Some would argue that more important than the diaper bag or the pacifier is the camera as a Mommy Must-Have. But what about those of us who have tendencies to cut-off tops of heads or cut-out Aunt Edna all together from the family photo.

Dawn Attebery of Dawn Michelle Photography provided these tips for capturing those important memories through photographs.

1. Take shots from different perspectives. Positioning yourself higher makes your child look smaller, while positioning yourself down low makes your child appear bigger.

2. Lock your focus (after you focus on the face/eyes) by holding the shutter button down half-way and move the camera slightly to get a more interesting composition. Then press the shutter button all the way to take the picture.

3. Head outside. The light about an hour after sunrise is some of the most beautiful of the day, offering golden wrap-around light.

4. Don't require your child to smile. Capture him or her in the moment, expressing how he or she really feels in the moment, whether scared, excited, nervous.

5. Cover all of the details: night-before preparation (picking out clothes, packing lunch), walking to school, getting on the bus--both of which look great captured from behind--meeting the teacher, etc.

"The first day of kindergarten to the first day of college and all the days in between--these are important milestones that should be documented," says Attebery. "And, with a few tricks of the trade, every mom and dad can make it happen."

Dawn Attebery, of Dawn Michelle Photography, is a child, family and high school senior photographer who brings her specialty for fine portraiture and personal service to the homes and on-site locations of her clients throughout the greater North Dallas area. For additional details, visit www.DawnMichellePhoto.com.

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