Please be selective when sending in photos for your announcement, invitation, etc.  Professional photographs always look amazing.  However, the reality for many of us is that we can't always get professional photos done for every occasion.  There are some simple things that you can do to make your photos have a more professional look and therefore enhance the look of your photo card.  As a general rule we suggest to keep your photos as simple as possible.

For Birth Announcements and Invitations:

1.  Always keep the background simple.  If you are taking photos in your home try to keep the background light coloured and without distractions.  Darker backgrounds can look amazing as long as there is good lighting in the room.  Set up your own little studio by clearing away all the clutter and setting up some bed linens or special blankets.  Always try to keep it as simple as possible. 

2.  Lighting is so important in good photographs.  Natural lighting is always best. For indoor photos try to take your pictures near an open window where there is lots of natural light.  If you still don't have enough light try using some additional overhead lighting and lamps.  I am able to edit and lighten a photograph, however a poorly lit photograph to begin with will have more of a grainy look.  For outdoor photographs try taking them in the morning or early evening.  If it's cloudy then anytime of the day works fine.

3. Keep clothing choices simple. For birth announcements try dressing your baby in simple solid colour clothes.  A onesie or sleeper is a good choice.  Avoid large patterns, stripes or fancy clothing, as these take away from the natural beauty of your baby.

 4.  When taking photographs always make sure the date stamp is OFF.  Nothing is worse than seeing the date printed on each photograph. 

 5.Get close up! When photographing babies and/or toddlers, get down to their level and photograph them at eye level. Don't be afraid to zoom in for a close up of that beautiful baby face. But make sure your picture is in focus! For close-up shots, remember to use your camera's macro setting or your final image will be blurry (macro is generally represented by a flower icon and is for serious close-ups).  We are always able to crop your photo(s) as well.

 If you are taking photos of older siblings with a new baby make sure their heads are near each other.  For example, it does not look as good if a baby is laying on a childs lap. Rather have the older child get down to the babys level.

6. Make sure that your baby or child is in a good mood.  Babies are difficult models to begin with, so make sure that yours is well fed, rested and happy to begin with.  You will likely develop a new appreciation for baby and children photographers, I know that I have.

7. Take lots of photos! The advantage of digital cameras is that you can take many photos and simply delete the ones that don’t turn out. Take as many photos as possible.  Try to get photos of all the babies different angles. Do not forget to get close ups of the feet, hands, etc.  It is also a good idea to get a variety of horizontal and vertical shots.

8.  If you like the collage effect of an announcement, invitation, etc try to take all the photos at the same time (unless the collage is showing change or growth over time).  For example, for a birthday invitation set up a little area inside or outside, remembering to keep the clothing and background simple.  Take a variety of photos of your child doing different things are perhaps playing with a special toy.

For Wedding Thank You Cards:

1.  Try to send in photos that have a similar style with similar colours.  If you are choosing a card with a collage of photos try to get at least one close up, a full body shot, and perhaps a couple of photos that show details from your wedding (flowers, rings/ hands, etc).

*Always remember to send in high resolution, unedited photos.  We will do all the cropping, editing, etc.  If you still have unanswered questions that were not answered on this website please do not hesitate to contact us.