James asked:


The Internet is full of online photo contest assuring recognition of your cute baby. Doing an Internet search can pull up hundreds of sites.

However, many of these are simple contest providing little help to your child’s modeling dreams. Thus, the hard part is choosing a baby picture contest and knowing exactly how to go about the process.

This article will attempt to answer some common questions concerning normal baby photo contests.

How do I choose a baby photo contest?

When you are searching for an online baby photo contest to enter you need to get answer to three main questions:

How is the contest judged?

Choose a contest where professionals do the judging. Professional judges know what to look for and have a good idea of who could succeed in the modeling world. Plus if professionals are judging the contest you know your child has been seen.

What are the prizes?

You want to make sure that the contest is worth your time, especially if they charge a fee. If the internet baby photo contest charges a fee make sure that the fee is comparable to the prizes given to the winners of the baby photo contest. If a company charges a fee of $25 and the winner only receives a $100 then it is not worth your money.

How large is the baby picture contest?

Small time contests may look good on your child’s resume but they aren’t going to provide any exposure. Choose contests that are large enough to attract the attention of professional model agents and talent scouts.

Try talking to other parents or search through forums for suggestions of legitimate online baby contests. It is also a good idea to check with the Better Business Bureau before entering a kid photo contest.

Who can enter a kids photo contest?

Different contests have specific requirements so look for an online photo contest that meets your child’s criteria. Many contests are only for babies or children up to age three.

Be careful when entering that your child will not pass the age limit before the contest ends, thus disqualifying your child. This is especially important in annual contests.

Few online baby photo contests aren’t just for babies. They have categories for children up to age twelve. Other sites offer prizes for things like “cutest smile” besides an overall winner.

How do I enter a photo contest for babies?

In today’s digital world entering a baby picture contest is simple. Most sites allow you to upload a digital image directly to their site. If you don’t have a digital camera then you can easily take negative images to any photo place and ask them to make a CD of the images. Then you can easily upload the photos to the baby photo contest site.

What can my child win in an online photo contest?

There is a wide range of prizes offered by online baby contests. Many contests offer cash prizes. Some national competitions will feature the winning child on the cover of a magazine. Others just provide a plaque with the winning picture. Before entering a contest find out exactly what prizes they offer and make sure it is worth your time and money.

James asked:


They are the most expressive subjects. They grab attention like no other. They can make a picture look simply stunning. But…they are unpredictable, ask for immense tolerance and can make you feel frustrated. I am referring to Baby photography.

Photographing babies can be quite a challenge. Here are few baby photography tips to help you snap an enticing baby photo:

Tip 1: Be Vigilant

In baby photography, you are dealing with someone who is absolutely his/her own master. You need to wait for his/her grace. Thus never remove your finger from the camera. You never know when your little one will give you that smile you are looking for.

Tip 2: Choose a friendly location

Friendly here means comfortable and adaptable for your baby. Typically, the best location for this would be in-house. However, if you are planning to take pictures outdoors, make the location adaptable. Keeping your babies’ favorite toy or blanket can come handy while taking baby pictures. Also taking your child to a location before the actual time of shoot helps them adjust to the alien environment.

Tip 3: Make the child familiar with the camera before you shoot

Let your child touch the camera while you hold it. (Don’t place it in their hands because it will end up in their mouth.) Hold the camera in front of your face and then jump out and say peek-a-boo.

Ask friends, neighbors, and relatives to take pictures of your child while you stand in the background. This helps your child get used to other people being the photographer.

Tip 4: Do you have right camera?

Baby photography demands different camera tactics. The equipment should have high shutter speed (to get a picture when you baby is constantly on a move); less reload time and so on.

It is advisable to use a handheld camera – if possible, a digital camera. Digital cameras are preferred as you might have to take a good deal of pictures to get that perfect shot. However, digital camera pictures may not look professional sometimes.

Tip 5: Catch the eye

Shoot at the eye level of you child. This makes the image appear more enticing and expressive.

Baby photography requires tweaks in your skill and demands patience. I have gathered these tips from my own observations and talking with my photographer friends. If you would like to add something more, feel free to contact me.

You have a great Baby photo. What next??

Well, first of all save it in a family album – it’s a memory you do not want to waste. You can also upload it at the online baby photo contest www.TheCuteKid.com to show it to the entire world. The CuteKid™ allows parents to upload photographs to participate in contests. Also famous casting agents frequently visit the site in search for new faces. You never know, your photo can make your child become a celebrity.