If photographing a newborn, wait to take
your announcement pictures until he/she is at least one week old.
Dress your subject in a solid color,
preferably black or white (something with a lot of contrast), or if you
are photographing a graduate, in his/her cap and gown (if desired). If
your subject is a baby, even consider photographing sans clothing!
For babies, photograph them on a
solid background such as a blanket or a sheet. Take pictures from
several different poses, such as lying tummy-down on a pillow (covered
with same background material) or propped up in a sitting position on the
couch. Or even cover the bouncy seat or infant carrier with the
background material and place the baby there! If you are using an
announcement with more than one image, try taking pictures of different
expressions, different body parts (mouth, eyes, hands, feet). Make
sure you get close shots of their face, remembering not to cut any of their
face out! Spread the News Designs will crop as needed.
For graduation or engagement pictures,
take your subject(s) to a local park in the late afternoon. The
light is best at that time of day. Depending on what you want,
either focus on their upper body or their entire body. Be mindful of
what is in the background (try to pose them in front of some trees, rocks,
or bushes). Have them stand in several different poses. For
grads, take some serious picture and some smiling pictures. They can
lie on the grass with their arms crossed or their hands up under their
chins. They can stand behind a tree leaning to the side. For
an engaged or married couple, have them walk toward or away from you, hand
in hand, looking at each other. Or have them sit in the grass
with each of their legs facing a different way. Remember not to have
too much background showing!
Take as many pictures as you feel you
need to get those few that you will love. We suggest taking at
least one roll of film or as many as it takes, digitally.
Remember, these picture mark a milestone so it is important to get the
perfect picture! You may even want to take two or three rolls to be safe.
