No child wants to grow up and find that their photo album is empty; there is something about photographs that evoke memories and emotions in all of us. With that in mind, you don’t want to miss all the classic moments of childhood. To be sure to document them all, check out our extensive list of photo opportunities here.
Here are some typical newborn shots:
- The Birth. My husband was so in shock that he couldn’t even push the shutter release button down. Luckily, a nurse stole the camera from him so we could at least get one shot in the delivery room.
- The Blowout. It’s absolutely disgusting, but the amount of pressure in a newborn is pretty amazing – and photo-worthy if you ask me.
- The Peaceful Nap. This is where you can employ the macro mode on your digital camera and get plenty of close-ups of your baby’s face. Send them to the grandparents so you can hear, “He looks like you.”
- The Roll. Indeed, nearly every parent has a picture of their child rolling over. It’s a must-have milestone.
Of course, you have to document all of those “firsts.”
- First Birthday. Whip out the cake, light the candle, and snap a few quick shots before your child either dives into the cake or eats the flame. Blow out the candle, then get plenty more pictures of your child crushing the cake through fingers and toes.
- First Words. This is best documented with a digital camera that has a movie mode or voice memo function. Almost all digital cameras have a movie mode, although some really cheap models don’t have audio. Eliminate any other noises so you can be sure to capture those words on video. The voice memo function allows you to record 5-30 seconds of audio with a picture, but the feature isn’t as common as the movie mode.
- First Day of School. This is a momentous occasion and to take a picture of your child waiting at the bus stop or standing in front of the school makes him or her feel special and more ready to face the new challenge.
- First Dance. You have to get the classic pictures of Homecoming and Prom dances. The posed pictures just before leaving the house are standard, but more interesting shots could be garnered from the picking out the tux at the store, checking hair in the mirror, and trying to fit that puffy dress in the car.
Plenty of events will come up, and you don’t want to miss a photo opportunity at these.
- Birthday Parties. The typical cake and candles shot is a necessity, but don’t miss out on the games and other opportunities. Sure, your kid is the star of the show but don’t forget to get pictures of other people there.
- Sporting Events. Your kid may be into soccer or into chess. Wherever his or her interest lies, be sure to document it with your digital camera. After all, those early pictures of Michael Jordon playing at Laney are probably worth a fortune now.
- Graduations. These ceremonies warrant too many posed pictures, but will still be viewed aplenty years later when friends are catching up.
- Weddings. Posed pictures with the family are always in order, but vary the pictures. Take close-ups of the bride and groom, their faces, her hair, their rings, the lace on the dress. Then get a few shots of the place they were married, the people that attended, and the couple’s getaway vehicle.
- Holidays. Everyone loves a good picture of their child dressed in a Santa suit or decked out in a pumpkin costume. Go a little further and get pictures of your child searching for Easter eggs, drawing on Valentines, or waving your country’s flag.
