pictures!