Photo question

Can anyone tell me how to get a good photo of a LO - I have finally figured out how to get it reasoably straight, but they always come out so much darker than in real life and look not so good on the computer - any ideas?

do you have photoshop of some kind? you need to adjust the contrast and brightness....

I do - but when I do that - it seems to come out really washed out? Any tips for that?

The best way to take photos is in strong light. Normally I try outdoors. Lay them on a path or on the grass. I always try to take the shot from as close as possible with out getting a shadow on the LO. Don't use a flash, it really makes them washed out.
The other way is to prop them up and center the camera on the LO. If you prop them up have them leaning slightly forward at the top. Probably not much help but it may give you some more ideas.....
xoxo

I always take my pics inside, in the middle of the day. That way I have really strong natural light, but not direct light. I do it by blu-tacking them vertically to the wall in front of my desk (with the bottom of the LO flush with the desk) and then using my tripod for my camera. Once I've taken the pic, I use HP Photosmart Premier to edit it. Usually it is only a crop and re-size needed if the light is good. If they are too dark, I increase the exposure slightly. If this is still not good enough, increase the contrast slightly as well (just watch out that the whites don't get too bright.) Hope that helps...

Cool, thanks everyone - I'll give some of your tips a go and hopefully you will see some better quality shots soon.