It's what I wish and pray for all moms. As mothers, we carry a heavy and powerful directive - to mold young spirits to be the best contributions to society. Our soft strength laced with grace affects our children's psyche both for the good and the bad.
Learning from one another
Yesterday, my kids and I visited our neighbor to meet their new baby.
Barely two weeks old, he is the epitome of delicate helplessness, best nurtured by a mother's love. We had an insightful conversation, summarized in the agreement that raising children is tough. With all their individuality, the world's pressures and the almost-impossible task of balancing home-work life.
That's why I would always be thankful of mothers, especially the ones I have. For they have done a great and remarkable job in raising us up. May God continuously bless them with love and protection and shower their days with sweet joy to live with a smile.
Taking it from an expert
As moms, it is a sure delight to capture our kids' special moments for posterity.
I used to be like this, but juggling house chores, kid duties, work and all the other concerns of life zapped my interest in photography - for now. What I do instead, I ask my self first: is this a moment that will not be replicated any more? Like my sweet daughter trying on my shoes, or my darling son kissing his big sister. Graduations, moving ups, class performances, I'd rather enjoy the experience than risk ruining other people's by standing in front of the stage to be able to take a quick snap.
Photography will always be an interesting hobby. And here are great tips from world-renowned photographer Anne Geddes on taking great baby photos.
Look for your unique style.
Please don't try to replicate any of my images. They are created after hours of preparation and under careful controls in my studio, where I am supported by a team of talented professionals. - Ann Geddes
Have everything ready.
I love my Apple iPhone. I am happy with the photos I get using it. Instead of looking for the digicam, which sometimes lack battery or memory card, my handy phone allows for quick sharing of photos too.
There are also these small, compact digital SLRs that are as powerful as digital SLRs, without the bulk. I have yet to meet someone who owns one. They go in different names, top of mind is Olympus' Pen.
Consider the background
Keep your background simple to let your baby take "center stage" in the image.
Change your perspective
For a more personal point of view, get down to your baby's eye level.
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| With Kuya Drei in Lobo, Batangas |
Get ready
Ensure that your baby is safe, well fed, happy, and comfortable and you can be guaranteed some lovely images.
Time it well
Choose the time of day when your baby is happiest. Every baby is different.
Let there be light
I love using natural light. It is always more flattering to use the soft directional light coming in a window than the flash on a camera.
Go early or late
If you are photographing outside, try to take advantage of the early morning or late afternoon light. The mid-day sun doesn't bring out the best in anyone, and it can be especially harsh on your baby's perfect skin!
Don't splurge
You don't need an expensive camera to take a great photograph, because the best image begins in your heart, inspired by the baby.
Candid camera
The loveliest shots of your baby will most likely be candid ones.
Forget the props
The photograph is not about the props (no flowerpots please!). It's just about your beautiful baby.
Make it personal
Take pictures in settings that have meaning for you. Make your images personal; this will give them an even deeper resonance.
They grow so fast
Remember, babies are only this tiny for such a short time. You might not believe it now, but you will forget how small your baby was in the beginning, so try to show your baby's size in relation to the surroundings. For example, images of a baby's hand in a family member's hand are so poignant because they capture that sense of scale.
Put it in context
Try for a sense of place, as well. You might think that you'll always remember that day or the story behind the image, but it's not always the case, especially as more wonderful events occur as your baby grows. If you can use a background that "sets" the image for you, it helps bring the story back to mind when viewed years later.
Put yourself in the picture
Do try to include yourself in as many photographs with your family as possible. Your children will want to know what you looked like "way back then" when they were newborns and as they grew up. They'll thank you for it later!
Save, save, save
I enjoy working digitally and with film. With your digital images, do try to download them from your camera on a regular basis, saving them to files grouped by months when your baby is young (so many changes occur so quickly in the early years).
Get organized
When saving your images, try to add a key word that will help you find the image when you're seeking it later for a holiday card or scrapbook. Instead of "Amy Summer," try "Amy 6mos in hat" – something memorable, so you can locate it more easily months or years later.
Back it upAlways, always back up your digital images. They are as valuable and irreplaceable as film negatives.
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| All sunglasses |
Try a video
Try out the short video feature on your digital camera. Those "small" spontaneous moments will be precious additions to your keepsakes.
Use technologySource: BabyCenter.com
Have you sampled any of the new digital photo frames, apps like those available for the iPad's multi-touch screen, or features on Flickr? They are a lovely way to share treasured images with family, open albums with a tap, scroll through smaller "thumbnail" images to find favorites, play and share slide shows, manage photo sets, geo-tag photos, favor photos, comment on them, and much more.
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