Getting started:

Natural light is best. Try to take the photo during peak daylight hours.
If using flash, stay in the flash range. Pictures taken out of flash range will be too dark. If you do not know your camera’s flash range, then take the pictures no further than ten feet away.
Film users can extend the flash range by using Kodak Max Versatility orVersatility Plus film.

It is best to use blankets and outfits that are solid in color. Pattern’s can take away from the baby’s features.
You can create a more artistic shot by buying a yard or two of black fabric that easily drapes. If you put the baby on the black background with natural lighting, it creates a beautiful shot! White fabric also looks great!
Capturing the moment, instead of posing, normally makes great photo’s. Taking the picture while the baby is sleeping, yawning, being cuddled, nursing, taking a bath or even a diaper change can be an opportune moment for capturing the moment.
Great photo’s for an announcement are of parts of the baby. The feet, the hands, the baby holding mom or dad’s finger, the ears and the bare bottom. Same pictures of baby taken in different angles.

Get in close to the baby. Stand directly over them, especially if the baby can not hold itself upright yet. But don’t get too close, or the picture could be fuzzy. The closest focusing distance is about three feet.
If the baby is upright, meet them at their eye level. They don’t have to look into the camera, but being at their eye level will create a personal and inviting feeling for your picture.
Try varying angles.
You can take several delayed shots of the same position. This can give you a sequence of expressions that the baby can make while he/she wiggles around.
For focusing on the baby in the picture, your goal is to fill the picture area with the baby . Up close you can reveal the smallest details of them.
If the baby is not the focus of the picture, you need to lock the focus to create a sharp picture. Most auto-focus cameras focus on whatever is in the center of the picture. To improve the picture, you will often want to move the baby away from the center of the picture. You will need to lock the focus before doing this.
To lock the focus, you can usually do it in three steps. First, center the subject and hold the shutter button half way down. Second, reposition the camera (while still holding the shutter half way down) so the baby is away from the center. Third, finish by pressing the shutter all the way down to take the picture.

When using a scanner, please clean the scanner top first. Any dust on the scanner will pick up on the picture transmitted. Scan the pictures at 600dpi, for the best resolution of the picture.
The file sizes of the pictures should be large. Try sending only 1-3 pictures per email to prevent the email system from shrinking the pictures.
Please send the pictures in natural color. We can change to black and white or sepia.
You may also send us the pictures, via mail. They can be printed or on a CD. However, while we will do our best to ensure the return of the pictures, we do not guarantee it. Also, please send pictures in a photo mailer to protect your pictures.