Photo Contest

Do you have an adorable child between the ages of six months and six years?
Then you may be interested in knowing about this contest.
The editors of Parents magazine are looking for the cutest kid in America between six months and six years old to be the cover kid of the magazine's November 2008 issue.
To enter Parents magazine's online baby photo contest, just upload a picture of your child before June 24 to their website. (This is also where you can read about the details and rules for the contest.) Your child could be chosen as one of five finalists, flown to New York City with a guardian and professionally photographed.
My kids are all too old for this contest, but I know some of you have children in this age range and I thought you might like to know about it. The woman who is promoting this contest also sent me these tips from the Sittings Editor at Parents to help you get the best picture of your little sweetheart.
1. Do: Take photos with a really simple – but pretty background. No one wants to look at dirty dishes in your kitchen sink! Instead, go for natural scenery in front of lush greenery or pretty flowers.
2. Don't: Please, please no pictures with food on the face. Cute for grandma's refrigerator – not so much for the judges.
3. Do: Try to capture your child in a care-free, happy moment. Photos that are too staged usually don't show you're child's true energy and personality.
4. Don't: No extreme close-ups please! It makes it hard to see the whole child.
5. Do: Be honest with yourself about your child's temperament. Does he truly enjoy taking pictures or does he burst into tears the moment you point the digital at him? If he does not like taking pictures at this time in his development, be patient! Chances are, with time, he may come to like the camera. Enter the contest then and watch him win!
6. Don't: Lose the hat, the towel draped over the kid's head – what are you hiding under there?
7. Do: Try taking pictures using interesting, fun angles.

Have fun!