• Black and white baby portraits can help camouflage any blemishes or scratches on the baby's face and make the entire picture appear softer.baby boy image by Steve Lovegrove from Fotolia.com
  
  Your baby's pictures, whether professional portraits or from your own camera, are likely to be treasured for the rest of your life. Babies are unpredictable and can get antsy or fussy with no warning at all, which is why it's important to do what you can to get the best baby portraits possible.
  
  

Baby's Mood

• Try to catch your baby when he is naturally happy.happy baby 1 image by Pat Lalli from Fotolia.com
  
  Know your baby's routine and moods. Keep your camera close by to capture pictures of everyone holding the baby or the little moments that you want to preserve. Schedule professional portraits for a time when your baby is at her best. Reschedule if your baby is unusually fussy or ill, as she isn't likely to cooperate and you're likely to become frustrated.
  
  

Distractions

• Give your baby something to occupy her hands.baby with toy image by Tatyana Gladskih from Fotolia.com
  
  Give your child a preferred toy to encourage him to smile for the camera. Distract your child with stuffed animals and props to capture a memorable photograph. Avoid calling out directives to your baby or try to gain his attention, as that can confuse him and result in shots where he's looking off at you instead of the camera. Professional children's photographers typically have a lot of experience with babies of all ages and know how to get your baby's attention. Let the photographer do her job.
  
  

Clothes and Background

• Simple backgrounds won't take the focus off your baby.hungry baby image by Galina Barskaya from Fotolia.com
  
  Dress your baby in simple clothes that don't cause irritations or have really busy patterns. Solid colors or simple patterns that aren't distracting are ideal. The focus of the pictures should remain on your baby, not her outfit. Costumes are okay for a few shots if they don't bother your baby. Leave your baby barefoot if possible as shoes can distort the images or distract from the baby. Opt for simple backgrounds that don't distract from the baby.
  
  

Images

• Remember to zoom in on the little parts so you can reminisce when she gets bigger.baby feet image by Faith Ashurst from Fotolia.com
  
  Get down to your baby's level for a different point of view. Zoom in on special little parts that won't stay little long, such as his hands, feet, ears and mouth. Consider holding his hand in yours or placing an object nearby to show how little he is. Posing him is simple in the first couple of months, as long as you support him. For example, hide behind a blanket and hold him so that only the blanket will show up. Get action shots as he gets older, such as crawling, walking and throwing.
  
  

Lighting

• Use the natural sunlight whenever possible to create realistic color in your photos.baby image by Ilya Postnikov from Fotolia.com
  
  Take photos in natural light, which won't discolor your pictures or create extra shadows. Avoid shadows by moving into another position or adjusting your camera settings. If using a flash at home, consider bouncing it off the ceiling to avoid upsetting your baby. Professional photographers will have the proper lights and flash to avoid hurting your baby's eyes or discoloring the photos.