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Advances in digital image-making technology have left those reliable old film cameras on the endangered species list--though many of us remain nostalgic for their versatility.

Advances in digital image-making technology have left those reliable old film cameras on the endangered species list--though many of us remain nostalgic for their versatility. But it is possible to get similar qualities of light and focus with digitals. Here's how:

Start with the right equipment When choosing a digital camera, consider a single-lens-reflex model, or SLR. Like high-quality film cameras, SLRs let you change lenses for portraits, and they typically don't suffer from the shutter lag common among point-and-shoots. Views on megapixels vary, but experts generally say that 6 or 7 is plenty.

Use natural light Built-in flashes can overpower the fine detail in your baby's skin, resulting in a washed-out look. And red-eye reduction features don't always give natural-looking results. What to do? Indoors, turn off the flash and move near the soft light of a window or lamp. Outdoors, photograph your baby in the warmth of early morning or the glow of late afternoon.

Get close Really close--that's the best way to capture your baby's delicate features.

Go colorless For a classic look, try your camera's black-and-white mode, or use the "desaturate" option in photo-editing software.

Take tons of pictures With no film to pay for, why not? You can delete shots you don't like.