What you will need:

1. Camera or cell phone

2. Another person to either help take the picture or do the lifting

3. Good lighting to optimize photo quality

4. Swaddle or blanket to secure your lttle one from moving. 

 

Camera Tips:

Tip 1: Try to keep everything still.  When both the camera and baby are still the area of interest will focus better.  

Tip 2: With iPhones, you can use the "focus lock" feature to create a yellow box that will focus on anything within the box.  To do this, simply tap once in the middle of the screen and the yellow box should pop up. Try to get the baby's mouth inside this box. 

Tip 3: If taking pictures isn't working well then you may record a video and screen shot the part of the video that displays the best image.

 

Step 1: Secure your child

Infants tend to get squirmy when you touch their mouths.  A lot of motion will make it difficult for the camera to focus.  Use a swaddle or blanket to tightly wrap your little one will help minimize movements.

 

Step 2: Position yourself for optimal viewing

You will want to position yourself behind the child's head.  For toddlers and small children who are less cooperative, you may find it more comfortable doing this on the ground or on a bed with the child's head between your legs.  The person taking the pictures should be straddled right above the child's head with the camera pointed straight on the face. With older kids that are more cooperative you make take the photos with them sitting or standing.  Make you avoid really low, high or slanted angles.

How to take a picture of the lip:

Just like the stretches, use both index fingers and thumbs to grab the lip and pull to the nosrils.  Please make sure you expose the entire diamond.  See examples below.

How to take take a picture of the tongue:

Just like the stretches, use both index fingers and lift the tongue up to the roof of the mouth.  I want to see the diamond stretched tall with your fingers at the top point.  Use your other fingers to push down on the chin for leverage.  For toddlers and small children a tongue depressor may help.  See examples below. 

 

Please upload your best photos.  You may upload up to 4 photos if needed.