Children’s Photography – Taking Pictures of Babies

Capturing the perfect picture of a baby can be a challenging but rewarding task.  Baby photography is often lumped under the classification of children’s photography, but baby photography is an entirely different animal altogether.  Children are generally easier to work with as they can be instructed, but a small baby (which for purposes of this article we will define as under one year old) has a mind of its own.

As with children’s photography, it is important to understand the development stage the baby is at in order to get the best smiles.  The following are some tips for taking great pictures of babies at varies stages of development.

Up to Ten Weeks:  At this stage there isn’t a whole lot the baby can do but lie in a prone position.  Compared to later stages, the baby is not too active at this point, so as long as the baby isn’t fussy, pictures are fairly easy.   Try laying the baby on its back and focusing the camera at the baby’s head.

Four to Six Months:  Now the baby can hold her head up, lie on her tummy, and prop her head up.  The baby will watch and follow objects, reach for objects and grab.  At this stage try placing the baby on her tummy, drag a toy in front of her to catch her attention, and pull it back to the camera.  The baby’s eyes should follow it and she will be looking straight at the camera when you snap the picture.  The baby’s lips are very sensitive and you can sometimes induce a smile by tickling the baby’s lips with a small soft toy or tissue.   

Six to Nine Months:  Baby is now very alert and notices everything around her.  She can typically sit up, craw and even pull herself up to a standing position holding on to objects such as a chair.  At this stage the baby may respond to a gentle tickle which can be used to product a quick smile.  However, you need to be fast because the laugh will be very short lived.  You also need to be quick with the entire photo session as the baby’s mood can change rapidly.  A six to nine month old can be happy one minute and crying the next. 

Nine Months to a Year:  At this stage the baby responds very well to just about everything.  However, with teeth coming in she can have periods of irritability that can’t be resolved.  She will also demand constant attention and the need to be entertained every waking minute.  This entertainment can come from you or from a toy.  Try playing peek-a-boo around the camera.  Imitate the child’s vocal sounds.  Give her a prop to hold or play with. At least one of these methods is more likely than not to product a joyful smile. 

One year to Eighteen Months:  At this stage the line between baby photography and children’s photography starts to blur.  The baby will easily play with you at this stage.  This means throwing ball, swinging an object, climbing on just about everything.  At this stage some babies will also be shy with strangers so you may need the mothers help more at this stage than any other.  Give her a toy to play with and then ask for it back.  Try throwing a ball back and forth with the parent.  Use a long feather duster to tickle the child and pull it back directly toward the camera.