Children's Portrait Photography Handbook

takes the time to photograph the baby on his back, with
the camera looking straight down. If a three-month-old
does not have to work to keep his head up, he can move
his energies into a smile or conversation with you. Trying
the tummy route first can backfire, though, because the
baby may be too tired to go on after that. Sometimes a
little food between the two sets can be very effective.
Some babies have adverse reactions to being on their
tummy. A good question to ask a parent prior to a tummy
photo session is if their baby will tolerate this position.

Props.To help a baby hold their head up while lying on

their tummy, you can buy U-shaped baby posers, found

at all retail baby stores. Stacy covers hers with fabric. “I

place the baby face forward with his feet dropped down

lower than his head,” she says. “My camera is lower than

the baby’s head. This gives the baby the appearance of

having more head strength than he really does, because

he does not need to lift his head as much to see me.”

Six- to Eleven-Month-Olds.Traditionally, parents

first have their child photographed at about six months of

This child, who is in the seven- to twelve-month-old category, is making an expression that one could assign to an adult. The range of
expressions at this age is phenomenal. Portraits like this are proof that a child doesn’t have to be smiling for it to be an effective portrait.