6 tips to making the perfect baby book
Tiny fingers, tiny toes. Those soft cheeks and that newborn baby smell. The long nights may feel like forever, but these times are a-fleeting. Years later, when the sleep deprivation has worn off and you look back on these days of feedings and diapers, it will be the memories of warm baby cuddles and soft coos that flood your mind. We’d love to help you capture that feeling in a photograph so you can relive it anytime you want. The best part? You don’t have to be an expert. Follow these simple tips to achieve heart-stirring bundle of joy images that will stand the test of time.
Need more inspiration? Check out our MILK community and their adorable baby books.
How to make the perfect baby book
1. Get smart about it
2. Snap away
3. Embrace au naturale
4. Have some creative fun
5. It's all about the scale
6. Get close
1. Get smart about it
Good photo opportunities can be about as predictable as parenthood, so the ability to get your camera out in a flash is imperative to capturing gorgeous candid images of your newborn. Smartphone camera technology has come a long way, allowing anyone with the latest iPhone or Samsung to take award winning photos. It can be tough in the excitement of the moment, so practice holding your phone still for crisp photos. Turn off the flash and opt for as much natural light whenever possible.
Visit our blog to learn how to take great photos simply by using your mobile phone.
2. Snap away
Shoot many photos and shoot often. Your infant entered a world of abundant digital storage so no need to pace yourself. It might be difficult to tell when you have taken ‘the winner shot’, so don’t be afraid to take multiple pictures of the same scene. When reviewing your photos, look for the one with something unique in it - a subtle smile from your little one, or a curious gaze at something off camera. You’ll be amazed at what comes out when you’re constantly clicking.
You may not feel “camera ready” in these round-the-clock days of car seats, bottles, swaddles and laundry, but try not to let messy hair and tired eyes stop you from getting on the other side of the lens during these precious times. Enlist the help of your friends and family to capture candid moments of you and your newborn. Likewise, snap images of crying baby, messy baby, sleepy baby and angry baby. Learn some tips about how to capture life's beauty with your newborn, and how to snap those photos easier. These raw moments help to tell the whole story of raising your little angel.
Between big yawns and stretches, your infant’s personality is starting to take shape. Make the most of their curiosity by placing them in fun settings. Sit them down in front of a cake and watch the magic unfold, bring your pets into the picture, or have your camera ready when they are on a playdate with other little ones and sit them all in one line. Change it up based on your environment, the season (be it summer, autumn, winter or spring), or whatever props you have at hand. Your baby will respond to your enthusiasm!
With your little human seemingly growing bigger by the day, you’ll want to remember what it was like to be able to hold your them in the palms of your hands. Showing the scale of how tiny they are in contrast to an adult makes for unique and interesting pictures. Their whole hand grasping your one finger. Baby’s mini shoes next to dad’s large boots. Converting these images to black and white will help emphasize the contrast in sizes.
Everyone loves a snuggle with a baby, and your photos should try to capture that feeling. Get close and fill the frame with your baby's face while trying to make them smile or laugh. Focus is the key here. A clear shot of your infant's teeny facial features with a blurry background makes for a compelling image.
Enjoying the time that your baby is a cute little bundle of joy is easy. Capturing these treasured memories can be too. Get comfortable with whichever camera and settings you have, look for inspiration from your baby and most importantly, enjoy every hair raising, exhausting, and magnificent moment.
