5) Paint instead of wallpaper

Even if you feel like you have no artistic talent, you will be amazed with what you can accomplish with a few stencils, a sponge and painter’s tape. Experiment with different textures for different effects: dabbing with a sponge is a great way to create clouds, while short brush strokes can create blades of grass, and suddenly you have a springtime scene.

4) Family photos instead of framed art

Culture is important in a baby’s development, but let’s face facts: your baby won’t know the difference between a Monet and a Manet for a few months at least. Instead of buying pricy reproductions or even generic prints, fill your nursery walls with pictures of your baby’s family. Your baby might not be surrounded by famous art, but he will be around love all the time.

3) Pack ‘N Play instead of crib

Cribs cost twice as much as a Pack ‘N Play and can’t be moved around-or at least not easily. Why spend so much money on a stationary crib when your Pack ‘N Play can serve as both bed and safe play area? Not only will you save money, but you increase the utility of your baby’s bed.

2) Furniture that transforms

No, Michael Bay, I’m not talking about Optimus Prime and company. I’m talking about baby furniture that will not lose its value once your baby grows up. For instance, instead of buying a changing table, consider buying a dresser that has a changing table attachment on top. Similarly, some cribs can even become toddler beds when your baby is ready.

1) Make your own curtains

Curtains are a great way to control the temperature and light of a room, but they are also an unnecessary expense. If you or one of your family members knows how to sew, making curtains is a fairly simple process. And if you have to enlist the help of a family member, take note! Sewing is a dying art that can save money outside of the baby room, too!

Have you ever built a baby room on a budget? What are some of your best tips?

At just $9/month, babyphotographers.com can help your business grow.  Compare levels here and sign up today!

The third place winner of a $500 gift certificate towards the photographer of their choice is Michelle Stice. The second place winner of a $1000 photographer’s gift certificate is Aleksandra Nearing. And finally, the first place winner and recipient of our grand prize of a $2000 photographer’s gift certificate is Tiffany Lyn.

Congratulations to all the winners! Again, thank you to all of our entrants, it was very close.

Check out this clever article posted recently on Mamapedia.com. Entitled, A Study in Self-Portraiture, the post examines how you can tie those great photos your child snaps into your blog or a collage…maybe even create personalized wall art out of them.  We think it’s a rather inspired idea.

Has your little one picked up a camera? Have you incorporated their pictures into your blog or even your interior design? Let us know!

If you haven’t yet seen some of the recent posts about babyphotographers.com, be sure to check out these blogs:

MamaDivas: Find a Photographer and Enter to Win a $2000 Photo Package
The Mom Buzz: Searching For a Baby Photographer?
Mommy 2K: Win $2000 in the Smile Baby Contest from BabyPhotographers.com
Thanks, Mail Carrier: BabyPhotographers.com {Review & Contest Information}

Thank you, Mommy Bloggers!

Thanks for being part of babyphotographers.com.  We love our photogs!

Thanks so much for entering our first Sweepstakes! Stay tuned for the upcoming babyphotographers.com newsletter where you will find fun articles, exclusive interviews with babyphotographers.com’s featured photographers and plenty of tips and treats.

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Constance may not be the only babyphotographers.com big winner…have you entered our Smile Baby Contest yet? You could win one of three gift certificates to the babyphotographers.com photo artist of your choice. The Grand Prize is $2,000! The winners will be announced October 6, 2010.

Enter the Smile Baby contest now!

The grand prize winner will receive a $2,000 certificate from babyphotographers.com to the photographer of his/her choice*. Our second place finalist will receive a $1,000 gift certificate and third place will receive a $500 gift certificate. Submit a 100-200 words paragraph answering the question: “How do you get your baby to laugh?” along with completed entry form, including your name, age, email address and phone number to contest@babyphotographers.com. Entries can also be submitted along with a completed entry form to: Babyphotographers.com Smile Baby Contest, 6060 N. Central Expressway, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75206. Please be sure to include a completed entry form with your name, phone number and e-mail address so that we can notify you if you are a winner.

Enter the babyphotographers.com contest now!

Newborn Photography Session

•    The Earlier the Better – Most photographers prefer to photograph babies within the first 10 days of life in order to achieve those super-cute poses.

•    To Feed or Not to Feed – Some photographers prefer for you to feed the baby in advance, while others prefer you don’t. Be sure to ask before the session.

•    Loosen it Up – A tight diaper can often leave lines on your baby’s skin. Keep the diaper loose and your baby will be line-free.

•    Unexpected Delight –Your baby will not be wearing a diaper during the photo session and occasionally – things happen! Your photographer will be prepared for the unexpected, especially if you happen to be holding the baby!

Toddler Photography Session

•    Keep it Clean – Trim your toddler’s nails and remove fingernail polish, unless the nail polish is specifically applied for the session.

•    No Shoes Required – Don’t fret over what shoes to bring, as shoes are often removed for a toddler photography session (unless you specifically request otherwise.)

•    Be a Smartie Pants – A pack of Smarties can be a versatile tool in a successful toddler photo shoot. For instance, they melt quickly in a child’s mouth while a cookie takes longer to chew and chocolate can make a huge mess. Also, they can be used to encourage (or we might say bribe) a child to pay attention or hold a certain pose longer.

•    Less Distractions –The tendency for the parent is to want to “help” get their children to smile but this can actually be distracting and often will over stimulate and confuse the child.  Some photographers prefer that the parents leave the room during a toddler photo shoot while others are fine with parents around.  Either way, trust your photographer to direct the energy of the shoot and you will be much happier with the end result.

Family Portrait Session

•    Focus on You – It is easy to worry too much about what other’s in the picture are doing. Is Billy smiling? Is Tommy making a face? Try not to think about the kids and let your photographer handle the heavy lifting of getting those natural looking expressions from your kiddos.

•    The Finishing Touches – For a family portrait session, moms should apply a little more makeup than usual.  After all – this is a professional photo shoot, so makeup is anticipated and accepted.  Lastly, the final touch of lip gloss (even lightly applied to little girls) goes a long way in a portrait.

•    Prepare Yourself – Grooming is key with photo sessions, so ensure you schedule manicures, pedicures and hair appointments in advance of your appointment. Everyone should assume they might have to remove their shoes at some point (even the men) and men should also make sure to clean up their neck as there could be a close-up shot that shows their necklines.

•    Bumps and Bruises – It is ok if your son or daughter has a scratched knee or a small bruise, as those can be easily retouched by your photographer. However, a black eye or a swollen lip means you should probably reschedule your appointment.