Would you like to do something special and give a unique gift at that baby shower or for the toddler’s birthday? Not only that - this gift can be a treasure from generation to generation! The power is in your hands and in your eye - with your camera.
In the first few weeks of life, a baby begins to see the world around it more clearly, learning faces and shapes. As they get older they learn the spoken symbols of language - to represent the people and things in their world. In time they start to learn that written symbols can represent those things as well - they start to read. These are all milestones in a child’s development!
You can create a gift that will contribute to those steps with their favorite things and people. A photo album for the baby or young child!
Step 1: Take pictures of items that can be easily identified with one or two words. Make sure the picture clearly shows one object clearly! If the object is a person - do a close up of the face or face and shoulders. That is how babies learn to recognize their people! Examples include but are unlimited to:
The people - and animals! - in the little one’s life. All families are unique - parents, grandparents, siblings, pets, friends or family or caregivers.
Crib, baby swing, painting easel, favorite “lovies” like a blanket or stuffed animal, rubber ducky, bathtub
Places like a house or apartment, daycare, place of worship, or local library
Favorite foods, special plates or spoons or cups
The sun, the moon, a flower, or a tree
The car, the car seat, the bus
Step 2: Select an album for your images. This project can be as simple as getting a small plastic photo album with pockets - often available at dollar stores and such, or you can go full scrapbooking pro or desktop publishing. It is the thought that matters!
Just remember that this is an item that will likely get heavy use, possibly by wet, sticky fingers who don’t understand how fragile pictures can be. Make sure that the photo, the label, any decorations - are protected by plastic and can’t be touched directly! The more durable and waterproof the better. A custom printed book would look lovely - but would need protection from all the love it is going to receive, and possible teething gums.
Step 3 (Optional) : Label each image clearly in dark, large printed letters. Remember - just one to two words - easy for an adult to point to when saying the word.
If you give this as a shower gift, of course you can offer to expand it over time with pictures of the baby itself, of new foods or lovies or places. It can be a fun and rewarding project, and really shows the love! Have fun!
CONSIDERING AN AUTHENTIC PORTRAIT SESSION?