A picture of me meeting my little sister for the first time. Funny story – my mom didn’t even remember I had met her at the hospital, but this photo says otherwise!

As you are waiting to meet your brand-new baby, I want to help you prepare to take better pictures of not just your new baby, but of the rest of the family, too.

Let’s go through three photographer secrets that will make a huge difference in your pictures.

Tip 1: Position yourself for good light

If you only keep one trick in mind, let it be this one: When you can get a sparkle into your someone’s eyes, it instantly transforms the picture.

The trick? Make sure that there is some kind of light source in the direction where they are looking (most likely behind you or off to the side). This could be a window or a lamp.

Note: If the light comes from behind mom and baby, that light won’t make it into their eyes unless something behind you reflects it back.

Because the light is behind the baby, there’s no light in her eyes.

When baby is turned more in the direction of the window, there’s light in her eyes.

Tip 2: Get closer

Getting close for photos is one of my favorite things—it makes the viewer feel like they’re right where the action is.

Close-ups are also a great way to capture little details that might not be noticed in a photo taken from further away.

“If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.”

- Robert Capa

Simply put, fill the frame with the most interesting things and leave out everything else.

If you are photographing details specifically, remember to focus on those instead of the baby or family members in the picture.

Tip 3: Focus on parents, siblings, and grandparents, too

When taking pictures with a new baby around, it can be tricky to remember to photograph everyone else, too.

Even if a parent who has given birth doesn’t feel their best right then, I know from experience that they will appreciate those photographs later. Not even years later – it might be just a few short weeks later.

If you have other kiddos, or visiting relatives, make sure to photograph them, too.