So, I was browsing around on the GoodyBlog the other day and found the post about Parents Magazine Cover Model Search. The first thing I thought was, I have the cutest kids in America… I better ask my mom to take some pictures so we can enter! Then I thought, Well, maybe I can take them.

Maybe I really could take some winning shots with Sharon Elcock’s help. She has organized hundreds of photo shoots in her role as Sittings Editor at Parents magazine for four years, so she knows what the judges will be looking out for. She has been kind enough to share these basic picture taking tips:

1. Do: Take photos with a really simple – but pretty background. No one wants to look at dirty dishes in your kitchen sink! Instead, go for natural scenery in front of lush greenery or pretty flowers.
2. Don’t: Please, please no pictures with food on the face. Cute for grandma’s refrigerator – not so much for the judges.
3. Do: Try to capture your child in a care-free, happy moment. Photos that are too staged usually don’t show you’re child’s true energy and personality.
4. Don’t: No extreme close-ups please! It makes it hard to see the whole child.
5. Do: Be honest with yourself about your child’s temperament. Does he truly enjoy taking pictures or does he burst into tears the moment you point the digital at him? If he does not like taking pictures at this time in his development, be patient! Chances are, with time, he may come to like the camera. Enter the contest then and watch him win!
6. Don’t: Lose the hat, the towel draped over the kid’s head – what are you hiding under there?
7. Do: Try taking pictures using interesting, fun angles.

I’m sure I could take some pretty good pictures. But I may still ask Mom for her help, too!

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