This is part 8 of our 28 part series Capturing Special Moments. Every month, Shannon will share photos and commentary from the key moments in your child’s development- from infancy thru early childhood. These are memories every parent will want to treasure for years to come. Follow along and don’t forget to share your special moments on our My Baby Photos Facebook group.

There is nothing more exciting to a parent than hearing your child read for the very first time.  But, before your child gets to the point where he or she is reading books, their will be plenty of exploration of books beforehand.  From story time with mom and dad to independently exploring words and books in all of their formats, capturing images of your child getting familiar with books is certainly an essential part of documenting all of your child’s life stages.  Here are a few examples to give you a little inspiration.

I’m a Little Adult

One of the most adorable aspects of capturing images of your child with books and other printed materials is the way he or she looks like a miniature adult.  In the photo below, for example, the little boy looks like a college student in his dorm room studying for a big test!

This little guy also looks quite studious as he finds a comfy spot on his couch so he can settle down and enjoy a good book.

Or, what about the little boy in the photo below?  Perhaps he is training to be the next big man on Wall Street.  Maybe he will be able to fix all of our country’s current economic woes!

Of course, it doesn’t get any more “adult” then enjoying some reading material while using the restroom.  Despite the grainy quality of the photo below, the moment captured by the photographer is absolutely priceless!

Capturing the Right Expression

As with any photo op, capturing the perfect expression will go a long way toward creating a memorable photo.  In the photo below, the look of pride and joy on the little boy’s face perfectly expresses a love of reading.

The look on the little girl’s face in the photo, combined with the wonderful composition, also results in a great photo.  After all, anyone who has read a Dr. Seuss book can understand why she has that smile on her face!

Sometimes, you don’t have to actually see the child’s face to express emotion, however, as the black and white photo below demonstrates.

Using Props to Enhance the Photo

Adding the right props to a photo of your child can help make a photo more amusing or meaningful.  The expression on the child’s face combined with the title of the book he is holding makes the photo below truly adorable. 

In the photo below, the unintentional props in the background create a memorable photo.  Just imagine!  Rather than playing with all of the toys surrounding him, this little boy has chosen to read.  He couldn’t even take the time to put a shirt on first!

Spending Time with Family

Of course, one of the great things about enjoying a good book is that it is something that can be shared with those you love - particularly while your child is still small enough for you to read the book together.  So, be sure to snap a few photos of you and other family members reading with your little guy or gal, like in the photo below.

You can even play around with fun angles when taking these photos, such as in the photo below where the primary focus is placed on the book.

Giving it Some Color

Whether meant for that purpose or not, your little one will likely want to add some color to the books around your home as well.  So, make sure to snap some photos of him or her enjoying crayons, such as in the photo below.

Or, wait for that perfect expression before snapping away.  Just look at how serious the little boy in the photo below appears to be!

Of course, when playing with crayons, your little one won’t be able to resist coloring his or her skin in the process - just like in the photo below.

And, who can resist taking a taste of those colorful crayons?  This little girl certainly can’t!

Your children will be reading books for years to come, but you likely will never see the same level of curiosity on their faces as you will at this stage.  So, be sure to snap plenty of photos so you can cherish these moments for years to come!

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