Polliwogged || Category || Photography

Custom sonogram cufflinks

Many a dad would be thrilled to show off their growing child in such a gadgety way. Most of us dads have at least one work shirt we could pull off wearing these Custom Sonogram Cufflinks with, but I'm thinking this is the pitch-perfect gift for a couple who isn't ashamed of being pregnant at the wedding... [Via BoingBoing] - Jeremiah

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Plant a tree and watch your child grow with it!

One great way to celebrate your family and the rebirth of spring at the same time is by planting a tree, bush, or perennial in honor of the children in your family. You can do this to mark the birth of a new baby, but it can be done at any time. Not only will this plant add beauty to your yard, but it will also be exciting for your child to watch his her plant grow and change over the years.

I have written before about building a family tradition with an annual photo series. Planting a special plant for a child lends itself perfectly to this ritual. Each spring, the child can take a picture by his or her special plant to mark the growth of both. - Sara I.

Photo by thebusybrain, shared via Flickr.

Project 365: Take a photo a day

Over the last few weeks, I have been read a lot about Project 365. People around the world are participating in this "project" for which they take a picture a day for a full year.

To me, this sounds like a great way to document the life of a child. Just a few of what you could document: Feet jumping under a jumper, eating cereal, hands holding a bottle, swinging at the park, going for a walk, snuggling with mom... The options are endless, and with the series of photographs, parents will later be able to show their child what a year of their life was like.

You can find out more about Project 365 through the article "Project 365: How to Take a Photo a Day and See Your Life in a Whole New Way" on Photojojo. A quick Google search of Project 365 also brings up other blogs and Flickr groups taking part in the project.

As for me, I have been interested in this project since I heard about it, and I have decided to jump right in. Want to follow my family's adventures with Project 365? Check it out at A Year in the Life. Please let me know if you decide to participate, too - I would love to follow along! - Sara I.

Photo by BigTallGuy, shared via Flickr

Holiday photo fun with babies

Baby's first Christmas... what a fun time! It is a great opportunity to capture some creative pictures for memories to cherish for a lifetime. Here are a few unique ideas to get you started:

Take pictures of preparations - The actual day of the holiday isn't all there is to capture. Remember that this is the holiday season, stretching for a month or more. Take pictures of your little one getting involved in holiday preparations as well as in the cleanup, no matter how helpful (or not) they may be.

Stocking stuffers - Small infants can make great stocking stuffers! Capture a picture of your child becoming an integral part of your holiday season. It is a great memory of the holiday and of just how small that baby really is!

The gift of the season - Reflect on your true gift this holiday: Your baby! Turn your baby into a present by laying him underneath the tree or sitting him in a box. This picture captures the spirit perfectly.

Looking for more tips and ideas? Check out these links:

16 Digital Photography Tips for Christmas from the Digital Photography School

Christmas Pictures Can Tell Stories for Generations to Come from Best Family Photography Tips

- Sara I.

Photo by Raphael Goetter, shared via Flickr

Take great Halloween photos

With Halloween just around the corner, it is time to start thinking about some great photo traditions to start with the kids. I came across some wonderful sites online with tips on making the most of the holiday photo opportunities.

New York Institute of Photography: How to Take Great Halloween Pictures - This site has tons of tips and ideas on how to turn typical Halloween pictures, like the jack-o-lantern on the front porch or trick-or-treaters on their way around the block, into professional-looking photographs.

Digital Photography School: Holiday Photography Tips - Tips that you can use year-round to make your pictures better, applied to the Halloween holiday.

Kodak: Taking Great Halloween Pictures - This article by Kodak offers great photography tips in general as well as some ideas for some really cool Halloween pictures. Up for seeing ghosts, anyone?

A few of my favorite tips from these sites:

Take pictures in the late afternoon when you can use soft, natural light.

Try using a tripod and turning off your flash so as not to overexpose the picture.

To get "night" shots, take the pictures before it is completely dark. When pictures are printed, the bluish purple sky of twilight seems darker.

Get close. Good, now get closer. Fill your frame with your subject. This helps to unclutter your image and make your photograph really pop.

There are great photo opportunities to be had year after year. Do you have any favorite shots for your family?

Happy Haunting! - Sara I.

Photo by Just-Us-3, shared via Flickr

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