Crib Sheets: Getting the Best Ones for Your Money

Crib sheets are probably one of the most abused items in your baby's nursery. From baby spit up to leaky diapers, it may seem like you are constantly changing sheets, washing them, and putting them back on again. Endless cycle.

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Source: http://baby.about.com/b/2011/03/15/crib-sheets-getting-the-best-ones-for-your-money.htm

cute babies share your baby photos Marc AnthonyDanielle Alexandra Belle Kingston

Easy Diaper Cake Instructions for Baby Shower Gifts

Diaper cake instructions can help you create a memorable baby shower gift. Diaper cakes are popular as baby shower gifts because they are practical and can be used as a centerpiece for the party.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/markingmilestones/ss/diaper-cake-instructions.htm

Belle Kingston Stella Irene Augustus Dan Aykroyd Donna Dixon

Baby Food Browning

Browning when make homemade baby foods is a common problem. Find out how to prevent discoloring from occuring.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/feeding/f/homemade_baby_food_browning_food.htm

CHAPLIN HADDOW celebrity babies photos Ever Carradine FLORENCE ROSE ENDELLION

Beyonce Ends Manager Deal With Dad

Beyonce has parted ways with her father - Mathew Knowles will no longer manage his daughter’s phenomenally successful career. The patriarch resigned from his sales job in 1995 to take care of the star’s singing aspirations, helping to launch her career with hit girlgroup Destiny’s Child.� Knowles also managed his daughter’s bandmates Kelly Rowland and [...]

Source: http://www.babyrazzi.com/2011/03/30/beyonce-ends-manager-deal-with-dad/

ABEL JAMES Amy Poehler SUNDANCE THOMAS Kerri Walsh

Baby Talking

When does baby talking begin? Find out what major milestones to expect in language development during baby's first year.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/growthanddevelopment/f/baby_talking.htm

David Beckham Jesse James Louis JonBon Jovi Dorothea Hurley

No Cry Methods

Trying to get baby to sleep, but don't want him to "cry it out"? Here are some alternatives to sleep training methods which involve leaving your baby to cry alone.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/sleep/tp/Get-Baby-To-Sleep-Without-Crying.htm

Gytta Lubov AMADEUS BENEDICT EDLEY LUIS Boris Becker CHAPLIN HADDOW

Ashlee Simpson and Her Adorable Bookie Buddie

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/LbyK/~3/h-99XkvS9uc/ashlee-simpson-and-her-adorable-bookie.html

Cristian Anthony Muniz Céline Dion babies photos cute babies

Black and White Photos for Baby Scrapbooks

Black and white photos can add interest to baby scrapbooks and other photography projects. You can either take baby pictures in black and white or make your own black and white photos using image editing software.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/PhotographyTips/a/black-and-white-photos-baby.htm

Marc AnthonyDanielle Alexandra Belle Kingston Stella Irene Augustus Dan Aykroyd

Peter's Chair by Ezra Jack Keats

Though published in 1967, Peter's Chair is a book that children of today can still identify. Keats' now classic character, Peter, faces his jealousy over his new baby sister. Illustrated in Keats' hallmark style, children will delight over the pictures just as much as they will the story and the familiar characters.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/babysfamilymembers/ig/Best-Sibling-Books/Ezra-Jack-Keats--Peter-s-Chair.htm

Victoria Beckham David Beckham Jesse James Louis JonBon Jovi

Black and White Photos for Baby Scrapbooks

Black and white photos can add interest to baby scrapbooks and other photography projects. You can either take baby pictures in black and white or make your own black and white photos using image editing software.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/PhotographyTips/a/black-and-white-photos-baby.htm

Cristian Anthony Muniz Céline Dion babies photos cute babies

Reading, Routine and RR

Something clicked (and for once it's not my camera shutter) and Aidan is suddenly reading 200+ page Diaries of the Wimpy kid books during quiet time. This has a number of implications which include:

• The ability to self-entertain for long stretches of time (read, nap time for yours truly in the afternoon)
• The ability to read to his sister (read, regaining some sanity during the toughest part of the day, bedtime with potentially cranky children)
• The ability to learn and ask even more questions (read, back to square one)

The first two of course are welcome changes after six years. The thought that things actually get easier in parenting is always significant comfort. But lest anyone think there is any free time, any benefits are quickly subsumed by the barrage of associated questions. Questions relating to whether it's okay to torture his younger (Greg, the star of the book, does), why he doesn't get more money for peeing in the toilet (Manny, Greg's little brother does) and so on. Alas, it's great to experience Aidan's new found abilities.

Baby Photography Note: To the untrained eye, one might overlook that the photo was edited using a new Bamboo Fun Touch tablet. Think of it as a digital drawing pad for photo editing. It's a little disappointing though since half its functionality doesn't work in Adobe Lightroom. It's akin to discovering after a week that newborns don't actually sleep when you want them to.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PhatPhotographer/~3/TOF_Pl_6vWo/reading-routine-and-rr.html

Marc AnthonyDanielle Alexandra Belle Kingston Stella Irene Augustus Dan Aykroyd

Baby Bedding Safety

For many parents, a nursery just isn't complete without the finishing touches of adorable baby bedding. However, many safety groups advises against using crib bedding for fear of SIDS. Find out why you may want to skip those items altogether.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/livingwithbaby/a/baby_bedding.htm

CHAPLIN HADDOW celebrity babies photos Ever Carradine FLORENCE ROSE ENDELLION

Julius, the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes

Kevin Henkes' lovable and familiar character, Lilly, gets a new sibling. As she journeys through sibling rivalry and disgust of her little brother, Julius, she finds out how special he really is.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/babysfamilymembers/ig/Best-Sibling-Books/Julius--the-Baby-of-the-World.htm

Brooklyn Joseph Victoria Beckham David Beckham Jesse James Louis

Parenting Message Board

Parenting Message Boards are a great resource for moms and dads to get in touch with other people from all over the world about common parenting concerns. Our forum focuses on babies within the first year of life.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/parents5/a/parenting_message_boards.htm

Gytta Lubov AMADEUS BENEDICT EDLEY LUIS Boris Becker CHAPLIN HADDOW

Gifts From Baby

Your go-to source on gift ideas for siblings. Get suggestions on presents from baby brother or sister to older siblings. Many gift ideas and presents from baby.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/HolidaysWithBaby/ss/Valentines-Gifts-From-Baby_4.htm

CHAPLIN HADDOW celebrity babies photos Ever Carradine FLORENCE ROSE ENDELLION

Melissa Joan Hart?s Colorful Cuties

Melissa Joan Hart showed off her boys’ new haircuts on her Twitter page yesterday – with an added dash of color for fun! The “Melissa & Joey” star tweeted: “Boys got a hair cut on set today. This is one of my most fav pics of Brady ever..” Mason, 5, and Brady, 3, look pretty [...]

Source: http://www.babyrazzi.com/2011/03/26/melissa-joan-harts-colorful-cuties/

SUNDANCE THOMAS Kerri Walsh Nelson Eddy Cristian Anthony Muniz

The New Baby By Mercer Mayer

In this fun book featuring the much loved character, Little Critter, children will learn how Little Critter adjusts to a new baby. It will help them understand what they can do to be a good brother or sister. Perfect to be read with 4 to 8 year olds.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/babysfamilymembers/ig/Best-Sibling-Books/The-New-Baby-By-Mercer-Mayer.htm

Amy Poehler SUNDANCE THOMAS Kerri Walsh Nelson Eddy

How to Create a Baby Scrapbook

Learn how to create a baby scrapbook without spending a lot of time or money on the project. Baby scrapbook freebies and page kits make assembling a baby album quick and easy.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/Baby-Scrapbooks/a/baby-scrapbooks.htm

babies photos cute babies share your baby photos Marc AnthonyDanielle Alexandra

Your Cupcake's Birthday Cake

What's better than a party with lots of cupcakes? Birthday parties with one BIG cupcake!

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/markingmilestones/ig/Birthday-Cake-Ideas/Giant-Cupcake.htm

celebrity babies Gytta Lubov AMADEUS BENEDICT EDLEY LUIS Boris Becker

First Birthday Cake Ideas

Looking for cute first birthday cake ideas? Check out this rubber duckie cake!

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/markingmilestones/ig/Birthday-Cake-Ideas/Rubber-Duck.htm

Kerri Walsh Nelson Eddy Cristian Anthony Muniz Céline Dion

Personalized Easter

Personalized Easter baskets are a great keepsake item to invest in for your baby or child. Here are some of the best options for Easter baskets with embossed names and monograms.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/markingmilestones/tp/personalized_easter_baskets.htm

share your baby photos Marc AnthonyDanielle Alexandra Belle Kingston Stella Irene Augustus

Abercrombie unveils push-up bikini for kids

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/babycenter/blog/~3/UK6PhPddc4A/

celebrity babies Gytta Lubov AMADEUS BENEDICT EDLEY LUIS Boris Becker

Calm Colic

Often babies long for the warmth and comfort of physcial touch. Some babies may be soothed by baby massage and skin to skin contact.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/livingwithbaby/ss/how_to_calm_colic_4.htm

babies photos cute babies share your baby photos Marc AnthonyDanielle Alexandra

Cluster Feeding and Breastfeed

Cluster feeding is the term that refers to when a baby breastfeeds often over the course of a few hours.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/breastfeeding/g/cluster_feeding_and_breastfeeding.htm

Stella Irene Augustus Dan Aykroyd Donna Dixon Brooklyn Joseph

Jodie Sweetin and Family Hit the Mall

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/LbyK/~3/T220WCxuivE/jodie-sweetin-and-family-hit-mall.html

Marc AnthonyDanielle Alexandra Belle Kingston Stella Irene Augustus Dan Aykroyd

Virtue Names

Beyond, Faith, Grace, and Hope. In recent years virtue names have seen a resurgence in baby-naming popularity. Here's a quick list of names that speak of a person's character.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/welcomingbabyhome/qt/Virtue-Names-Beyond-Faith-Grace-And-Hope.htm

share your baby photos Marc AnthonyDanielle Alexandra Belle Kingston Stella Irene Augustus

Slow Mo in the Bay Area

If you ever feel like life is speeding by you or your kids are growing too quickly, here's a photography trick for you, dragging the shutter (or the notion of using a longer exposure). The technique is useful for capturing motion (in sports or waterfalls) or to replicate the effects of age on your memories and results in blurred photos depicting motion. Put another way, it slows the camera down so it's like taking video except all the motion is burned onto a single frame.

If however, the children are driving you crazy, then this photography tip does nothing to speed their development. ... and however tempting it might be to throw yourself in the water, it's not deep enough - not that I tried.

I think God went out of His way to make children cute for the very reason that we have adorable faces to look at when we're on the edge. Cheerio.

Technical Photography Tips: 1/20 sec at f8, ISO 80. This is the lowest ISO and smallest aperture allowed on a Canon G9 point and shoot and with a 1/20 exposure permits reasonably sharp children (who were surprisingly still) and a nice blur of the waterfall. With a subtle fill flash (and a little Lightroom action), the children remain well lit relative to the sun reflecting off the waterfall.

Related Posts:

Fast Moving Baby Photography - Holding on to dear life as the Caltrain speeds by.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PhatPhotographer/~3/gC-UnApD6Bg/slow-mo-in-bay-area.html

Nelson Eddy Cristian Anthony Muniz Céline Dion babies photos

Mothers Breast Milk Water

You may have heard that nursing moms need to drink lots and lots of water, but do will guzzling water help mothers' breast milk supply?

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/breastfeeding/f/Does-Drinking-Lots-Of-Water-Increase-Mothers-Breast-Milk-Supply.htm

David Cameron ABEL JAMES Amy Poehler SUNDANCE THOMAS

Photo Matting Alternatives For Your Baby Scrapbook Pages

Learn how to make simple scrapbooks by saving time on photo matting. Discover alternatives to traditional photo mats that work well with baby scrapbook layouts, such as photo matting one image only or using photo corners.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/Baby-Scrapbooks/tp/photo-matting-alternatives.htm

celebrity babies photos Ever Carradine FLORENCE ROSE ENDELLION David Cameron

Turn Photos Into Coloring Pages for Unique New Sibling Gifts

Using Adobe Photoshop Elements, you can turn photos into coloring pages to create unique new sibling gifts. By applying a few filters, baby photos and family snapshots can be turned into simple coloring pages for a custom coloring book.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/PhotographyTips/tp/photos-into-coloring-pages.htm

Stella Irene Augustus Dan Aykroyd Donna Dixon Brooklyn Joseph

Baby Food Browning

Browning when make homemade baby foods is a common problem. Find out how to prevent discoloring from occuring.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/feeding/f/homemade_baby_food_browning_food.htm

Marc AnthonyDanielle Alexandra Belle Kingston Stella Irene Augustus Dan Aykroyd

Stopping Breastfeeding Pain

Especially in the early weeks, stopping breastfeeding pain is imperative to breastfeeding success. Sore nipples can also be a problem during teething, mastitis, breast infections, and during weaning. Stopping breastfeeding pain can be fairly simple with these tips.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/breastfeeding/qt/quick_comfort_for_sore_nipples.htm

celebrity babies photos Ever Carradine FLORENCE ROSE ENDELLION David Cameron

Crib Drawers

You'll often find styles of crib that contain crib drawers. Crib drawers seem like a convenient feature, but are they worth the extra money? Find out the benefits and bummers about crib drawers.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/sleep/f/Crib-Drawers.htm

CHAPLIN HADDOW celebrity babies photos Ever Carradine FLORENCE ROSE ENDELLION

Morning Routine +1

Every family has a morning routine or in our case, aspires to one. Which one of the following do you find most intriguing in our half hour routine each morning to leave the house?

• Doing Kumon (2 sets of math and reading worksheets with about 100 problems). We're Chinese so this is the bit of the Tiger Mom in us.
• Yelling. Um, yeah, we're not proud of it.
• Face painting (our newest addition) ...

That's right, every morning we do face painting. Hockey sticks, flowers, hearts, you name it. While we're virtually unyielding on the big things (like learning Chinese, math, being nice to your parents), we try to be pretty flexible on the little ones. So if face painting gets everyone moving and adds some giggles in the morning, so be it. Maybe I should write a book, "Why Silly Fathers are Superior?"

On a related note, if anyone wants their children's faces painted before a photo shoot, you know who to call. Pink butterflies and ferocious sharks are my specialty.

Technical Baby Photography Notes: The photograph makes use of a professional photography technique that I like to call "the gratuitous use of light" which is a close relative to the gratuitous use of expensive photography equipment. The natural window light behind Zoe is really nice, but the first head shot I took, while beautiful, looks similar to other portraits I have of her (big eyes, cute smile, soft lighting, and blurred background). So I take a few steps back (I use non-zoom prime lenses because I need the exercise) which serves the purpose of capturing more of the scene and telling the story. Second, I mount a Canon Speedlite (i.e. small flash) on the shelf behind Zoe to create some separation and contrast between her and the background. Unfortunately, even after putting it at 1/128 power (the lowest setting available) and adding Gaffer's tape to the flash, the photo still appears like God is watching her eat her Wheaties. Before I can correct the flash output, my stomach growls, which is my cue to get what I can before it's all gone.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PhatPhotographer/~3/NAHOC_3DVRw/morning-routine-1.html

share your baby photos Louis Bardo Sandra Bullock Vera Famiga

Co-Sleeping Definition

Co-sleeping, sleep sharing, and the family bed are different terms that describe the same parenting sleep practice. Many advocate co-sleeping for its benefits, others attack it for its potential dangers.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/sleep/p/cosleeping_explanation.htm

Sandra Bullock Vera Famiga celebrity babies Gytta Lubov

Crib Drawers - Wise or a Waste?

So the crib hunt for our nursery continues, and I was considering getting a crib with one of those under the crib drawers that pull out. After a little leg work and feedback from friends, I've decided to save about $100 and skip the drawer. Evidently, the lack of a top of the drawer means that whatever you put down there becomes a magnet for dust bunnies.

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Source: http://baby.about.com/b/2011/02/26/crib-drawers-wise-or-a-waste.htm

share your baby photos Louis Bardo Sandra Bullock Vera Famiga

Physical Development from 6 to 9 Months

During months 6 to 9 of your baby's physical development will pass by more quickly than you can imagine. During this time you will note changes in your infant's growth, appearance, motor abilities, and sensory development.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/growthanddevelopment/ig/Physical-Development-of-Babies/Physical-Development-6-to-9.htm

Gytta Lubov AMADEUS BENEDICT EDLEY LUIS Boris Becker CHAPLIN HADDOW

Find Baby Photo Ideas

Learn how to find baby photo ideas for your scrapbook album by understanding the different between photojournalism and artistic photography. Knowing whether you want to document or interpret an event will help you decide which baby photo ideas are most appropriate.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/PhotographyTips/a/baby-photo-ideas.htm

Donna Dixon Brooklyn Joseph Victoria Beckham David Beckham

Baby Football Hat for Your Little Sport

For the family of sports fanatics, this adorable knit baby football cap is a must-have.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/livingwithbaby/ig/Baby-Hats/Baby-Football.htm

Marc AnthonyDanielle Alexandra Belle Kingston Stella Irene Augustus Dan Aykroyd

Natalie Portman Is Oscar Bound!

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/LbyK/~3/YE1gvN0TWVc/natalie-portman-is-oscar-bound.html

Marc AnthonyDanielle Alexandra Belle Kingston Stella Irene Augustus Dan Aykroyd

Jennifer Lopez Is One Bundled Up Diva

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/LbyK/~3/92eLtXqBiKA/jennifer-lopez-is-one-bundled-up-diva.html

David Beckham Jesse James Louis JonBon Jovi Dorothea Hurley

7 ways to raise a green baby on a budget

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/babycenter/blog/~3/4KxenK8-b60/

Cristian Anthony Muniz Céline Dion babies photos cute babies

Lactose Free Formula

Lactose free formulas are on rare occasions used to replace cow's milk based formula for infants shown to have lactose intolerance.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/formulafeeding/g/lactose_free_formulas.htm

Gytta Lubov AMADEUS BENEDICT EDLEY LUIS Boris Becker CHAPLIN HADDOW

Pump and Dump

Planning on a night out drinking alcohol? Breastfeeding moms may wonder what the facts are - if they must pump and dump their breastmilk before feeding following a night of drinking and is it safe?

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/breastfeeding/f/pump_dump.htm

ABEL JAMES Amy Poehler SUNDANCE THOMAS Kerri Walsh

Elegant First Birthday Cakes

First birthday cakes are special. Find great ideas for your upcoming party.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/markingmilestones/ig/Birthday-Cake-Ideas/Boy-Birthday.htm

share your baby photos Louis Bardo Sandra Bullock Vera Famiga

Sarah Jessica Parker Is Pretty In Purple

Sarah Jessica Parker and son James pulled out their lighter coats today for the morning school run. Sarah is currently shooting two new films “New Year’s Eve” and “I Don’t Know How She Does It“, both of which are filming in NYC. Has spring finally arrived in your neck of the woods? Photos by Fame [...]

Source: http://www.babyrazzi.com/2011/03/18/sarah-jessica-parker-is-pretty-in-purple/

FLORENCE ROSE ENDELLION David Cameron ABEL JAMES Amy Poehler

Physical Development from 6 to 9 Months

During months 6 to 9 of your baby's physical development will pass by more quickly than you can imagine. During this time you will note changes in your infant's growth, appearance, motor abilities, and sensory development.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/growthanddevelopment/ig/Physical-Development-of-Babies/Physical-Development-6-to-9.htm

Sandra Bullock Vera Famiga celebrity babies Gytta Lubov

Character Crib Bedding

Looking to decorate your nursery with a specific character theme? Crib bedding is available in multiple popular cartoon characters. See which manufacturers put out certain designs.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/livingwithbaby/qt/character_crib_bedding.htm

Dorothea Hurley share your baby photos Louis Bardo Sandra Bullock

Calm Colic

Moving objects, like baby mobiles, may stimulate your baby in such a way that it distracts her from her fussy period.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/livingwithbaby/ss/how_to_calm_colic_10.htm

Gytta Lubov AMADEUS BENEDICT EDLEY LUIS Boris Becker CHAPLIN HADDOW

8 Gift Ideas for New Moms

What's one way to pamper the new mom? Gifts that indulge or address a need. New moms truly deserve a little bit of coddling once a new baby arrives. These gift ideas are sure to point you in the right direction for a special gift for the new mother.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/parents5/tp/gift_ideas_new_moms.htm

Dan Aykroyd Donna Dixon Brooklyn Joseph Victoria Beckham

Matthew McConaughy Is On Beachside Double Daddy Duty

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/LbyK/~3/bU7IjZBWm_Y/matthew-mcconaughy-is-on-beachside.html

ABEL JAMES Amy Poehler SUNDANCE THOMAS Kerri Walsh

Nate Dogg dies at 41

by Whit Honea posted in Celebrities Nathaniel D. Hale, otherwise known as Nate Dogg, died on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 after suffering two strokes in recent years. Hale was born and raised in Long Beach, California and had a successful singing career in hip-hop. He was nominated for four Grammy Awards and was best known... Read more »

Source: http://blogs.babycenter.com/celebrities/nate-dogg-dies-at-41/

Vera Famiga celebrity babies Gytta Lubov AMADEUS BENEDICT EDLEY LUIS

Josh Duggar: "No control" of family size

by Sara McGinnis posted in Celebrities Will Josh and Anna Duggar be having as many kids as his parents, Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar? Josh, the eldest of the Duggar kids featured on TLC's 19 Kids and Counting, is currently expecting his second child with wife Anna. In a new interview the 23-year-old opens up... Read more »

Source: http://blogs.babycenter.com/celebrities/josh-duggar-we-have-no-control-over-family-size/

CHAPLIN HADDOW celebrity babies photos Ever Carradine FLORENCE ROSE ENDELLION

Visual Tracking

Learn practical ways to develop baby vision with simple activities.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/livingwithbaby/qt/Baby-Vision-Developing-Visual-Tracking-Skills.htm

Gytta Lubov AMADEUS BENEDICT EDLEY LUIS Boris Becker CHAPLIN HADDOW

Bright Smiles and Lights Out

Every year, we have the "tradition" of opening up a present a week before Christmas for the following reasons:

1. The kids get a lot of gifts and when they open it all on one day, many great toys get pushed aside or forgotten since they can only play with one thing at a time. Spreading out the gifts gets more entertainment mileage from everyone's generosity.
2. It allows a bit more focus on the story of Christmas on the 25th
3. It allows me to play with my new iPad guilt free. Thanks wifey.

So bright smiles abound to Aidan and Zoe. Aidan was preoccupied building a 1000 piece Lego Star Wars gunship but my other lovely model was able and willing.

Special thanks this week to Arkadiy for helping me get past my photographer's blogging block over on my Facebook page and suggesting this week's post. So tonight we're going to talk about taking photos of the Christmas lights in your home or neighborhood. Unfortunately, I got sick (thus the Lights Out title) so all the photographs will be indoor examples.

Fortunately, my model was in betterspirits than I was and provided a variety of unsolicited poses with her unicorn (her Christmas gift from her brother who painstakingly saved for it). With Christmas lights or evening photos of city lights, you typically want to dial down the exposure compensation (basically the knob that tells your camera you want everything darker) by 1-2 stops or use the night setting (usually a moon and/or star icon) on your point and shoot. This sets the mood (that's its dark and not broad daylight) and prevents the lights from appearing washed out.

If we stopped there than my girl would be in the dark so my little sweetheart is illuminated with a 24" softbox, camera high, from six feet up pointing down so it didn't cast an awkward shadow on the tree in the back. You of course don't need your child in the photo which greatly simplifies things (just like not having kids simplifies a lot of things) but what's Christmas without your kids smiling back at you.

Technical Baby Photography Tips: What you want more? Okay, the softbox light is gelled with a 1/2 CTO so the light coming out of it is about half as warm as the tungsten lights on the tree. Actually I have no idea if all the lights are tungsten but lets just pretend I know what I'm talking about. Generally I do the opposite and have the subject warmer than the background but that's the beauty of photography - there's always opportunities to mix things up or pretend that something that happened to work was intentional. The camera settings were set to Av Mode so the camera would meter for the ambient light (minus a stop and a half or so) at ISO 400 and f2. Oh, the most important tip: have fun and enjoy your family, friends and the iPad, I mean loved ones.

Related Posts:

Our Christmas Card - In case you'd like to see more photos of our Christmas tree (and our smiling faces).

Last Christmas - Wow! The kids have really grown up and so has my photography of them.

Other Ideas - My contact info if you have other ideas feel free to email me or find me on my photography FaceBook page.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PhatPhotographer/~3/a1Kq0A1928k/bright-smiles-and-lights-out.html

JonBon Jovi Dorothea Hurley share your baby photos Louis Bardo

Getting Ready for Baby's First Photo Shoot

Learn how to plan for baby's first photo shoot. Select the perfect outfit and props to turn your newborn baby photos into a chance for precious baby photos that will put a smile on your face.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/markingmilestones/a/Newborn-Baby-Photos-Getting-Ready-For-Babys-First-Photo-Shoot.htm

Céline Dion babies photos cute babies share your baby photos

Caterpillar Cupcakes for the Very Hungry Caterpillar

Want to have the dessert be a birthday party cupcake? Chain cupcakes together to make A Very Hungry Caterpillar

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/markingmilestones/ig/Birthday-Cake-Ideas/Caterpillar-Cupcakes.htm

Victoria Beckham David Beckham Jesse James Louis JonBon Jovi

A contraction is not exactly a cramp

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/babycenter/blog/~3/899e1v4mdgY/

CHAPLIN HADDOW celebrity babies photos Ever Carradine FLORENCE ROSE ENDELLION

Baby Bath

Baby bath adventures can be a source of fun and delight for parent and child. Here are some tips on how to play with your baby while in the tub.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/activities/qt/Baby-Bath-And-Waterplay.htm

Cristian Anthony Muniz Céline Dion babies photos cute babies

Danielle LLoyd & Jamie O?Hara Expecting Baby #2

Engaged couple Danielle Lloyd and soccer star Jamie O’Hara are pregnant again! The two already have an eight-month-old son Archie, and are expecting baby number two after she had a contraceptive device removed — they didn’t waste anytime!� She said: “I didn’t plan on having another baby for at least five years. I had a [...]

Source: http://www.babyrazzi.com/2011/03/16/danielle-lloyd-jamie-ohara-expecting-baby-2/

Belle Kingston Stella Irene Augustus Dan Aykroyd Donna Dixon

Donating to Japan? This star is going big!

by Sara McGinnis posted in Celebrities Mark Hoppus knows how to put his memorabilia where his heart is. The Blink 182 singer has created an Ebay auction page filled with items from the band's glory days that are being auctioned off to support the American Red Cross. Items in the auction, which promise 100% of... Read more »

Source: http://blogs.babycenter.com/celebrities/donating-to-japan-this-star-is-going-big/

Stella Irene Augustus Dan Aykroyd Donna Dixon Brooklyn Joseph

Jessica Simpson Dreams Of Son

Jessica Simpson is dreamt about having a son called Tenacious D – named after the rock band fronted by Jack Black. ?Dreamt that I had a son named Tenacious D? That was a strange one,? Jessica wrote. I guess the singer has babies on the brain.� Jessica admits about wanting to have children with boyfriend [...]

Source: http://www.babyrazzi.com/2011/03/15/jessica-simpson-dreams-of-son/

Brooklyn Joseph Victoria Beckham David Beckham Jesse James Louis

Make Disposable Baby Wipes

Simple directions on how to make your own disposable baby wipes from paper towels.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/livingwithbaby/ss/homemade_disposable_baby_wipes.htm

SUNDANCE THOMAS Kerri Walsh Nelson Eddy Cristian Anthony Muniz

Shadow Games

Playing with your baby can be made simple with these activities that use your baby's developing sense of light and shadows.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/activities/qt/Playing-With-Baby-Shadow-Games.htm

Dorothea Hurley share your baby photos Louis Bardo Sandra Bullock

First Foods

There are many great choices for first foods for your baby. While cereal is a popular choice, check out these other fruits and vegetable options.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/feeding/qt/first_foods_baby.htm

Jesse James Louis JonBon Jovi Dorothea Hurley share your baby photos

Hypoallergenic Formula

Details on hypoallergenic formulas which are occasionally used as an alternative to cow's milk based formula and soy formula.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/formulafeeding/g/hypoallergenic_formulas.htm

JonBon Jovi Dorothea Hurley share your baby photos Louis Bardo

Drinking Breastfeeding

A night of drinking, breastfeeding, is it a no-no? Find out if that glass of wine is a no-no, whether you need to "pump and dump" your milk, and other safety precautions.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/breastfeeding/f/drinking_alcohol_and_breastfeeding.htm

Cristian Anthony Muniz Céline Dion babies photos cute babies

Elegant First Birthday Cakes

First birthday cakes are special. Find great ideas for your upcoming party.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/markingmilestones/ig/Birthday-Cake-Ideas/Boy-Birthday.htm

babies photos cute babies share your baby photos Marc AnthonyDanielle Alexandra

Martha Stewart Is A Grandmother

Lifestyle guru Martha Stewart became a first-time grandmother this week (beg07Mar11) after her daughter welcomed a baby girl. Stewart’s daughter Alexis became a mother on Tuesday (3/8) to baby Jude, who was born via a surrogate. Alexis reportedly turned to a surrogate after failing to conceive using in-vitro fertilization procedures, and Stewart is thrilled her [...]

Source: http://www.babyrazzi.com/2011/03/14/martha-stewart-is-a-grandmother/

Victoria Beckham David Beckham Jesse James Louis JonBon Jovi

Tony Danza Getting A Divorce

Another one bites the dust…Tony Danza and his wife, Tracy Danza, is getting a divorce. According to TMZ and People magazine, the married couple are filing “irreconcilable differences.” There were married for about 25 years, and have two daughters together – Katherine (23) and Emily (17). Tony also has a son, Marc, from an earlier [...]

Source: http://www.babyrazzi.com/2011/03/11/tony-danza-getting-a-divorce/

share your baby photos Marc AnthonyDanielle Alexandra Belle Kingston Stella Irene Augustus

Gift for Baby

Looking for the perfect gift for baby aged 6 to 9 months? Check out these suggestions for fun, developmentally appropriate toys that are sure to keep him entertained?

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/markingmilestones/tp/baby_gift_6_to_9_months.htm

Jesse James Louis JonBon Jovi Dorothea Hurley share your baby photos

Colic Baby Massage

Some parents identify a relationship between soothing colic, baby massage, and other methods of gentle physical contact. If you are trying to calm your colicky or fussy baby, you might find success with one of these methods.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/livingwithbaby/qt/colic_baby_massage.htm

Céline Dion babies photos cute babies share your baby photos

Infant Car Seat Carrier Guide

Parents often get caught up in buying the "best" infant car seat for their baby. However, there is no one "best" restraint. Rather parents should look at a number of factors to determine which car seat is best for their car, their baby, and their lifestyle.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/babygear/p/infant_car_seat_carriers.htm

David Beckham Jesse James Louis JonBon Jovi Dorothea Hurley

Creative Themes for Baby Announcements

Get creative ideas for baby announcements. Whether you're looking for elegant and modern announcements or baby announcements that are cute and clever, making your own birth announcements is very easy.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/markingmilestones/a/birth-announcement-ideas.htm

Donna Dixon Brooklyn Joseph Victoria Beckham David Beckham

What Is Attachment Parenting

Attachment parenting, a method of raising socially confident children, is defined. Learn the basic principles of attachment parenting and how cosleeping, babywearing, and gentle discipline ties into the philosophy of rearing children.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/parentingmethods/f/attachment_parenting_definition.htm

cute babies share your baby photos Marc AnthonyDanielle Alexandra Belle Kingston

Baby Bedding Safety

For many parents, a nursery just isn't complete without the finishing touches of adorable baby bedding. However, many safety groups advises against using crib bedding for fear of SIDS. Find out why you may want to skip those items altogether.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/livingwithbaby/a/baby_bedding.htm

celebrity babies Gytta Lubov AMADEUS BENEDICT EDLEY LUIS Boris Becker

Baby Sleep Needs

Wondering about baby sleep needs? Perhaps your baby is sleeping too much or not enough. Find out general guidelines for baby sleep amounts.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/sleep/f/how_much_sleep_does_baby_need.htm

AMADEUS BENEDICT EDLEY LUIS Boris Becker CHAPLIN HADDOW celebrity babies photos

10 Most Underrated Destinations in France

Thinking of visiting France? Don't just stick to Paris. There's more to see than the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.

• Tour Spain by Bus or Train
• 10 Best Sights and Attractions in Germany

Source: http://gofrance.about.com/od/travelplanning/tp/Top_ten_underrated_destinations_in_France.htm

Vera Famiga celebrity babies Gytta Lubov AMADEUS BENEDICT EDLEY LUIS

Shadow Games

Playing with your baby can be made simple with these activities that use your baby's developing sense of light and shadows.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/activities/qt/Playing-With-Baby-Shadow-Games.htm

David Beckham Jesse James Louis JonBon Jovi Dorothea Hurley

Photo Display Ideas for Baby Pictures

Use creative photo display ideas to transform your favorite baby pictures into unique wall art. Fun ways to display photos include using photo ledges, making a photo wall display, and creating a photo room border.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/PhotographyTips/tp/photo-display-ideas-baby-pictures.htm

JonBon Jovi Dorothea Hurley share your baby photos Louis Bardo

Scrapbook Page Kits are Great for Busy Parents

Scrapbook page kits let you save time making your baby scrapbook album. You can make baby page kits from your own supply stash or buy scrapbook page kits from a craft store.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/Baby-Scrapbooks/a/scrapbook-page-kits-baby.htm

Belle Kingston Stella Irene Augustus Dan Aykroyd Donna Dixon

Baby Sleep Needs

Wondering about baby sleep needs? Perhaps your baby is sleeping too much or not enough. Find out general guidelines for baby sleep amounts.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/sleep/f/how_much_sleep_does_baby_need.htm

David Beckham Jesse James Louis JonBon Jovi Dorothea Hurley

Easy Diaper Cake Instructions for Baby Shower Gifts

Diaper cake directions are intended to be flexible so you can adapt the project to fit your needs, including making the cake from cloth diapers.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/markingmilestones/ss/diaper-cake-instructions_2.htm

Boris Becker CHAPLIN HADDOW celebrity babies photos Ever Carradine

Natalie Portman Works Out in Beachwood Canyon

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/LbyK/~3/nH6zpU05RmE/natalie-portman-works-out-in-beachwood.html

FLORENCE ROSE ENDELLION David Cameron ABEL JAMES Amy Poehler

Chocolate Birthday Cake for the Chocolate Lover

This chocolate birthday cake is fancy and irresistable.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/markingmilestones/ig/Birthday-Cake-Ideas/Chocolate-Birthday-Cake.htm

Dan Aykroyd Donna Dixon Brooklyn Joseph Victoria Beckham

Pink and Carey Hart Show Off Some PDA in Malibu

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/LbyK/~3/KTc3z4-GHDg/pink-and-carey-hart-show-off-some-pda.html

Boris Becker CHAPLIN HADDOW celebrity babies photos Ever Carradine

Baby Bath

Baby bath adventures can be a source of fun and delight for parent and child. Here are some tips on how to play with your baby while in the tub.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/activities/qt/Baby-Bath-And-Waterplay.htm

ABEL JAMES Amy Poehler SUNDANCE THOMAS Kerri Walsh

Great Baby Picture Frames

I bet you have no shortage of baby photos. It seems that first year, more often that not, you have a camera in your hand (whether it's a film, digital, ...

Read Full Post

Source: http://baby.about.com/b/2011/02/13/great-baby-picture-frames.htm

share your baby photos Louis Bardo Sandra Bullock Vera Famiga

Attachment Parenting Internati

Attachment Parenting International (API) is a non-profit organization designed to support parents raise socially and emotionally healthy children.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/parentingmethods/g/attachment_parenting_international.htm

Amy Poehler SUNDANCE THOMAS Kerri Walsh Nelson Eddy

R and R

R&R could mean:

• Rundown and ragged
• Rest and relaxation
• Reading and reclining

Or it's all of the above. I'm so fried it's not even funny. I haven't worked this hard since I had kids - oh wait! Anyway, the three day weekend is nearly here so I'm looking forward to closing the laptop, putting the camera away (gasp) and relaxing a bit with the family.

Which of course brings me to my little friends reading Harry Potter.

Baby Photography Notes: Sometimes natural light is all you need, especially when you have a big window. The light naturally falls off so as long as your subject (a.k.a not what I usually refer to kids but hey) are in the foreground, the light naturally highlights them. It also helps if they're wearing something brighter than the surrounding furniture and walls.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PhatPhotographer/~3/dW2AOC9DgrM/r-and-r.html

Dorothea Hurley share your baby photos Louis Bardo Sandra Bullock

Baby Cocoon and Hat Set

Looking for a cocoon set perfect for newborn photos, look no further. This knit "pear" of cocoon and cap is perfect.

Source: http://baby.about.com/od/livingwithbaby/ig/Baby-Hats/Baby-Cocoon.htm

AMADEUS BENEDICT EDLEY LUIS Boris Becker CHAPLIN HADDOW celebrity babies photos

Singing to a Different Tune and a Promotion

Parents skip to the bottom, photographers and people looking to license music read on.

So I had aspirations of finishing my new website in the first week of January and am now in the uncomfortable position of working on it on the side (which is like casually saying you're raising a child in your free time). Like many photography websites, mine was going to use music to compliment my photography (and there is a promotion coming) so I went about the arduous task of trying to license my favorite songs. In case anyone is interested, Boutell has a great write-up on how to do this but for the time pressed individual\parent here's the summary:

• Go to ASCAP, BMI or SESAC (great acronyms huh?) to find your favorite artist. Most artists work with one of these organizations and each has different terms and fees for licensing their associated music.
• It costs about $300 to license the music for commercial use (i.e. you'll financially profit from the use of the music either directly by including it in paid product, like slideshows, or via marketing, like a website).
• If you happen to like Moby (and I do), he actually set up MobyGratis.com to facilitate the use of his music in non-commerical works. When I approached him about using his work for my website, he agreed in exchange for a reasonable fee that'd be donated to charity. Very awesome.
• Finally, TripleScoopMusic has been a great resource for the music I use in client slideshows and is more reasonable at $60, if you can find what you're looking for.

After this hassle, I'm glad that I give my clients copyrights to their photos so they can choose to make prints themselves. This saves them the hassle of getting my permission, provides them real value and keeps me accountable to provide enlargement that are better than the local labs so they buy from me. Okay, now that I've got that self-serving marketing blurb out of the way...

I'm offering a discounted two hour photos shoot ($390) with all the usual bells and whistles (consultation, lighting, 4"x6" prints to keep, online gallery, loads of fun and of course high resolution downloads/copyrights). Fine Print: The only catch is that there are specific photos I need for my website and the shoot must be in January or February before the photography season picks up. If you're interested leave a comment or contact me at Phat Baby Photography. Anyone who follows me knows I don't offer promotions to avoid the sinking feeling of buying something only to find it on sale the week later. So act now, operators are standing by.

Update: Thank you for the many inquiries and bookings. I'm now booked through February, but given the response will see if there are other ways to accommodate those who want to help me with my creative projects.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PhatPhotographer/~3/YQ7M2EnNTUU/singing-to-different-tune-and-promotion.html

celebrity babies photos Ever Carradine FLORENCE ROSE ENDELLION David Cameron

The Christmas Miracle Goggles

Children are expensive. Skiing is expensive. So humor me with a few minutes of your time to tell a providential story and we'll circle back on some tips to take the edge off of the double whammy expense of skiing and children (and yeah, we'll hit some photography tips to reward anyone who sticks it out for the entire post).

Most of our family was out of town during the Holidays so we figured we'd hit the slopes for a road trip to save on both the hassle and expense of flying. Who knew ski lessons could amount to a plane ticket or two? The expense of lodging, lift tickets, rentals, helmets, snow chains, all that cute puffy clothing that they'd out grow next season wore me and my wallet out. Then a friend pointed out that goggles were actually pretty important, but at that point it was too late to borrow or take advantage of any sales so I bit the bullet and bought the cheapest goggles I could find. Women goggles, however, were difficult to locate and being a photographer, the mental picture of my wife wearing the ginormous men ones was enough to make me fall over laughing. So with much disdain, I bought two goggles: a $50 pair and a $60 pair. My wife, with her good taste, took the $60 Bolle pair with a bold designer (and crazy) pink and yellow strap. For the women out there who think $60 is reasonable for designer glasses, mine were a third of the price. Yeah, I looked like a dork, but at least I had money left to eat (though not much apparently when it comes to Squaw Valley). Pretty hot snow bunny huh?

Fast forward to the day after Christmas where we were blessed with having private lessons (because no one else drove up on Christmas) with Jason "the Black Diamond ninja" ski instructor. Though his skills were mostly wasted on the likes of me, his way with kids came in handy when Zoe broke her instructors in the kids class (there goes another $150). Jason was so good that we requested him the next day and boldly proclaimed that we'd ski down a long green run (2000 ft elevation decent) on our own afterwards. A couple of wrong turns later and we found ourselves stranded on Mountain Run, a blue intermediate (but might as well have been a cliff) run. Those who ski know this was a disaster for a couple who barely mastered the wedge going straight and for those who don't, the difficulty was akin to having twins when you only expected one.

The funny (as in ha ha, you took all my money and didn't give me my money's worth) thing about Squaw Valley was that you had to pick up your kids from their half day lessons by 12:15. This deadline was ludicrous since the adult lessons finished at 12:30 on the top of base camp several miles away and 2000 feet up. So we skipped out an hour (and $100) early but as I alluded to, we were stuck on this blue run. By 12:15 it was clear that it'd take another hour (or three) for us to get down together so I broke the ski buddy rules and left my wife with a new friend (as in hi there, please take care of my wife) Heather. With mental images of my distraught kids below and pangs of guilt for my abandoned wife above, I blazed down the hill somewhat recklessly figuring if it's my time, then the sweet sleep of death and choir of angels would provide a welcome break from the exhausting duties of parenting.

Well by God's grace I made it down safely and collected the kids who were actually enjoying themselves. As for my wife, it turned out Jason spotted her goggles, the blessed, worth every single penny, goggles and gave her a hand and eventually a snowmobile ride down. While always a believer in the ultimate plan, it's comforting to see God take an active role in life's little details as well.

Some Children Ski Tips:

Assuming you've already had kids, there's not much to do but keep them. Here are some other ideas though that might help keep things within reason:

1. Goggles are worth buying (used ones can be pretty scratched up and/or the foam gets ripped) and have better coverage, tints (get filter 2 for the most flexibility which provide enough contrast on overcast day but are dark enough to prevent snow blindness on sunny ones) and anti-fogging than regular sunglasses. If the whole Christmas miracle story wasn't enough, note that if your spouse goes blind or falls off a cliff cause they can't see, all the child rearing goes to you.
2. Clothing, helmets and sleds are great things to borrow since they outgrow the former and the latter doesn't get that much wear and tear.
3. Whatever you do have to buy, buy early (Costco has sells a bunch of stuff in the fall), on Black Friday (if you like that sport) or later in the season for the best deals. Sorry, this advice is a little late in coming.
4. Rent the children's skis locally at Any Mountain. The kids will get used to them before their lessons (by skiing off your furniture), children boots/skis are small enough to transport easily and it ends up being cheaper (you pay one fee for the whole season) as you can trade up each season as part of the rental program.
5. Try skiing at Tahoe Donner. Any ski resort that has a picture of a kid playing in the snow (versus a couple of parents stuck doing wedges at 8200 feet) on their homepage is going to be kid friendly (and a whole lot cheaper).
6. These chemical hand warmers are nice when you want to keep your hands/feet warm, entertain the kids with magic tricks or need to keep you camera battery warm to fire off a few more photographs.
7. Audio books of say Harry Potter, are a great way to kill time in the car and kick off a conversation (read, stream of a thousand questions) from the back seat.

Baby Photography Tips: The thing about snow is it's white. Earth shattering I know, and you're probably thinking that oxygen deprivation at altitude killed off a couple of my brain cells. The problem is that your camera doesn't know the difference so it'll underexpose the snow and just about everything else and you'll get something like this:

Sure grey snow isn't as bad as yellow snow, but if you want better results try this (in increasing level of difficulty):

• Set your exposure compensation to +1. The right value could be more or less depending on what else is in your background but this is pretty safe setting and you do want to err on the safe side so you don't clip the whites.
• You may want to go black and white on the image since there isn't much color information on a snowy photograph unless of course your subject is wearing a neon yellow and pink set of goggles.
• Increase your local contrast (up the clarity setting in Lightroom) and do crazy stuff with your tonal curve (in Lightroom or Photoshop). This isn't for the casual baby photographer, but it really makes a big difference, especially if the day is overcast making everything rather flat. Remember how you thought I was brain dead and said snow is white. Well if you do "over expose" your photos, they can end up looking like you were standing in a white photography studio in ski gear (i.e. you won't see any texture from the snow). So you want a curve something like this:

It's a double S curve that gives you nice contrast in the snow as well as in the subject if everything is exposed correctly (and makes a bloody mess if it isn't). Alas, I fear I've said too much and an angel has lost its wings.

Related Posts:

San Francisco Airport - Every Boy's (and Girl's) Dream - A cheaper weekend activity.

Bright Smiles and Lights Out - Using exposure compensation to deal with bright lights.

Parental Field Trip - Using exposure compensation for backlit subjects.

Camara Action Boo - Look, even a two year old can use the exposure compensation!

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PhatPhotographer/~3/a5PRZ1s0jqc/christmas-miracle-goggles.html

David Beckham Jesse James Louis JonBon Jovi Dorothea Hurley