Cute Baby Pictures
What Is the Secret?

Three questions need to be answered when taking this type of picture:

1. What do I need in the way of equipment?
2. What camera settings are best for each situation?
3. What are all the factors regarding "posing" my baby?

What Exactly Does a Cute Baby Picture Look Like?

Without having a background in modeling, photography, or advertising; the biggest challenge to creating magical baby pictures is knowing what the final photograph is supposed to look like. In other words, the average person doesn't see many examples of adorable baby pictures.

Once you actually see a completed picture, it's not too hard to tell a mediocre photo from an outstanding one. For example, I would consider the photo on the left to be an outstanding example of a cute baby picture.

However, the one on the right... well, not so much! But, the real challenge is to tell whether the photograph is likely or unlikely to be a winner BEFORE we take the shot.

That's the key, because in the beginning of your "baby photography session," it can feel very intimidating since we often don't know what we want the final image to look like! Sure, we hope it turns out looking very cute, but do we have an image in our mind of what we want it to look like? Probably not.

Camera Equipment

Although external lighting, backdrops, filters, etc. could probably improve any given picture; they are not required or necessary to start with. (Thought you were going to have to shell out more money, didn't you?)

And, in spite of what some camera sales people may tell you, a more expensive camera is not necessary for taking better photographs. Within reason, camera equipment is NOT the most important factor in creating spectacular pictures. Knowing what to do with the equipment you have, is.

• ISO: On your typical camera, ISO settings of 100, 200, and 400 will usually produce acceptable results. On many digital SLRs, ISO 800 also produces good photos.

  If noise appears, reduce the ISO setting until the noise is gone. When taking baby pictures, it is even more important to know before you begin shooting, what is the acceptable ISO range for your camera.

  Avoid using the flash if at all possible. Often a higher ISO setting can accomplish this. If you are not using a tripod, avoid hand shooting any pictures with an exposure time greater than 1/45th of a second. Or, if you do, realize that camera shake will likely cause some loss of sharpness.

• If you are inexperienced with digital cameras, keep your camera's setting on "automatic" (that will be acceptable in most cases).

  If desired, basic camera features can be reviewed here.

Is your baby adorable? This is the place to brag about them!

There are many factors involved with posing your baby (children, or any human subject, for that matter). Let's begin with these general tips.

Just remember, cute baby pictures don't just happen by accident (well, not all the time anyway). By bearing in mind the following, more of your baby's radiance will translate through to their photographs.


Tips for Capturing Your Baby's Cuteness:

• You are much taller than the baby; therefore, bring yourself down to their eye level. There are numerous benefits by following this approach:
  • Your pictures will have a baby's perspective

  • Distortion will be minimized (as can sometimes be noticed when taking a picture from above)

  • If the baby can see you, there is a greater chance for eye contact, interaction, and expression

• You can try to capture natural expressions or posed expressions. If going for natural expressions, try to make yourself invisible and wait until the baby is involved with something else - not looking at the camera.

• Timing: If many of your pictures don't turn out sharp, try this approach...

  As you follow the baby's every movement with your camera, be ready for that inevitable photo opportunity.

  When it does present itself, gently squeeze the shutter (rather than sharply jerking it down).

  This will reduce image fuzziness due to camera shake, so you won't just have another cute baby picture; you'll have a SHARP cute baby picture. Also be aware of any shutter lag your camera may have.

• Consider using a telephoto lens occasionally so that the baby or child is completely unaware of your presence. This will often result in the most natural looking photographs.

These are just a few tips for taking some candid cute baby pictures. To improve numerous aspects of your baby pictures, this gold mine for taking better baby pictures is where you want to go. And when you're done photographing your baby, check out these terrific non-photography tips about BABY CARE.