How to take the best baby photos: Herald Sun photographer David Caird gives his tips

You’ve had a baby, and quickly your phone storage is filling up with never-ending snaps and videos. But how do you make sure they’re actually good? Herald Sun photographer David Caird has all the tips.

You’ve had a baby, and quickly your phone storage is filling up with never-ending snaps and videos.

But while any pic of bub is beautiful in your eyes, some just don’t seem to capture just how cute little Jimmy is.

Never fear, there is a way to improve your photo skills and it doesn’t require much.

Herald Sun photographer David Caird recommends parents take pics on newer phones with good cameras.

His first tip might be obvious but it still needs to be said.

Make sure you get the light right when you’re snapping away. Picture: David Caird

“Make you clean all the smudges off the lens,” he said.

The next step is to find where the light is.

“Look for indirect sunlight so it does not shine in the baby’s eyes, go for spots indoors or under a shady tree,” Caird said. “Avoid bright and busy backgrounds.”

Herald Sun photographer David Caird, with six-month-old Archie, shares his top tips for photographing your baby. Picture: Craig Hughes

When taking the image, make sure you hold the phone with two points of contact for stability.

“Pick a comfortable position for both you and the baby and try to be at eye level,” he said.

“I prefer to use the side buttons to take the photo because it is more stable.”

A favourite toy, held right near the camera, can also be used to capture the baby’s attention.

Holding a toy near the lens can keep baby interested. Picture: David Caird

For parents who want to leave the newborn photo shoot to the professionals, newborn photographer and pediatric nurse Elle Payne recommended parents search for someone they felt safe and comfortable with.

“You need to find a photographer you trust to hand over your baby,” Payne said.

“Being a pediatric nurse definitely helps build trust for me.”

If you do decide to go professional, Elle Payne recommends getting someone trained in newborn photography. Picture: Always Belle Photography

She recommended looking for photographers who were trained in newborn photography and knew how to handle babies.

“The industry is completely unregulated so look for people who have done courses or workshops,” she said.

“Newborn safety is such a big deal.”

Making sure it’s warm is also crucial, since babies can’t regulate their own temperature.

Now that you know how to take the best shots, enter your bub into our cutest baby competition.

Originally published as How to take the best baby photos: Herald Sun photographer David Caird gives his tips