There are many ways to try to capture the winning entry for a baby photo contest.
Every parent thinks his baby is the cutest in the world. Many proud parents choose to submit pictures of their little bundles of joy to baby photo contests, in hopes of winning cash or useful prizes. However, these contests are filled with numerous entries of adorable babies. Winning a contest takes a little more than just a cute baby.
Sleeping
Some of the cutest pictures are taken of sleeping babies. Some babies smile while they sleep. Others always have one hand closed up into a small fist. For more interesting layouts, take pictures at a baby’s eye level or from above.
Close-Ups
Taking close-up photos of a baby almost always results in success. Be sure to capture babies in natural light, and avoid the use of too much flash action. Have the baby’s head fill up the photo frame at an angle instead of straight forward. There is nothing like capturing a smiling baby’s face up close.
Backgrounds and Props
Backgrounds and props can be used to a photographer’s advantage to create stunning photos. Take a picture of a baby on a blanket among a field of colorful flowers. Lay or sit the baby amongst a pile of teddy bears and stuffed animals. Capture the baby’s reaction when blowing bubbles toward her. Or, catch her playing with her favorite rattle or toy.
Framing
When taking a close-up picture, wrap a blanket, character hoodie bath towel, scarf, feather boa or other object around the baby’s face. This enhances the layout and creates a natural frame around the face.
Outside the Box
Place the baby in situations or surrounded by things that are not normally associated with little ones. This instills humor and creative interest in a photo. Some ideas include placing the baby inside objects like large purses, flower pots or boots. These pictures will set yours apart from all the rest.
Holidays
Plenty of winning photo moments are captured during the holidays. At Christmas, take a picture of the baby placed inside of a box surrounded by ribbon, wrapping paper and glowing Christmas lights. Photos of Halloween costumes are always adorable. Easter and birthdays are other times to snap photos.
Animals
Catch the reaction of babies interacting with dogs, cats, bunnies, ducklings or even much larger animals, if they are safe to have near your child. Many babies make cute facial expressions when an animal is nearby.
Action
Photos of a baby in action can capture just the right expression. Take the baby for a walk on the beach, place him on a swing at the park, capture him during bath time, or take a photo of dad playfully throwing him into the air. Some of the best photos are of shots in which the baby isn’t posing but is just being natural.
Photo Manipulation
Don’t be afraid to take your photos and improve layouts with graphic computer programs like Photoshop. You can easily crop a photo closer to the baby’s face and blur or feather the edges to enhance the baby’s beauty. Consider taking a picture in black and white and adding color to one element of the photo, such as a flower.
