How to Take Smiling Baby Pictures

Your baby is growing fast, so it's more important than ever to capture those precious little milestones. But you don't have to be a professional photographer to take incredible photos of your baby. With technology you likely already have, you're already equipped to get your baby to smile for that perfect picture.

Instructions

1. Use a digital camera. These cameras are available in all different price ranges, and they're great because you can view the picture before you print it out. This lets you know if your baby is smiling or not. Some digital cameras are designed to reduce the time it takes for the picture to actually capture. These cameras are especially great for capturing that once in a lifetime smile.

2. Take a lot of pictures. With a digital camera, you can take hundreds of pictures at once without it costing any extra. This gives you a better chance of capturing that elusive smile.

3. Find what makes your baby giggle. If your baby has a favorite toy, bring it with you when you're taking pictures. Then, you can show your baby the toy in hopes that his face will light up.

4. Be silly behind the camera. Make funny faces, do a funny dance, or cheer your baby on with a big round of applause. Be willing to get silly and your baby will reward you with a big grin.

5. Sink down to their level. A tall camera looking down at them can be intimidating. But when you're at your baby's height, your baby will feel more comfortable.

6. Get close ups. Make sure your picture is close enough so you can see the details of your baby's smile. Years down the road, you might actually forget about that precious little dimple. But when you have it documented in pictures, you can frequently remind yourself.

7. Catch your baby in his element. Photograph him playing with his favorite toy, or exploring outside for the first time. You're guaranteed to get a smile, and it will be a memory that lasts a lifetime.

8. Include other people. Capture your baby playing with her older sibling or her grandparents. These smiles are priceless, and these pictures can make great gifts for family.

9. Use a simple background. A baby might be distracted if your background involves a lot of details. Keep the focus on your baby, and your baby will keep the focus on the camera.

10. Be patient. Sometimes smiling baby pictures come with ease. Other times, it just doesn't happen. Be willing to try again if your baby is tired or just not in the mood. If you get worked up, your baby will likely get worked up too.

Tips & Warnings

• Try and take your pictures when your baby is in the best mood. For some babies, this is right when they wake up or right after nap. If your baby is in a good mood, he'll be more likely to cooperate with you and your camera.