By Rick Sammon
The Associated Press

Without a doubt, the paramount photographic subject for new parents is their baby. Proud moms and dads document every expression and accomplishment they possibly can.

A word of advice from Marlene Wallach, president of the modeling agency, Wilhelmina Kids: "When we review photos, we find that the best baby photos are ones that show off their natural charm and character. So when taking pictures of your child, go natural, don't fuss too much with posing and lighting."

If you are a parent or are expecting a baby soon, here are a few tips for taking good baby pictures.

• Attach a squeaker to the camera. The baby will look when he or she hears the sound.

• Move in close to your baby. Fill your frame with the child. After you've set your exposure (pushing down on the shutter release halfway), move your face from behind the viewfinder so that you make eye contact with your baby.

• Mix up the angles at which you're shooting: stand up, crouch down, hover over, etc. Take both horizontal and vertical shots.

• Get down. Moving down to your baby's level gives your pictures a more intimate quality.

• Make your baby the main subject of the picture. This means using a simple background, with only a few other objects, such as toys, in the picture.

If you think you have a winning picture, enter Nikon and Wilhelmina Kids' "Pride and Joy Baby" contest. Prizes include a trip to New York City and a Nikon Coolpix digital camera. It runs through Dec. 15.

Information: www.prideandjoybaby.com.