Picture perfect birth announcements

Welcoming a new baby calls for a celebration, and taking the perfect picture for your new baby's birth announcements can be a challenge. For picture perfect baby announcements, consider these helpful tips.

Timing. Your new baby will soon develop a daily rhythm you will recognize. Maybe they are happier early in the morning or maybe they are more content in the evenings. Learn to recognize when they are more alert and choose that time for your photo shoot to give you a better chance of getting the best picture possible.

Pose. Newborns can't sit up or stand but they can be posed in a variety of cute and unique ways. Make it easier on yourself by placing them on your bed or a flat table rather than on the floor as you will want to be at their level to get the right perspective. This will be easier for you than having to crawl or scoot around on your tummy to get that perfect shot. And remember safety while doing so. Don't leave baby unattended on a table, for example.

Dress. For your birth announcements you will want a simple shot that clearly shows the new baby's face. Everyone will want to see if they look like mom or dad so make sure you can clearly see their features. Save the fancy party dresses or tiny tux for another photo shoot in the future. Clothing is optional at this age, but keep the outfit simple and solid if you use one. Patterned materials will only distract from that sweet baby face. A different color solid backdrop is best as well.

Light. Natural light is best for capturing those little features. Avoid harsh bright lights that will irritate the baby and create disturbing shadows. Place your baby by a window if possible for natural sunlight. The flash of a camera may be an unwanted surprise that will quickly end your photo opportunity so keep it as simple as possible. With today's digital cameras you can take a few test shots to see how the lighting looks before going for that perfect final photo.

Perspective. Baby pictures will be needed forever. For birthday invitations when they turn 40 to school functions when you'll want to thoroughly embarrass them, take a variety of shots. Depending on the photo greeting cards you design in the future, you may need horizontal landscape shots as well as vertical photos. Try several of each just for good measure. And move in close. Your baby is the primary focus so crop out all that background clutter before pushing the button.

Winning. You are bound to have more successful shots than you'll need for the baby announcements but be sure and keep them for your upcoming photo Christmas cards and your keepsake album. Burn them to a disk, as these are precious moments you wouldn't want to lose. If you are having trouble picking just one image, ask family or friends to weigh in. After all, as the mom or dad, you are likely to believe that every photo of your new bundle of joy is a winner.

Mailing. Of course you will send family and friends birth announcements so use your holiday card mailing list for reference. And don't forget to send them to those who received baby shower invitations as well. Include as much information as you want to announce your new arrival and go ahead and have your return address printed on the envelopes as many may want to gift you with something special for your newborn.

Babies change quickly so make sure you take plenty of photographs often. You may not believe it now, but you will be amazed at how quickly they grow and change. And as you can't get those years back, capture the moment now so that you can look back with pride on the delightful tiny boy or girl you brought into the world.