7 Tips to Help You Take Professional Quality Photos of Your Baby

Creating something everyday was a goal for us this year, from making new art to hang on our daughter's nursery walls to learning to take photos of her, 2016 has been a year of creating and most of those creations are centered around our daughter. She's our pride and joy and if you're also a parent, certainly you can relate.

We love documenting her life and we cherish the time we have with her, at only nine weeks old we both agree that she's changed so much already. We love her being so tiny and can't help but document all the little things she does. The way she smiles, her eyelashes, it's all so precious and perfect - it's best to snap a photograph so we'll never forget it.

We're not suggesting you spend your life behind the camera, but it is wise to snap a few photographs of the special moments. Today we want to share 7 tips to Professional Quality Photos of Your Baby!

1. Keep things warm - We all know every baby is different, but most babies (especially newborns) love the warmth. Take baby to the warmest room in your home, like a sun room, and have your photoshoot there... or you could always just turn the air up a few degrees while you play with your camera.

2. Big full bellies make for big full smiles - Again, every baby is different, but a majority of babies are more content after a meal. Grab your little one and start photographing every little detail right after they finish "breakfast". We find that our little gal is the sweetest after she's had plenty of milk, making for some big, adorable smiles.

3. Coffee for Parents - We couldn't have created anything without a little extra motivation (a little pep in our step, if you will)... and that pep came in the form of delicious NESCAFÉ® Taster’s Choice® (as we mentioned a few weeks ago). Coming in a variety of flavors like French Roast and Hazelnut, we're both able to enjoy our favorites while we are getting our shoot set up and we don't have to waste any time preparing it since we can whip up a couple cups of joe in no time with NESCAFÉ Taster's Choice! If you're looking for a little extra fuel for your next photoshoot, or just any day really, NESCAFÉ is the way to go.

4. Follow the light - Don't let bad lighting be the reason your photos are professional quality. Start to notice which rooms are the most well lit in your house at what times and move baby into that location. We like shooting in the sun room (for warmth) and have found the lighting to be impeccable, but only at certain times of the day. Indirect, yet bright, is what you want for a great shot!

5. Don't force it - Forcing baby into a certain position to get a shot you want will only frustrate you and her. Take a moment and let baby find where they feel comfortable, if they're learning to crawl, use that to your advantage and take a photo of baby looking determined on all fours. If your baby has started rolling over, start in tummy time and allow baby to show off their new skill via photos! Let your baby lead the way as far as posing goes and save yourself some headache.

6. Wardrobe - Keep it simple, yet sassy. We dress little gal up in fairly simple outfits and then add little touches of cuteness so that her photos will always be timeless. For little girls, add a pinch of cuteness with bows and/or adorable booties. For boys, add a bow tie or some suspenders and really give your little gentlemen some extra pizazz!

7. Take More Than You Think - People think we're photo-crazy but that's okay... we've learned that it takes about 10 photos to capture the MOST perfect one. It's not that every photo isn't great, because they all are, but that amazingly composed photo, with the perfect lighting, pose, smile, etc. takes a couple extra frames to grab. Try taking extra photos at your next shoot, several from the same angle, a few with the blinds pulled differently to allow different lighting, and we guarantee you'll agree - more is better than less, in this circumstance.

So tell me, how do you make each day great? Do you #CraftEachDay your own way? I'd love to hear the details below and feel free to share any tips on capturing the perfect shot of your tiny tot!