Baby Photos

Since children grow up so quickly, photos can help capture the moments and the stages of a child's life, from as early on as pregnancy. Professional photo shops offer poses and layout suggestions for families, children and single babies that can incorporate props, costuming, or even lack thereof in order to provide an ideal image to record and to treasure for a lifetime. In recent years, along with photos, variations of baby images have included sketches, painted portraits, and even body tattoos.

What a Studio Can Provide

In a studio setting, backgrounds such as colored cloths and silks can be draped and folded to match and enhance a baby's features while set pieces such as columns, chairs, and benches can lend a formal atmosphere to the sitting. There are also oftentimes outdoor options utilizing settings such as gazebos, lakeshores, and gardens for a more natural tone. Seasonal props and decorations can create a keepsake holiday card for family and friends who may not be able to see the child as often as they would like, and are a great reminder in photo albums of past holidays in baby's life.

Attitude Isn't Everything

As lovely as a professional setting is, sometimes, babies and toddlers may not be as cooperative to the process as hoped for. This, however, is when some of the best photos can be taken. A pouting face or a thumb in the mouth may not go along with the original ideal of the photo, but can be even more engaging than a simple pose.

Do-It-Yourself Baby Photos

In order to save a few dollars and perhaps provide a more comfortable environment for a baby, try setting up a couch or corner of the room that gets plenty of natural light and take the photos at home with a digital camera. This can be a fun activity for parents and kids to do together and ideas for costuming and props can lead to a silly afternoon of together time.

For a variety of candid and posed shots, begin by choosing a setting and allow the baby or toddler to play. Feel free to add certain props and wardrobe pieces such as a:

• Favorite stuffed animal


• Piece of sporting equipment


• Red Santa cap


• Pair of costume angel wings.

Photo sessions can even go right up to naptime, as some of the sweetest shots may be of a little one dozing off, comfortable in the folds of a favorite blanket.

By Barbara Poelle