(In addition to the tips below, tiny*prints has an informative 'things to know' page with graphics detailing photo do's and don't. You can find that page here) When to Photograph: Well rested and happily full babies make the best subjects. If you are having a photographer take your photos, try to coordinate a time when your baby is most content, perhaps after a nap. If you are taking the photos yourself, you can easily take beautiful photos with a few tips. Lighting and Environment: A sunny day works best, as natural sunlight is the softest and most flattering light. Having your baby on a blanket (solid colors work best) near a window or in a very well-lit room will give you the best light. If you have to use a flash, make sure there are other lights in the room that are turned on, to avoid washing out your baby's face with too much light. Try to have the least amount of shadows possible and make sure the photos aren't too dark. Baby's Clothing: Or none at all! We love photos of precious little ones in just a diaper or a blanket. Clothing should be comfortable and simple. The focus should be on your beautiful baby's face and body, so loud and busy patterns are not recommended. Digital Camera Settings: Use the highest possible resolution setting on your digital camera. If you are unsure, please consult the manual before taking your photos. You wouldn't want to take amazing photos and have them only look good on the web. Please make sure your photos are at least 1800 x 1200 pixels, larger preferred. Three megapixel cameras and above set at the highest settings are recommended. Also, please make sure the date stamp is turned off. Framing and Focus: Your beautiful baby is and should always be the focus of your announcement, so please remember that when taking your photos. Get up close to your baby, making sure to focus on his or her eyes when taking photos of the face. Experiment as well! Get on the floor with your baby and take shots looking up at him or her. Take photos of their hands, feet, ears, lips. You never know which ones will capture your heart or which ones you'll want to use in your announcement, invitation or holiday card. Make sure that your photo is in focus. A blurry photo cannot be sharpened, even with the greatest photo-editing software. Also, take lots of photos! Move around and take them from lots of different angles. Photo Don'ts: Do not upload a low resolution photo. If Aunt Sue took a photo that you love and want to use, make sure it's high resolution. Even if you love the photo, you will be disappointed if the quality is not what it should be. Do not take a low resolution photo and turn it into a high resolution photo in an imaging program. The photo must be taken in high resolution format. Do not take photos with a throw away camera or a cell phone!