This book is based on a simple premise: If you take 50 pictures of your kid, one of them is bound to be good.

The digital camera is revolutionizing the way we take pictures.
Now everyday folks can take amazing pictures of their kids without spending a fortune. This book will show you how to take a good photograph, and then inspire you take your pictures a step further. These aren’t the words of a big-time professional photographer, but a mother with two little kids, a digital camera, and too much time on her hands.

You’ll find great ideas for what to do with your pictures once you've taken them. Turn your photographs into books for your kids. Make a fun and educational counting book, create a high-tech scrapbook, or invent a new family tradition.

The ability to take dozens of pictures at no extra charge gives this next generation of parents a massive advantage when it comes to taking pictures of their children.

         A simple overview
1. Get a digital camera. It doesn’t have to be top of the line. You don’t need lots of megapixels, but a digital camera is a necessity if you want to take a slew of pictures without worrying about cost. Thus far, most of mine were taken using a camera with just 1.3 megapixels [an antique by current standards].
2. Keep your camera with you. That way when something noteworthy or amusing happens, you’ll be ready.
3. Take lots of pictures.
4. As soon as you have access to a computer after taking the pictures, it is best to download your shots. This frees your camera up for more photo ops.
5.  Save the best shots [and either delete or file the rejects].
6. Crop and edit a few that do justice to your beautiful child.

Minimize the clutter and other pointers: When possible, use a simple setting. Unless you have PhotoShop and can digitally remove the toys from under the couch, try to pick up the non-essential objects around your subject.

Natural light works best: I have yet to take a good picture using a flash. Ideally, you shoot the kids in a room with plenty of daylight or better still, outdoors.

Cropping is key: You have the luxury of cropping into an image while still maintaining a clear picture [especially using a camera with more megapixels]. Also, keep in mind that you can enlarge a particularly charming section of a picture, thereby cutting out clutter that may have been out of your control.

Avoid infant carriers: In general, strollers and car seats don’t do anything for the composition of a picture. Of course, there are many exceptions to the rule. In many of my books, in fact, they seem to be surgically attached to the stroller. But how else, in ALPHaTRUCKS! a.k.a Trucks to Eli, was I to get a toddler to pose safely with an 18-wheeler.

Setting up a shot vs. capturing the moment: Both methods work well. Be creative, pick a theme, embark on a random series of photos with your little bundle. When you aren’t paying to develop the pictures, sky really is the limit. The only caveat is if you plan on printing a lot of the pictures, the paper and ink can be costly.

What to do when Junior won’t smile: When taking pictures starts to seem like a chore, try to put the camera away for a few days. They don’t have to love every minute, but in general, it should be a good time. That said, don’t worry if they aren’t always smiling – some of these will turn out to be your most endearing photos.

Holiday Cards, Get Well Cards, Invitations, and more.
There are endless possibilities. From taking a picture of your little one holding a sign that says "Happy Birthday, Nana!" to starting a ritual of taking a family portrait out on the front yard every year on Ground Hog’s Day. Or this fall take your baby to a pumpkin patch, put on his orange cap, and even asleep in his infant carrier, it may be just the ticket for your Halloween Party Invite.

Making a counting book for your child is as easy as 1-2-3.
In Henry’s case, that meant one Buddha, two policemen and three taxicabs. Making educational and creative books for your kids can be wonderful for the whole family. It also gives your child every possible advantage, building his or her self-esteem and providing an interactive way to learn numbers and letters.
There are all sorts of books you can make with your kids. Books about colors and books about holidays, books about boys who like dinosaurs and books about telling time. All of which will bring your child into the creative process in a positive and almost enlightened way. And perhaps best of all, making the books can help maintain a mother or father’s sanity. At least they did mine.