In case you missed my big announcement, I’m excited to let you know that I’m an official Disney Baby Mom Ambassador. That means that I get to share with you some great tips and stories about parenting, babies and info about the latest Disney products that my family and I use. Of course, I will also have some great giveaways too. Stay tuned and thanks for joining me on this journey!
Disney Baby Mom Ambassador
In about five weeks time, we will be welcoming our third child to this world. With so much excitement during this busy time I know it’s going to be that much more important for my husband and I to document our newborn’s first few days right up to his first birthday (at a minimum). I remember how diligent I was about documenting my oldest son’s first year from writing everything down in his baby book to creating a monthly digital scrap book. I can’t say the same for my second son, and I fear the worst for my soon-to-be newborn. That’s why I’m hoping that by taking a lot of GOOD pictures, I can make up for the lack of documentation and organization. Not to mention, if this is our last child, I want to savour and remember all of the special moments and milestones.
Disney Baby has some great tips for capturing those special moment’s in a baby’s life. I’ve also included some of my own tips based on what I’ve learned along the way.
Tip #1: Forget the frightening flash
Turn off your flash! Not only can flash be startling to your baby, it creates a much harsher light. For a better picture, open your windows or move your baby outdoors. Natural light will make it easier to capture your baby’s natural beauty, by ensuring you don’t lose the depth in your baby’s features.
Mayahood tip: If you have a DSL camera, use Aperture priority mode and you can play around with how much natural light you let in.
Tip #2: Work those angles
Get down to your baby’s level. This allows you to look right into their eyes and gives them the power to look right back – they will appear much more engaged in the picture and they might even give you that elusive smile.
Mayahood Tip: Don’t forget the details. Focus in on the mouth, the eyes, the toes and fingers. Focus on all those details that you want to remember and that will probably change daily.
Tip #3: Don’t worry about perfect posing
Don’t get too hung up on creating the perfect backdrop or coaxing baby into a classic pose. Taking pictures of your baby is about capturing who they are and they may not always be smiley, happy or perfectly poised. However, life and art is about capturing reality and when you look back later, you might appreciate having a few tantrum shots.
Mayahood Tip: If you want, hire a professional photographer who has experience with taking pictures of babies. Ideal time is before the baby is two weeks. Lifestyle photography is gaining momentum, and those type of pictures you can take yourself. Just make sure the background is clutter free so the focus is on the baby. You can also take some great pictures using props found in the house including baskets and big bowls. Another great idea that I love is taking monthly pictures next to a big stuffed animal in the same place (i.e. on bed with white sheets, on the same seat). It’s a great way to visually track your baby’s growth from month to month.
Tip #4: Know when to stop
Babies get tired and fussy and it’s important not to drag the photography session on too long. If you know when to stop, taking pictures of your baby will be a lot more fun – for both of you.
Mayahood Tip: Try to incorporate siblings into the picture if you can and if everyone is in the mood. But let it go if it doesn’t work out. Some of my favourite moments between my boys are captured when they’re not “forced”.
Tip #5: Print & Store
Digital photos are great for sharing, but it’s also lots of fun to print your photos and make the magical moments last. Disney Baby offers a great selection of Photo Albums and Picture Frames to help you store and display your pictures, so you can hang on to your memories for many years to come.
Mayahood Tip: If you want to make a digital photo book, I like using Shutterfly. Search online for discount codes.
What tips would you add to this list?
Not to mention flash washes out their faces anyway (I love my DLSR so I don’t have to use the flash). Printing and storing is so important, I’m finally working my my albums now. There is something therapeutic about flipping through pages of photos.
I love outdoor pictures, natural lighting makes for beautiful photos. If you can get in some beautiful landscaping like trees or flowers…even better.
Maya, I’m waiting for tips on taking pictures of all the kids at once…
One word: Photoshop!
Good tips, it’s important to know when and how to take photos especially with a baby.
Those are great tips! It is so tempting to use the flash as its easy and convenient but natural light makes photos look a lot better!!
These are great tips! I spent a bunch of time playing around with my camera when my third was born, trying to get some good pictures… and talking to my photography friends to get ideas. So much fun! I love pictures of baby’s hands and feet. 🙂 Thanks for sharing! And congrats on your ambassadorship. 🙂
Great tips and congratulations on the ambassador opportunity! I wish I would have purchased a quality camera before my son was born so I would have better photos.
I finally turned off my flash a couple of months ago…always thought I needed it. You are so right, photos turn out much better if you turn it off. Natural light looks best 🙂 Thanks for the great tips!