Everyone wants pictures of their new baby to be the best. However, few new parents realize that in order to capture adorable baby pictures, the baby’s age needs to be taken into consideration. Before rushing off to take 2 million digital photos of your new bundle of joy, there are several things to pay close attention to.

Even though an infant can’t “pose” for pictures in the traditional way, there are many things that you, the baby photographer, can do in order to produce better pictures. The most important point to remember is that a baby’s ability to “pose” depends upon their MOBILITY AND STRENGTH… and that translates into the age of the baby.

Before applying any specific photography tips, we need to understand the significant impact that occurs in a baby’s aging process. Once we do, then we can start to obtain truly adorable baby portraits.

0 to 3 Months

At this age, babies are like rag dolls. Except for laying down, they must be held for any pose and never have their head unsupported.

On the plus side however, once you place a baby in a particular position (a.k.a. “pose”), there will generally be little movement. Thus, there is less concern for using an extremely fast shutter speed since the baby has not entered the “whirling dervish” stage.

3 to 6 Months

Babies are finally beginning to hold their head up on their own. However, it is still too soon to expect them to do any “posing” on their own. Since many babies move their head around with little warning, this is the time to take additional safety precautions.

For example, while it was fairly safe to have your camera’s lens within inches of a baby who was under three months of age, it is not advisable when they reached this age.

6 to 9 Months

Babies are just beginning to sit up on their own. You can pose them, but don’t expect them to stay still. If you do, don’t expect anything other than slightly blurred baby pictures. You can minimize the blurriness factor by using as high a shutter speed as your camera and the lighting conditions permit. Try for at least 1/500 second.

9 to 12 Months

Babies typically can pull themselves up and may be starting to walk at this stage. Actions shots are possible, but don’t expect much warning. Get in a comfortable position, or better yet, use a tripod, adjust all your camera settings, and wait.

PATIENCE is the name of the game. With unpredictable movements possible, use a faster shutter speed and don’t move the camera when clicking the shutter button.

18 Months

DEFCON 3… Your baby is walking! Now the photo opportunities will come a little faster. Keep your camera fully charged, loaded with memory, and ready to shoot… at any time! Just because you’re home, doesn’t mean you should pack it away.

Photo Tips For Every Stage

Even though there are specific things to consider during the first 18 months of your baby’s photographic life, here are some golden photo opportunities REGARDLESS OF THEIR AGE:

• Sleeping and eating are two of the best times for capturing pictures
• Take numerous candids
• Never be reluctant to experiment with different lighting situations (such as natural light falling upon the baby, resulting in part of their face being in shadow)
• Avoid taking pictures only from the perspective of standing over the baby
• Shoot at eye-level of the baby

Want more information on taking better baby pictures? We’ll show you numerous examples and ideas to capture your own precious baby photographs.