Five Tips for Great Baby Pictures

1. A Decent Camera Is a Wise Investment - and it doesn't have to break the bank. Digital is a good choice for amateurs these days. Just be sure the camera is quick to start up and easy to use - babies don't hold a pose for long, so having to fiddle with a lens or wait for the flash to warm up may cause you to lose many a cute picture. Your camera should also allow for fairly uncomplicated retrieval of your photos. Learning how to use the camera in natural light is a good idea also, since sudden brilliant flashes of light may be enough to quickly end a photo opportunity. Read consumer reviews and choose the camera that's right for you.

2. Start Early and Click Often - Babies change almost daily during their first year, going from a little bundle that just lies there right through to walking and talking. And it really doesn't matter what they're doing: they're always cute doing it. So keep your camera close by with fresh batteries on hand to be able to take pictures whenever and wherever - well, almost. Resist the temptation to take the kind of pictures that will make your child turn sixteen shades of red later on.

3. Get Down to Baby's Level - literally and photographically. If Baby is on the floor, get on the floor with her for some great close-ups and more natural looks. If she's in her crib or play-pen, or cruising around the furniture legs, get on eye-level with her. But don't try to achieve too much - candid photos of your baby doing what she does naturally is your goal. A couple of really cute expressions and action-shots will mean much more to you in later years if they were achieved without frustration for you and tears for her.