Picture Perfect

These tips for newborn photography prove that you can't have too many pics of your baby.

If you don’t have bucks to burn on a professional photographer for that perfect baby announcement photo, don’t stress. Follow these tips from photographer Ted Catanzaro of Los Angeles-based Ted & Debbie to best capture your cutie:

• Avoid using flash Create soft, filtered light by hanging a sheer curtain in front of a window or lamp.

• Get up close and personal Capture close-ups of your baby’s toes, hands and face.

• Remain neutral Choose a simple background, such as a light-colored solid blanket, so your baby “pops” in focus.

• Keep snapping For every dozen shots, there’s likely just one keeper, so take lots of photos.

Many newborn photographers love using props and backdrops to make their shots even more unique. Photographer Katherine Marie shares on her blog: "My all-time favorite thing to do with newborns is to put them in and on things. Look around your house for bowls, baskets, plates. Get creative!" She also recommends using a blanket or some fabric to "use as a backdrop if you have lots of clutter around."

Go black and white, she urges, "Nothing beats a timeless and classic black-and-white photograph." The photographer reminds us that babies are most easily movable and flexible within the first 10 days of life — and everyone loves a photo of a sleepy newborn.

The most important skill to have when photographing a newborn: patience. "Photographing newborns is a hard, messy job!" she says. — Cassie Tomlin