Capturing Family Life in Photographs- Idea #4

Part of a series of ideas to help any parent take endearing and meaningful pictures of their kids.

 Idea #4 - Sleep Stories

A sleeping baby is a beautiful baby. And the same goes for children of any age. When children sleep there is something angelic

and ethereal about them. I think all parents can relate to the feeling of peace that can wash over you when you watch your child sound asleep, breathing deeply and rhythmically as they travel through dreamland. This is why I am a sucker for sleeping baby photos. I can never have too many pictures of my girls sleeping. And I even often coax my clients into letting their children nod off after our photo sessions so that I can capture this magical sleepy time in their kids. Of all the photos I take professionally none rival the “aaaw” factor of the sleeping shots.

While trying to get a good sleeping shot, avoid waking your child and try not to use the flash, if you can help it. Try to get it during naptime when you can use the natural light that’s available. If it’s too hard to get a shot of your baby in the crib, try giving them a nap somewhere that would be easier for you to get a good picture. And don’t forget to get in close for a few. When your child nods off in the car seat it’s the perfect opportunity to try your luck. This way you get the advantage of the daylight and your child propped upright to try to compose the dreamiest of shots. You can always go back later and edit the image by cropping in as to get rid of the evidence that you shot it in the car seat. Good luck and sweet dreams!

For some great sleeping shots taken by other parents, check these out. You might just get some good ideas!