We request that you send the original, full-size and unaltered version of your photograph. This means that the photo should be exactly as it was downloaded from your camera. It should be at least size 1600x1200 and/or greater than 150kb. We cannot guarantee the quality of any photo that is smaller in size. The quality of that size or less is not suitable for print. We do not recommend submitting photos from cell phones. Also, do not send photos that have been saved from the internet! These files are low resolution images that look clear when viewing on the computer but are not suitable for printing. 

Since the overall appearance of your announcement is highly dependent on the quality of your photographs, it is important to use clear, original and unedited photos. Sometimes the best pictures are candid photos that aren’t staged or prepared for. However, if you would like to set up your own “home studio” here are some tips on how to ensure you take the best photo possible for your announcement or invitation.

Set Up Your "Photo Studio":

• Natural light is ideal for photo taking, but if you are inside, you will need to use a flash in order the get a sharply focused, well-lit image (poor lighting is the number one problem for being unable to achieve a sharp focused picture, and producing grainy, dull images). Remember, when using a flash, there IS such thing as getting too close, so it is better to use your zoom lens and step back just a little so the flash does not wash out the baby's face. Try to take your photos in the daytime so you can utilize as much natural light as possible.

• Remove distracting objects from the background of your photos. An easy way of doing this is placing a solid color blanket on the floor or wherever you are taking photos and place the baby in the center so that the entire background is one color and not patterned.

• Prop tip! Bean bags make GREAT 'seats' for newborn shoots! If you have one, cover it with a solid colored blanket of your choice (ones with texture add a great artistic effect) and make a comfy spot for baby. You can fluff the bag around your baby and safely position him/her into different fun poses. Make sure that under and your bean bag set up are all the same colors so it all looks like a solid background.

Set Up Your Camera: 

• Set your camera to the very highest setting BEFORE you take your picture. The pixels should be close to 1600X1200. If you are not familiar with "pixels" no problem, just make sure the camera is on the highest setting, and the image is not re-sized.

• If you prefer your picture to be in black and white or sepia tone, leave that to us! We have a special process for doing the conversion and we prefer to receive your unedited file from your camera or scanner. We'll take care of color conversion, cropping, and any other editing needed

• Be sure to turn the date stamp on your camera off!

• If you want to focus in very close on your baby’s feet or hands, etc. try placing your camera in “macro” or close up mode to avoid blurry photos. (Note: Most new digital camera models will have this setting. Turn your cameras dial to the icon that looks like a small flower and you’re ready to go!) Be sure to put your camera back in regular mode after shooting close-ups!

Set up Your Baby:

• Models are high maintenance - have your photo shoot when your baby is happy! If your baby gets fussy or tired during the shoot, take a break and try again in a few hours.

• Plain clothes make the best outfits for photo shoots - stripes, patterns, and designs can be distracting. In most cases your baby’s face will be the main focal point of the photo so don’t stress over finding the perfect outfit and shoes to match!

• Double check your baby's face for any stray bits of food, flaky skin, or boogies. We can do minor blemish removal and touch-ups if necessary. If your photo is unable to be touched up we will contact you prior to the proof process. 

• When including an older sibling, keep their faces very close to each other. Too much space between the children's heads takes the focus off of their faces, and off of their relationship

Take Pictures!

• Taking pictures from above your baby works great. If your baby can sit, stand or crawl be sure to get down to their eye level for the best results. 

• Make sure the only things you can see in the shot are the baby and the blanket backdrop - avoid including clutter or busy background patterns in the photo.

• Try moving around for different angles of your baby. Don’t be afraid to turn your camera to a different angel. This can give your photos a dramatically different effect and look amazing.

• Check your camera's display as you are taking pictures - make sure the background is not distracting, your pictures are in focus and you have the correct lighting.

• Zoom in! Don’t forget about the “macro” setting on your camera. Leaving room around the baby is important; each individual design requires us to crop the image in a particular way. However, beware of being too far away, if you are, then when we crop, your baby's features will be grainy.

• Take lots and lots of pictures! Sometimes the best ones are when you least expect to get a good shot!

The following types of images are NOT recommended for use:

•     Images shared/stored on web sites (low resolution)
•     Images sent back and forth via email
•     Cell-phone images (very low quality)

If you are scanning your images into your computer, follow the tips below

•     Glossy photos provide better results when scanned
•     Make sure your scanner and photo are dust free
  
•     Only scan original prints, not photo copies
•     Your prints must be scanned at 300 dpi or higher
•     For our purposes, minimum photo size for scanned images is 4x6
  
•     Save images as JPEG, at the highest quality possible
•     Do not perform any photo editing or cropping on your computer

* Please remember that your printed image can only be as good as the picture you provide. We want you to be completely satisfied with your announcements. If there is any reason that your photo quality is not optimal we will contact you prior to completing your proof.

Click here to download our Photographer Release Form