Making Children Familiar With The Camera

Most babies and children will smile at their parents but when their parent's face is hidden behind a camera it is a different story. Without being able to see the familiar and loved face of their parent there smiles often disappear. In order to take good pictures you need to help your child become familiar with the camera. My son loved the camera so much that he would actually stop crying and smile if I got it out to take his picture.

Some children might be frightened of the camera. Let your child touch the camera while you hold it. (Don't place it in their hands because it will end up in their mouth.) Play peek-a-boo with your baby. Hold the camera in front of your face and then jump out and say
peek-a-boo. Talk to your child and explain what you are doing. Even if they
don't understand the sound of your voice will comfort them.

Your child might be comfortable with you taking their picture but how about someone else. Ask friends, neighbors, and relatives to take pictures of your child while you stand in the background. This helps your child get used to other people being the photographer.

Some children are naturally camera shy. Instead of looking at the camera and giving a big grin they look at the ground. This is okay. Take her picture anyway. Then show her the picture saying something like, "I wish I could have seen your beautiful smile." Chances are next time she will oblige. If not wait for moments when she is unaware and snap the picture. Some of the best pictures are those that your child did not pose for.

Have your child's favorite toy or blanket close at hand. Hold it next to the camera so your child can see it. Seeing the familiar object will help make the camera seem less scary.

Remember that you will probably have to take numerous photos of your child before finding the perfect shot. That is why I love my digital camera.

Do you think you have taken a beautiful picture of your child? Submit it our online baby photo contest and show it to our expert judges from entertainment and modeling industry.