Taking pictures of your baby is a rite of passage for all parents, whether this is your first or sixth. Not only do parents want to freeze time while their child is so small and precious, but taking pictures is also often the answer to the question, "And what do I do all day while I am home by myself with a newborn?" (This is probably why we have 300 pictures from my twins’ first month of life.)

In preparation for our newest arrival, I wanted to check out some books on the subject and see if there was a way to take my photography skills to the next level, with information that I would still retain while extremely sleep-deprived. I was really impressed by the book How to Photograph Your Baby by Nick Kelsh. This book is all about the basics of shooting fantastic pictures with just a point-and-shoot camera. Although it seems a little outdated in mentioning film, the book is completely relevant to today’s new parents, offering a few basic ideas that can help you take pictures that look professional. The best part for me? The entire book can be digested in a naptime, with to-the-point writing and inspiring example pictures.

Feel like you are beyond the basics and would like a little more in-depth information on improving your photography skills? You should read through Photographing Your Family: And All the Kids and Animals That Wander Through Too by Joel Sartore with John Healey. Sartore is a National Geographic photographer, and he brings his professional expertise, as well as his personal experience as a dad, to his book. After going over general photography pointers, Sartore and Healey explore specific situations for photography, everything from taking family portraits to Fourth of July celebrations. The book is a winner for beginners or those who want specific pointers on family photography.

Here’s to baby picture for the family to ooh and aah over, and not just because of the cute baby! - Sara I.