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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.

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San Jose Photographer – Benipayo Photography

Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com, if you want a portrait session.

408-717-3670     415-763-7643

Author:  For more information on children’s photography visit Mary Kim Photography at http://www.marykimphotography.com.

Prepare for the event by planning every pregnancy portrait carefully. You want to carefully analyze what type of poses would be memorable within this pregnancy portrait. Listen to Mom but be ready to add in your own professional advice. Carefully plan on weather conditions and the type of environment in which you will be shooting if the photos are being taken outdoors.

Make sure you take multiple photographs. Regardless of what the family will say or do, people will always blink. Make sure you are ready to do perform a reshoot of the pregnancy portrait at any given time. A good family photographer will be ready in a second for those unexpected things, which occur during pregnancy portraits.

Have some funny things to say to Mom as she is standing nervously waiting for you to take her picture. Make her smile! Do not use the same phrase repeatedly, this will seem rehearsed and will more than likely make Mom even more nervous. A natural smile will shine through in the pregnancy portrait. Family photographers should focus on making Mom as comfortable as possible in creating the best pregnancy portrait possible.

Keep in mind when shooting pregnancy portraits inside differs greatly from the outdoors. Use a wide lens, which will give you a more telephoto setting. Pay extra attention to any people who are on the end, you do not want to cut them out; this could prove embarrassing for any family photographer. Make sure there is enough space in the picture for all family members.

Consider your flashes carefully. Increase the ISO setting or you can move to a brighter location in the room. If you need to be, further away for that perfect shot of Mom then change your settings to blur the background. The best photography poses with pregnancy pictures will not look right with distracting backgrounds. Mom and her unborn child are the sole focus of this portrait.

Make sure no mirrors or anything reflective is within the background of the pregnancy portrait. Only take pictures where the flash is not perpendicular to the surface but at an angle.

Make the setting for the pregnancy portrait as natural as possible. This will allow Mom to feel more comfortable when she recognizes she is the sole focus of the photography session. Good family photographers will ensure this happens in not only an expedient manner but also a professional manner.

San Jose Photographer – Benipayo Photography

Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com, if you want a portrait session.

408-717-3670     415-763-7643

Author: BabyPregnancyPhotography.com is the Internet’s premier resource for pregnancy portraits, with facts and articles on topics such aspregnancy portraits, and much more. Click the links above for more information!

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Over the past several years the children’s photography business has morphed into something quite different than what most adults remember from when they were children themselves. Those of us raised in the 60′s, 70′s, 80′s, and even 90′s more likely than not remember sitting feet crossed, chin up, back straight at a photography studio in a local mall or strip mall. We smiled as the photographer asked us to say “cheese” and the lights flashed.

Child photography isn’t like that anymore. Yes, the same scene still plays out every day in malls and studios all across the country, but to a much lesser extent than it once did. Today parents are looking to capture their child’s personality. They want pictures of their children playing at a park, rolling in the grass, dipping their toes in a small stream. Sitting in front of a backdrop doesn’t accomplish this. As a result, children’s photography has taken to the street, or more accurately the park, so to speak. Children photographer often have an inventory of their favorite locations they can draw upon and suggest to a client depending on the desired setting.

Evidence of this shift can be seen in the recent bankruptcy of Kiddie Kandids. With studio locations in more than 200 malls across the country Kiddie Kandids was one of the nation’s largest photography chains. However, unable to provide an on location photography service, the company failed to keep up with the changing trend and filed for bankruptcy in January of 2010.

With the availability of digital cameras it has also become much easier for entrepreneurs to start their own children’s photography business. There is still the same required skill involved in taking a good picture, but no longer is a dark room necessary for photo processing. It’s also much easier to take tons of photos and then edit them in Photoshop or other photo editing software. With film, getting the perfect picture with as few shots as possible was important, and a studio setting provided for a controlled environment that made this easier. Today child photographers will often take hundreds of pictures in a single session and then edit the best ones. Because the number of pictures taken is greater, it is much easier to get a larger number of high quality portraits.

Children’s photography will no doubt continue to evolve. However, the new direction is not one of sitting up straight with a fake smile, it’s one of real smiles and sitting any way the child wants.

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San Jose Photographer – Benipayo Photography

Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com, if you want a portrait session.

408-717-3670     415-763-7643

Author:  For examples of this new trend in children’s photography visit Mary Kim Photography at http://www.marykimphotography.com.

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Children’s photography can either be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience or a difficult and challenging one. Here are seven tips to achieving the former and avoiding the latter.

1) Choose a proper setting. One of the more recent trends in children’s photography is using a natural setting rather than a studio setting. A park, beach or mountain setting not only provides a better backdrop but will make it more fun for the child. To the child, going to the studio may feel a little like going to the dentist’s office. Of course a studio provides for a more controlled environment, but in a natural setting you have a better chance of capturing the child smiling on their own. Let them play and explore the world around them. This will provide for some great candid photos rather than posed ones. Of course if you are using a studio setting there are still several things you can do to make your pictures amazing.

2) Get to know the child. Successful children photographer is about getting the child to work with you, not forcing them. To do this they need to like you and trust you. Although there are exceptions, most children would rather do a thousand other things than get their picture taken. They need to see that the experience is going to be better than they had first though and that you are not the dentist. Talk to them. Ask them how old they are, ask about their school, ask about their favorite things to do in the summer. What you learn from the child can help you as you start to take pictures. For example, if the child is small you may want to ask what their favorite animal is and then use that animals sound to grab their attention when they start to lose interest. Children establish relationships much faster than adults. With only a few words you can build a relationship with a child that will help them trust you. Keep the conversation going and interesting as you start to take pictures.

3) Let them choose a pose. This is especially important when the session is first starting. Let them sit, stand, look at the camera any way they want and snap a few pictures. Maybe the pose is a good one, maybe it isn’t, but let them pick a pose or two at the start. After they have done that they will typically be much more willing to let you have a turn telling them how to sit or stand. If they start to become frustrated, let them pick a pose again to loosen them up and then go back you instructing them. Children’s photography takes patience and that sometimes means yielding a little control.

4) Make it fun. Children’s photography is a different animal, and needs to be fun for the child. This is much easier in an outdoor setting but can work in a studio as well. This also ties into the previous point of letting them choose a pose. Maybe they want to stand on their head, maybe they want to have a picture of them jumping in the air. Whatever loosens them up and gets them to smile.

5) Go to their level. Don’t tower over small children. Stoop down and talk to them. Let them see and talk to you at eye level. This also applies to how you talk to them. Talk to children in a fun tone and more like a friend would talk to them rather than an authority figure.

6) Use props. Stuffed animals, squeaky stuffed animals, feather dusters, noise makers. These are all essential in grabbing and holding the attention of a small child. The smaller the child, the more important it is to have a good inventory of props at your disposal.

7) Respect the child. Let them guide the session. If they are hungry it isn’t going to work, if they are tired it isn’t going to work. The smaller they are the more difficult it is going to be to force them. Don’t try until they are ready. Children’s photography is about getting great pictures of children and that happens most easily when they are working with you instead of against you.

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San Jose Photographer – Benipayo Photography

Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com, if you want a portrait session.

408-717-3670     415-763-7643

For more information on children’s photography visit Mary Kim Photography at http://www.marykimphotography.com.

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It is fun to take photos of friends and family. With the latest in digital technology taking photos is easier and faster than it has ever been before. Even so there is something to be said about the quality of photographs that people take at home. Not everyone has a natural affinity with cameras or technology and the same can be said about compositions and lighting. When taking a family photo that really matters, a moment in time that needs to be captured such as a gathering of multiple generations it is sometimes best to have custom photos taken by a professional photographer.

Capturing a spur of the moment expression of situation is one reason why people own cameras. Cameras are becoming smaller and easier to use as time goes on, you can even take photos from your phone! But what about the quality of these photographs are they really something you want to sent over seas to Grandma or print out and hang in the living room? Not likely!

So what do you do when you want to have a high quality photograph of your new family or an updated family photo to capture how big your children have grown? The best way to do this it to hire someone to come into your home or to a location that has meaning to you and your family and have custom photos done. Having a professional photographer come take your photo is easy, fun and not as expensive as you might think!

There are lots of different types of photographers out there and they are usually very accommodating to the needs of an individual family. When a photographer comes into your home their goal is to take high quality portraits of you that have depth and meaning. Its not like going into a big department store where the only special treatment you will receive is a not so fancy backdrop. When taking a custom family photo it is the small intricate details that really tell the story.

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San Jose Photographer – Benipayo Photography

Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com, if you want a portrait session.

408-717-3670     415-763-7643

Author:   Jenn is a dedicated photographer who lives in Vancouver British Columbia. She specializes if family portraits where is has a talent for bringing out the finest qualities in each family member. Visit Jenn’s website today!

Whether you want to add Pet Photography to your business or just capture a treasured photo of your own family pet, there are a few things you need to know before you just show up with your camera expecting award winning portraits. Here are a five tips that will help you get the photos you’re looking for.

Tip #1 – Patience

First and foremost we must realize that stunning photos of pets involve a lot of patience. Waiting for that right pose or expression that represents the character of the pet may take a little time. Sometimes we get lucky and it happens very quickly, then there are the other times when it feels like we will never get THE shot! It can be frustrating but extremely rewarding.

Tip # 2 – Shoot Often

Shooting continuously can accomplish a couple of things. First it gets the pet used to the sound of the camera, second it allows you to capture candid shots in between formal poses. You might be surprised at some of the images you captured when you review them.

Tip #3 – Use Different Angles

The eyes are the most important part of the photograph. The character and soul of the pet can be more dramatically captured by getting down to their eye level. Shooting down from above by standing on a chair or something solid can also product effective and unique photos. Be adventurous! Experimenting with different angles may also generate exceptional portraits. Remember, the eyes must be in perfect focus.

Tip # 4 – Toys & Treats

There tends to be some controversy on the use of pet toys and treats to stimulate the pet in order to make a more appealing shot. On the one hand, the toys and treats can help you get more intense and striking images but on the other hand, some animals will become over-stimulated and become difficult to work with. Talking with the owner and observing the animal under both circumstances before the shoot can help you decide whether or not to use the props.

Tip # 5 – Composition

We can get so busy trying to get that perfect expression or interesting shot that we forget what is around us and in the background. Make a visual check through the viewfinder to see if you are using the rules of good composition. Are you using your thirds? Is the background uncluttered? Does the background complement the subject?

For example; it may not be wise to shoot a black dog with a dark background. If you find your location is not working, move around to the other side or change locations completely. It can make the difference between an ordinary shot and a stunning portrait.

There are a lot of things to remember in a very short space of time when you are working with animals. Taking pet portraits is challenging to say the least, but is extremely rewarding. Capturing for the owner the essence and character of their much loved family pet turns that stunning portrait into a priceless memory for them.

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San Jose Photographer – Benipayo Photography

Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com, if you want a portrait session.

408-717-3670     415-763-7643

Author:  Scott Voelker is the creator of NewPortraitBiz. He has taught 1,000′s of students how to start a photography business. To receive his Free video lessons visit http://newportraitbiz.com
Visit Scott’s Blog at http://newportraitbiz.com/blog for even more up to date Free lessons.

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Why should you take family portraits outdoors? Besides the potential for beautiful or fun backgrounds, photographing outside provides the opportunity to use natural lighting. If you are a professional photographer or serious enthusiast then you know that the external flash, studio lights and reflectors work to mimic the beauty of natural light.

If you are new to photography and have a digital compact and built in flash, then taking your family portraits outdoors is the best way to get professional quality portraits that you’ll want to proudly frame in your home.

The Best Natural Lighting for Taking Family Portraits Outdoors

Not all outdoors lighting is ideal. The worst time of day to take family portraits outdoors is mid-day. The best times of day are what many photographers refer to as the “Golden Hours” the hour before sunset and after dawn when the light is softest and the shadows least harsh. The closer to these times you can gather the family for their portrait, the better.

Another good option is to wait for a cloudy day when there is bright overcast light. This provides enough bright light and is the kind of softness professional photographers spend money on soft boxes to get. If the timing doesn’t work out for any of the above, find shade that isn’t too dark.

Outdoor Portrait Settings

The obvious choice and perhaps the perfect choice is the family’s backyard. Or you could take a cue from high school senior photography and take your outdoors family portrait at a place the family enjoys such as a park. If you go away from home, look for locations and times of the day when the area is the least crowded.

You should also consider using a family activity or a hobby as a potential setting. If the entire family is into horses, a pretty pasture with horses nibbling on the grass with the family posed on and in front of a nice white fence could work quite well. If the family sails, consider the boat’s deck.

Speaking of boats, a word of caution: if you decide to take any family portraits outdoors at places such as the sea, beach or snow, here are some things that can help: Select the beach mode on a digital compact, or if you use a DSLR or SLR, use a polarizing filter. This will help with the glare. Set the flash to “on” instead of “automatic” to help minimize shadows on the family. Don’t position the family where they will be facing the sun otherwise they’ll be squinting.

As with any picture, be sure to hide or remove clutter in the background. Do you want to use the natural outdoor lighting but want a plain background? Tack a piece of fabric to a fence. Check the lawn for sprinklers and behind the family for things that might be distracting, like a lamp post.

If you want to diminish the overall background, use the Portrait mode or set your Aperture Priority for a smaller depth of field.

On the other hand, you may want to have outdoor features as part of the picture by posing the family in front of a beautiful tree. Just be sure to compose the shot with the focus on the family.

Whether you are taking family portraits outdoors for others or your own family, use these portrait tips and you’ll be sure to take a portrait that will be proudly framed on the family wall.

San Jose Photographer – Benipayo Photography
Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com
If you are interested having a portrait session with me -
408-717-3670     415-763-7643

Author:  Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames.com and loves taking pictures. Your Picture Frames makes it easy for you to find just the perfect frame for your photo or artwork. We offer a large selection of picture frames in all styles, colors and shapes from small to large frames. Shop online or call us at 1-800-780-0699.

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Photography on the beach can be wonderful or a disaster. Take precaution and practice. Get tips and advice from professionals.

Best light for beach photographs
Never schedule a beach portrait session for the middle of the day. The light is harshest when the sun is at the top of the sky, and you will have dark shadows under the eyes of everyone in the photographs. The best light on the beach is either during sunset or sunrise. The ideal time of day depends on the direction the land faces. If the ocean is on the east side of your beach closer to sunrise is the best light. If the ocean is on the west side of your beach sunset will yield the best light for your photographs. Try to schedule your beach portrait session within 2-3 hours of sunrise or sunset.

Clouds
If you can arrange doing your family portraits when there is cloud cover it will make for the perfect light and colors in your photographs. Clouds act as diffusers against the harsh sunlight. They also bring out the great green and blue colors in the ocean. There is also the added bonus that no one will be squinting or having a hard time handling the harshness of the sun reflecting off the sand at the beach. Keep in mind that even with clouds, portraits during the middle of the day are not a good idea, you should start in the mid-morning or wait until the afternoon.

Outfits
Picking the right outfits for the beach is key to great family portraits. You do not want to blend in with the sand and water. Bright clothes with fun colors and patterns will help make you and your family stand out against the beach background. Swimsuits are also a great idea. They also lend themselves to more fun later on. Kids and parents will stop worrying about getting dirty or wet when everyone is wearing swimsuits. You can build sand castles without the worry of wrecking any clothes.

Be ready to have fun
Be prepared to provide your own fun for beach photos. Bring along a colorful umbrella or a giant beach ball. An umbrella will be a great escape from the hot sun, and it also provides a great pop of color in your photographs. A beach ball will inspire lots of fun and games. The more fun you and your family have the better the photos will turn out. Bucket and shovels, kites, or a full spread picnic are more fun ideas that will inspire creativity and activity. Dad will never complain about photographs after a day of excitement and fun at the beach as your family portrait session.

San Jose Photographer – Benipayo Photography

Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com, if you want a beach portrait session.

408-717-3670     415-763-7643

Author: Jeff Fauss
Los Angeles Family Photographer
Naples Family Photographer