This is part 2 of our 28 part series Capturing Special Moments. Every other week, 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.

Anyone with a child under the age of one knows that there are four things children this age do quite well:  cry, eat, dirty their diapers and sleep!  While you may not want to take any photographs of your child’s dirty diapers, pictures of your infant as he or she slumbers is a great way to remember this precious time in your child’s life.  Believe it or not, there many creative ways or you to take photos of your infant as he or she sleeps, all of which will help you cherish precious memories while also successfully conveying the sweet innocence of the child under the age of one.

The Close Up

Taking a close up photo of your infant as he or she sleeps is a magnificent way to capture the delicate features of your child while also creating a memorable photograph.  When you take a close up photo that is taken at the child’s level, such as the one shown below, it creates a more intimate feel.  By “invading” the child’s space by getting at the same level, you make it seem as if you are lying there right next to your child - cheek to cheek.  You can almost feel the gentle breathing of the infant when you look at this lovely close up photo.

The Perfect Pose

Sometimes, you have to through all of your photographic training out the window and simply snap a beautiful moment when it occurs. This no-frills photo didn’t require using any special lighting or camera lenses.  Rather, it was the perfect pose at the perfect time.  With his hands tucked delicately in front of his face, this picture is sure to make you say “Awwww” every time you look at it.

The Crash

Just as there will be times when your precious baby strike the perfect sleepy time pose, there will also be times when your little bundle of joy just seems to crash wherever he or she can.  Be certain to snap this photo when it happens.  Not only is it simply adorable, it will provide you with something to embarrass your child with later when he or she becomes a teenager!

Baby and Mommy

Of course, all this taking care of an infant is an exhausting experience for mommy as well.  Therefore, there are likely to be plenty of times when mommy and baby will crash out together. This is another sentimental “sleepy time” that you will want to capture on film.  In the photo below, the photographer got down to the same level as the subjects before taking the photo, once again creating that feeling of intimacy.  In addition, he kept the focus on the baby, with mommy blurred a bit in the background.  This is a wonderful way to make the infant the primary focus of the photo while still including mommy in the special moment. In addition, the slight blurring of everything around the infant helps to create a dreamlike feel.

Of course, you can’t forget about daddy.  You can take a similar photo with him as the subject, such as the one below.

Or, you can just go for the raw photo that perfectly demonstrates the sheer exhaustion associated with being an infant - and of being the daddy who has to take care of her.

Regardless of the angle, lighting or lens you choose to use, remember to snap plenty of photos of your little bundle of joy as he or she sleeps.  They are truly precious moments to remember - just remember to squeeze in a nap or two for yourself between photos!

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