*Please note that these are ideas and we do stress to be very careful while taking photos of your child. Always make sure that they are always safe during the process. Happy Baby will make a Happy Mommy!
Written By: Karen Silva (A.K.A. Mama Silva)
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Sometimes we just want that “picture perfect” photo that looks like it’s straight out of a magazine or Pinterest. So how can you create this yourself? Where do you start? What would you need?
I will share with you some of the ideas I threw together and some tips and tricks I use whenever I feel like being a baby photographer for one afternoon. Please keep in mind that all babies and children are different so if yours is not photogenic just remember to work around their schedule and be PATIENT!
First, I think of a room or two around the house that I know will give me great natural light for my pictures. I always choose a room with large windows. Once I find the room I like, I gather all the décor pieces and background ideas to the room. In the mean time, I will either have my little one watch her favorite cartoons or have someone look after her just until I am ready to take my “model” to her photo shoot.
Background Prop & Décor Ideas
Some background ideas that you can use are blankets, fabrics, carpet or if you are willing to spend some money on professional looking backgrounds, you can buy some on Amazon. Also keep in mind of colors when choosing your background. You wouldn’t want to do a flowered background if you are planning on having your baby wearing all flower prints. You can also be creative and use nature as your background by having your baby lie on the grass.
Next, I think of some décor pieces that I would like to incorporate in the photo with my daughter. As an example, for her first Easter, I got some plastic eggs and a stuffed bunny to put around her while I took photos. You can add fresh flowers, your pets, toys and any props that you see fits your theme.
Dress Up
Now comes the fun part which I like to call “dress up time”. This is where you get an outfit or a couple that you would like your baby to wear for the “photoshoot”. Remember to play-off on your baby’s mood. I normally do just one outfit but may switch her headbands, this way I can focus more on getting that “money shot.”
Picture Perfect Tricks
You might be asking, what is the money shot? Well for me, it’s when I get that ear to ear smile from my little one. If she’s in a good mood I will get it no problem by just talking to her. Other times, I may need a little “motivation.” Some of my tricks that help me get that “money shot” is getting someone else to get her attention and get her to smile. If that doesn’t work or if I am by myself then I like to use some of her favorite toys… and that works for me EVERY TIME! 🙂
Finally, it is time to get my little “model” all dressed up and brought in the room. I use my cell phone to take photos but feel free to use a professional camera if you have one. Also remember to take breaks and just have fun with it. I love to do these on rainy days or when she is just bored of her usual routine. If you choose to do this on rainy day just remember that you will have to provide your lighting the right way to get a good photo. It’s a little more work but overall still worth it.
I hope these tips and tricks helped you and motivated you to do a little photoshoot of your own with your little one. It’s a great way to create some memories and spend some fun bonding time together.
If you choose to do this fun activity with your little ones, I would love to see them. You can tag me on social media on Twitter and Instagram.
Until next time…Happy DIY!
About the Author
Karen Silva is a writer on Momma Braga and is Melanie Braga’s sister. Karen graduated from Sheridan College with an Early Childhood Education Diploma. She worked with children for about five years before expanding her skills in Administration. Combined with her ECE background and passion for DIY projects and baking, she has recently joined Momma Braga and has become an expert writer for the blog. Karen hopes by sharing her knowledge, tips and tricks, she can bring families together through her creative ideas.
Karen is also a mother of one very adorable baby girl in 2018.
