As a mother of two and a professional photographer, Monica Michelle enthusiastically tells parents how much she loves spring portraits for babies and toddlers. "This is a wonderful time to take your child out to the garden," says Michelle, owner of White Rabbit Portrait Studios, San Mateo, Calif. "Photos of your crawler going through green grass or showing your just-standing baby next to your growing plants make great photos."

Don't be afraid to get in close to your child with a camera. "Show your baby's fingers stroking leaves and petals," she says. "Photograph their face as you have someone hold a blossom up for them to smell. This is an amazing new environment, full of new sites and smells, for your little one to explore. You will get some great shots of their smiles and curiosity."

Put them in simple clothing to help focus in on your child's special expressions, rather than their outfit. Even a baby wearing a diaper is an adorable photograph, Michelle says, and you can never go wrong dressing a baby or toddler in plain old overalls for their photograph.

Photographers across the country echo Michelle's advice on dressing young children simply for their pictures. They offer many other inspiring suggestions for parents dreaming of capturing their children on film this spring.

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