My Baby’s PR Co.

It goes without saying that taking the best pictures of your baby is the most important element in a digital scrapbook.  Below are some tips on getting those unforgettable photographs of your child.

Getting Started:

• Make sure the date stamp is off and that the camera is set to its highest resolution.

Lighting:

• Try taking the photo during peak daylight hours as natural light is the best.
• If flash is necessary, stay within the flash range or you will get pictures that are too dark.  Most camera’s have a flash range of no more than ten feet.

Picture Ideas:

• Avoid patterns.  Use blankets and outfits that are solid in color.
• Create an artistic shot by using a yard or two of black or white fabric that easily drapes.  Try to utilize the most natural light for the best shot!
• Great photos are not the ones that are rehearsed.  Instead of posing, try to capture the baby sleeping, yawning, being cuddled, nursing or taking a bath.
• The feet, the hands, the baby holding mom or dad’s fingers, the ears and the bare bottom are all great photos for the baby announcements.  Try taking different angles of the same shot.

Getting The Shot:

• Get close to the baby.  Stand over them, especially when they cannot hold themselves upright yet.  Be careful not to get too close or the picture could be fuzzy.  The closest is about three feet.
• Meet the baby at eye level.  They don’t have to be looking into the camera, but at this level it will create a personal and inviting feeling for the shot.
• Always try different angles.
• Try to fill the picture area with the baby as this will focus the picture on the baby.  You can reveal the small details when you are up close.
• If another object is the focus of the picture, you need to lock the focus to create a sharp picture.  You will want to move the baby away from the center of the picture and focus on the object.  To lock the focus, just push your shutter down half way until the object is locked, then press the shutter all the way down to take the picture.

To Send The Pictures:

• If using a scanner, clean the scanner top first.  Any dust will be picked up on the picture.  Scan the picture at 600 dpi, for the best resolution of the picture.
• The file size of the pictures will be large.  Send only one to three pictures per email to prevent the email program from shrinking the pictures.
• Send the pictures in their natural color.  They can be changed at a later time to black and white or sepia.
• Pictures can also be copied on to a CD and mailed.

You might find these guidelines useful when filling out the addresses on your wedding invitations, graduation announcements or any other mailing which has an inner and outer envelope.  The guidelines listed for the outer envelope should be utilized at all time, even if an inner envelope is not included.

Inner envelope:

• Use only last names of recipients: Mr. and Mrs. Johnson
• First names and/or terms of endearment (such as Auntie Sophie and Uncle Billy) are acceptable on the inner envelope.
• First names of children are written below parents’ names in descending order of age: Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, Kelly, Alex and Jordan
• If a guest is invited: Miss Holt and Guest

Outer envelope:

• Always use full names and formal titles.
• Always spell out the word “and”.
• Always spell out all of the names.  Middle names do not have to be used, unless an individual goes by his/her middle name, such as: “Mr. E. Joseph Crothers”.
• Street names that are numbers should be written out: “484 Fifty-Sixth Street”.
• House numbers under twelve and those divisible by ten may be written out: “Eleven Lake Street” or “Sixty Los Robles Drive”.
• Write out the words, “Street”, “Boulevard”, “Avenue”, etc.
• Never abbreviate state names.