You all know that I am the definition of a mamarazzi. Of course that is partially because I blog for a living but even if I wasn't a wedding + mommy blogger, you better bet that Ava's life would be fully documented. I just love capturing those precious moments and adorable outfits that so many of our favorite shops send our way so I always have a camera with me everywhere I go.

Before December of last year, I never owned a camera. Well, I did take photography in high school and have own those small little pocket cameras for years but I've never owned a real, DSLR camera. Like a professional one...or at least one that makes m feel like a professional. So when my husband bought me a Nikon D3300 for Christmas last year, my photo adventures began!

So just like most of the moms out there, I am a newbie to the photo world. I've just done a whole lot of trial and error-ing since Ava has been born, taking hundreds of photos of her pretty much every single day.

Just so you know, these are in no way professional tips. So if you are are a professional photographer, I knowyou're totally going to judge me and tell me that some of what I am doing is wrong. But in all honesty, I don't plan to be a professional. This is just my advice to moms out there who do plan to go pro. Just a few quick tips from newbie mamarazzi to newbie mamarazzi :)

And here are some of my tips for taking photos of babies:

1. Never use artificial light.

It may just be me, but I don't like the way photos look with a flash or even in daylight with the house lights turned on. So I typically only take photos during the day when no flash is needed and always always always turn the lights out inside the house to prevent that yellow tint from getting into my shots.

We're lucky to have lots of big windows in our house but if you don't, try shooting outside!

2. Lay on the ground or stand on a chair.

There are a million photos out there that look great from a million different angles but my favorites are always the ones from a very low angle or a very high angle looking down!

3. The 2/3 Rule

When taking photos of Ava, I try my best to position her nicely within the frame. So basically, if you split every single photo up into thirds, you get three rectangles vertically or horizontally.

If I place Ava in the far right third, then 2/3 of the photo will be open space on the left. Or if I place Ava in the far left two thirds, the the right one third would be open space. And finally, if I place her in the center third, then there is 1/3 on her right and 1/3 on her left, centering here right in the middle. And you can use the same exact rule for vertical images.

4. Sport Mode

Shawna from Bledog Fotography: If you're reading this then don't hate me but oftentimes I put my camera on auto sport mode. I hold down the shutter and snap away. And that's the only reason I'm able to capture so many of Ava's silly faces and candid moments! I'm just not quick enough to capture them in one try. And personally, I think the candid photos are more beautiful than the posed ones, and definitely make the best keepsakes!

Those are the four top tips for taking photos of your kids that I use every single day. And I learn more and more by trial and error (and from Shawna, of course!) We're actually thinking of putting together a little online course for all of you mommies out there so you can learn how to capture those moments more beautifully. If that is something you'd be interested in, comment below and let us know!