Advice&Real Life Expert help, genius hacks and first-person stories
Hire a pro You’ll need two 50 mm by 70 mm photos taken in person by a commercial photographer within the past six months.
DON ’T TRY TH AT HO IS M E!
PHOTO: ERIK PUTZ
SAY CHEESE Even if you’re not planning a big trip soon, that first baby passport is still a fun milestone, and you’ll always cherish the (often funny!) pic. Here’s how to prepare for your visit to the photographer.
1 DROP CLOTH Some photographers take the shot from overhead, with your baby lying on a white sheet. You could also drape your baby’s car seat or bouncer seat with a white sheet that blends into the studio’s backdrop, too.
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LAYER UP If the photographer needs your infant to sit up, dress them in a shirt over a onesie. Crouch behind the stool and slide your hands under the shirt but over the onesie, so you can support their torso without appearing in the shot.
EYES WIDE OPEN Even sleepy newborns need to be awake, with a neutral expression. (You can’t smile for passport pics either, but they make some exceptions for babies.) Try to go post-nap, or try waking your baby with a loud toy.
September+October 2021 todaysparent.com
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