1. Choosing a camera--Buy a good one now. This can be a mom's favorite hobby for the early mothering years. Look for an auto-everything SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera. Here are a few available models: Nikon N65, Canon Rebel, Minolta xtsi, and Pentax 2x-5n. Check out Badger Graphic Sales for a good price on the Rebel. And remember, you can't go back and take great baby pictures once you get a good camera in five years. Your baby will be in kindergarten by then!

2. Developing--Find a good balance for yourself between the cost of your prints and their quality. Custom Labs have high quality standards, but they're kind of pricey if you're developing many rolls of film. One-hour photo businesses are inexpensive, but you may or may not be pleased with the quality. Film developers expect you to ask for a reprint if their first print isn't satisfactory.  For general all-purpose film, use 400-speed film--I like Fuji's reproduction of skin-tones.

3. Many Pictures--The more pictures you take, the better you'll become at it, and the better chance you'll have of taking a few great shots.

4. Capture the everyday moments--have your camera loaded and ready to go on the kitchen counter all the time. Then your baby will get used to it and be her natural best for the camera.

5. Make sure the mommy gets into the pictures.

6. Take black and white pictures--it has a forgiving nature for babies with the six-week rash. Black and whites may last longer, and it is a whole lot of fun. Some grocery stores have a little black and white film—Try a CN film that can be developed at your 1-hour photo place.

7. Lighting--The flash is your enemy. It makes your indoor pictures ugly. Try taking indoor pictures with the flash turned off, with your subject next to your window. The best outdoor light for pictures is at either end of the day--near sunset or sunrise. To fill in the dark circles under people's eyes that result from bright sunlight, turn on your camera's flash.

8. Watch for the details--Is the tag of the blanket showing? Is there something distracting in the background? For good pictures--simplify, simplify, simplify.

9. Follow your baby's cue on whether it is a good time for a photo shoot. Nothing is gained by trying to force it if Baby is not in a good mood.

10. Scrapbook--it tells the other part of the story that the photographs can't provide. Tell YOUR story now! Scrapbooking is great for your baby's self-esteem.

11. A few mechanics--Don't jab at the camera's shutter release button. Use slow, gentle pressure. Hold your elbows tight against your body and hold your breath while you push the button. Don't automatically put Baby smack dab in the center of every picture. Don't automatically ask Baby to look into the camera and smile for every picture. Think "real" and "natural" when you are taking pictures.

12. Miscellaneous Tips--Toss 2/3's of your photographs. Get close to your subject--zoom comes in handy here.