photography tips

Baby's here — now capture all the details of the day before you forget them! Though a delivering mama doesn't need another thing to worry about, ensuring that her lil one's arrival is photographed is often at the top on her list. I asked mom and photographer Jennifer Little, founder of Fort Collins, CO-based Sugar Photography (no relation), to provide us with her best hospital photography tips. She said:

"My husband, Ryan, was able to capture these special moments for us, but he warns of the challenge, 'Playing the role of photographer, husband, father, and in some cases, new father can present huge challenges while trying to capture lasting images of some of the most important moments of your life. Understand that while your emotions will be up and down like a roller coaster, you can still capture those precious moments. In my case, there were times I couldn't even see through the viewfinder due to the swelling of tears, but in between all of the excitement and chaos, you can click away. It is important that the photos not necessarily be perfect, but that they capture your viewpoint of seeing your baby for the first time.' If you are able to hire a professional, do so, because the two of you will be able to [better] focus on your new arrival."

Keep reading for her 10 must-take photo ops in the hospital.

The holidays are all about family and tradition, and there are few traditions as universal as taking family photos. Whether trying to capture that perfect picture for your holiday card or documenting the actual holiday, there are few things that moms (and grandmas) want more than a great picture of their kids.

With that in mind, we turned to Milwaukee-based photographer Heather Cook Elliott (you may remember her from her daughter's adorable globe-trotting nursery and her election-inspired first birthday party). Heather says that we are too caught up in getting the perfect picture. "I'm a professional photographer specializing in capturing people in love — in love with each other, in love with their children, in love with their dogs, cooking, life in general. But still, soon after my 14-month-old daughter was born, I realized why it is so hard to take great photos of your own children and families, professional or not. We are obsessed with perfection and perfect people smiling perfectly in perfectly lit photos."

Heather goes on to say that we need to stop trying for the perfect snapshot, but instead go for a great photograph. She says, "Great photographs are records of their subjects. They capture a moment in time, a feeling, a relationship, and ultimately, great photographs are about authenticity." Check out her 10 tips for taking more authentic holiday photos.

Tis the season for holiday cheer — and stress over finding the perfect photo to place on your holiday card. We can try to capture our lil ones' personalities in a single shot, but it isn't exactly easy. We want our card to stand out among the sea of family photos that will arrive in friends and families' mailboxes in the coming weeks. Before putting your tots in their Fair Isle sweaters and charging the camera, check out these 9 fun holiday card ideas!

Source: Justine Ungaro

It's one of the most wonderful times of the year: holiday card-buying time! If you're anything like me, your holiday card is something you think about for months (photo shoot booked, coordinating outfits purchased, new designs from Minted and Tiny Prints reviewed), all the while plotting to make this your best holiday card ever. But even if you're a little less card-obsessed than I am, follow the advice from some of our favorite photographers and online card retailers, and you're guaranteed to impress your friends and family. From wardrobe to photo layout, from text decisions to personalization, these tips will make this year's card one to remember.

If you're anything like us, since you've had kids, you rarely put your camera down! While it's fun to simply snap away, I turned to mom and photographer Jennifer Little, founder of Fort Collins, CO-based Sugar Photography, to see what she considers to be the essential photos to take of her kids each month, ultimately creating a chronicle of her lil ones' growth. Keep reading to see what she includes on her list!

Fall is in the air, which means there are mounds of colorful leaves everywhere just waiting for your lil one to enjoy. Capture the moment with leaf-filled pictures that celebrate the crisp season. You don't need to be a professional to get these shots — it just takes a little prep work, patience, and lots and lots of Fall leaves. When shooting outdoors, opt for dappled light instead of direct sunlight or dark shade. And early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for glowing Autumn pics. Click through for a collection of leaf pictures you need to get with your kids this Fall.

Source: Flickr user Seth Lemmons

Ever see a friend's photo of siblings hugging each other lovingly and think to yourself, "My kids never break from tearing each other's hair out long enough to smile for a picture." Yeah, me too. And that's where the answer to beautiful sibling photography resides. You don't need a picture of both tots smiling in order to convey the loving relationship between siblings. Rather, you need the right atmosphere to make their true personalities shine.

Photographer and mom Jennifer Little, founder of Sugar Photography in Fort Collins, CO, recently shared some of her favorite pictures of brothers and sisters with us, and through those images, we've gleaned 11 tips to help fellow parents get better pictures of their kids together (without having to Photoshop a smiling face over a crying one).

All photos courtesy of Jennifer Little | Sugar Photography

Not every photo shoot has to make your child look like a little angel. "I found that there's a high demand for a more sophisticated, fashion-y, hipster feel for children's portraiture," says Chicago-based fashion and commercial photographer Maria Ponce — the camera star who also captured these amazing pregnancy pics.

Ponce's newest endeavor, Born and Raised Photography, follows those bumps as they grow into their own unique people, and yes, she likes to bring a little edge into her camera work. Whimsical and hip, Ponce is more likely to shoot a kid under the train tracks than in a field of flowers. If you share a similar aesthetic — i.e. would rather put your daughter in Babiators than a bow (full disclosure: that's my daughter, Mae, rocking shades and black) — then follow Maria's tips to make your little one look like the coolest kid in town at your next photo shoot.

Source: Born and Raised Photography