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How to take the perfect baby photo: Expert shares tips on capturing your children perfectly

Parenting

Babies and children can be notoriously difficult to photograph, but award-winning photographer Jo Rutherford tells us how to get them to say 'cheese'

As the saying goes: 'never work with animals or children'.

But award-winning photographer Jo Rutherford, from Southport, has got it down to a fine art.

Jo got the internet's attention with her stunning snap of two baby sisters gazing adoringly at each other.

First published in the Southport Visitor, the candid shot went on to capture the hearts of parents and non-parents alike.

Aware of the hoops many of us jump through to get a semi-decent shot of our offspring, Jo has shared her top tips with Mirror Online.

So whether you have a wriggly newborn or a reluctant teen, you can coax the photo you want out of them.

Jo may make it look easy, but she recommends getting a professional to do the more 'posed' shots.

1. Babies

Although babies can't really follow instruction, this time of their lives is a great time to take LOTS of pictures as they change so quickly.

Don’t worry too much about getting ‘posed’ shots-or you may miss the real moments, like bath time, bedtime and cuddles with mummy and daddy.

Capture their milestones. Set yourself sometime each week and then each month to photograph them and see how much they change in a short time.

Although Jo makes it look easy, she recommends getting a professional to do the more 'posed' shots.

Make sure you are on the pictures, too - give someone else the camera for a change!

Be safe: there are lots of pictures on the internet of newborn babies 'posing' in baskets and props. DON'T try this yourself.

Instead have look at the BANPAS website for details of professional newborn photographers who could do a very special photoshoot for you safely.

2. Toddlers and children

Toddlers and small children are great to photograph - but can be trickier than babies: they are always so busy, their imaginations are on overdrive but their attention spans can be very short!

Master the art of distraction, give them something to play with, rather asking the child to sit and pose.

Don’t worry about always getting smiles, calm and thoughtful expressions are just as beautiful and cheesy grins will always look forced.

If you do want a real smile you need to make them laugh: acting silly and making funny noises works a treat in the studio and I’m often found dancing and wearing funny hats to get the great smiles.

Get down to the child's level. Photographing them from low down brings you into their world and the images look much more natural than if you photograph them from above.

3. Teenagers

This can be a hard age group to photograph. You need to get them involved, let them choose their clothes and maybe a location too!

Engage them in their favourite hobby or activity. Do they play an instrument or do a sport? Maybe photograph them in their football kit.

Don’t force things. You want this to be fun, don't end up arguing with your teenager. Just try again another day!

4. Always keep a camera on you

It might seem like an obvious one (especially with so many smart phones having a decent camera function) but this is the best way to ensure you document those years when your children seem to change from day to day.

Try to use a toddler's imagination to your advantage - don't be scared to be silly and make them laugh!

Keep your kids in the light to get clear, beautiful pictures and as you do so, learn where the light falls exactly on their faces.

5. And... show your pictures off!

The temptation can be to leave our photos hidden on phones, computers and hard drives. Stop doing that and start showing them off on your walls, in albums - even on the fridge!

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