Don't force the perfect picture.
You want to document your baby's cuteness, but coming up with original ideas to show off your little bundle of joy can be tricky. Pull back the curtains to let in some natural light, turn off the flash on your camera and make sure you have plenty of batteries. Plan your photo shoot after food and nap time to ensure the most smiles and then simply aim the camera at your baby. Something cute is bound to happen.
Close-ups
Your baby is tiny, so don't stand up to take the portraits. Get on your baby's level and take pictures of everything close up. Put down some fabric or a blanket with solid color or subtle pattern so your baby will be the focus. Take pictures of the whole face and then focus on the features: eyes, nose, mouth and ears. Make sure to take pictures of the little hands and feet, as well as the little, round belly. Some people position the parents' wedding rings on the big toes of the babies for a good close-up. Keep props simple so your baby stays the focus.
Dress Up
Your baby can be a ballerina, farmer, princess, businessperson or sports star. You can choose to go all-out with a costume, or simplify the dress up. The ballerina can wear a tutu, a flower wreath with ribbons on her head and a ballerina slipper (probably to chew on). The businessman can have on a pair of glasses, a tie and sit in a briefcase. Take pictures while your baby explores his/her new duds and props.
New Toys
For interesting expressions, put a new toy in the floor next to your baby (if he or she is old enough to crawl) and take photos of the baby exploring the new item. Stacking blocks, colorful balls and stuffed animals are simple toys that won't take away from your baby's expressions, but should be interesting enough to hold attention for a while. Toys that make sounds may cause bigger expressions, which mean better portraits, so play around with what works best with your baby. If the toys are too tricky for your baby, have a parent or older sibling lay in the floor and help. The interaction of the two will make for a cute portrait, as well. For instance, if your baby boy cannot stack blocks yet, have the older sister stack the blocks with his help. His expression while he tries to understand what she's doing, as well as when he realizes he can knock them down, can be priceless on film.
Contained
Emphasize how small your baby actually is in the portrait by containing him or her. Metal tubs are often used in baby portraits, but you can use any large container, though you may want to put down a soft blanket first to protect from rough edges. Sit your baby in a cardboard box with her head sticking out the top. Put on some stickers that say "Handle with Care" or "To: Grandma." Sit your baby in a large salad bowl and let him hold the salad spoons.
Tags: your baby, stack blocks, your baby
