Baby Christmas Photography

Wanting that special 1st baby photo this Christmas? Here are some helpful tips about baby Christmas photography ...

Baby Christmas Photography

It’s Christmas. It’s your baby's first Christmas. It’s important to you to immortalize the precious memories on film. Here are some tips from a mom who loved taking photos of two lively kids ...

Baby photography is not easy at the best of times - but at Christmas time it has more challenges. There are many other guests around - both big and small - and they all want to get into the picture. Just accept that you will get people walking in front of the camera at the crucial moment. I used to get all frustrated trying to get the perfect pose from a usually unwilling baby. Not only that but I ended up with "helpful big brother" wanting to get in on the act too. So don't let baby Christmas photography stress you out.

The key - relax.

a. You are not going to get a baby to pose.
b. You can't chase everyone away.
c. Getting all frazzled will only make baby, you and everyone else stressed.

So calm down, be prepared as best you can and enjoy the day.

Be Prepared
Several days before the big day, test your camera. This is easy with a digital camera. With a standard camera it is worth taking a few shots using inexpensive 12 exposure film. Have the photos developed to ensure all is working well. There is nothing more disappointing then taking numerous photos, only to discover later the camera wasn't working.

Make sure you buy enough spare film - be it video tape, film or a spare smart media card for your digital.

Buy extra batteries or ensure you fully charge your camera's battery pack. Although it is expensive, its worth having a spare fully charged battery handy.

On the day

Take pictures before the guests arrive of the tree, cake, food table and other decorations.
If you have dressed baby up for the occasion - then take photos of baby too - before the outfit gets messed up.
Don't try posing everyone. It breaks spontaneity. Some of my most precious photos are taken by catching the kids in action.
Be careful not to take photos of people with a lot of light behind them (against windows or open doors). They will come out very dark.
I found that if I took pictures of my eldest son first - he was more accepting of my taking pictures of his sister without interfering. If you have a digital camera, then let older children look at the results. Now that my son is older, I let him take photos. Some come out quite well. And the pride on his face - priceless.
If there is someone you trust with a camera at the party, let them get some shots with you in them. The family photographer is seldom in any pictures and children often ask later – but where were you mom?.

What photos to take
Obviously get photos of the child opening presents. However, with babies, you may find the cutest photos are of them playing with the box or eating the wrapper , baby eating Christmas cake, playing in the snow with their cousins, or of the sleepy baby lying in Granny’s arms after all the fun is over. Another photo I love taking is of the child sitting with all their opened presents. When looking at your photos three or four years down the line, its fun to see when toys were acquired. Baby christmas photography is great fun - especially when you look back at your photos which bring special memories flooding back.

Here are some more Christmas photos of my own precious children when they were small. Ryan (now 10) who is ever protective of his little sister Shannon (who is now 7).

Click on the photos to read more about the photos and my children Ryan & Shannon.

The most important thing to remember - is to relax and have fun. Enjoy taking photos of your baby's first Christmas. You will soon be a wiz at baby Christmas photography.

Now its your turn - why not enter a photo of your little one's first Christmas in the Total Baby Guide's Christmas Baby Photo Contest . Its as easy as filling in the entry form and sending your photo.

See our Baby Christmas Photo Ideas page to get ideas of adorable baby photos and poses.