We want your experience at Inkblot Design to be a simple, fun and seamless process – that is why we have put together some tips on important things to remember when choosing a photo card for your special occasion.

How to snap a great photo

Make your friends and family feel like they are right there snuggling with your newborn by taking a great photo. Stunning photos are easy to take these days just by following a few simple rules:

• Use the highest resolution possible on your camera. This will allow us to crop in on all of those cute newborn attributes!
• Low quality pictures will lower the overall quality of your photo card. Even if you caught the cutest yawn, try again later if the photo is dark or grainy or blurry.
• Use auto on your camera and set your child up against a simple background. This will allow the camera to capture a good contrast when focusing. Sheets or solid-colour blankets work great for this. It is also nice if the subject is wearing a solid colour so the outfit is not distracting, but it is not necessary.
• Take advantage of natural light. Try to avoid using the flash if at all possible. Great looking photos can be taken with the simplest camera when the subject is flooded with natural light by a window. Overcast days are the best, so next time it is a cloudy day – snap away! Too much direct light can throw off the contrast, but an ample amount of light will help get rid of any grainy effect in your photos.
• Take a lot of pictures. Digital cameras are great for this – just keep snapping away and you will be bound to get a great shot. Try moving around for different angles and lighting. If your subject is getting cranky, take a break and try later.
• How do you get those cute curled up in a ball shots? These photos work best in the first couple of weeks. Turn the heat on (even in summer) to make sure your baby is nice and comfortable. A sheet over a bean bag chair or a blanket on a bouncy chair are great for holding your newborn.
• Remember each photo that is submitted to Inkblot goes through a enhancement process where we take your photo to the next level. We can get rid of red eye, do cropping, black and white adjustment and much much more all free of charge.

How to choose the right photo card

• Brightly coloured photos work great with cheery, bold coloured designs. This allows for the photo to really pop!
• Black and white photos work great with most colours, but have a nice contrast with blues and other pastel coloured photo cards.
• Close up shots from the chest up work better then full length shots. That being said, a full length shot of your newborn curled up in a ball are awfully cute.
• Consider your chosen design when taking your photos. Look to see if it is a horizontal or vertical photo or a small thumbnail that will work best just for a close up of the face. Do not stress too much, we will help make your favourite photo work.

Thank You Cards – The Who, What and When

• Sending a thank you card is a great way to respond to gifts, attendance at special events or perhaps to thank someone for pitching in after your baby was born or during the planning of a birthday party.
• Make the card original. Mention the gift or their generosity. Your friends and family will really appreciate the personal message – so avoid clichÈs.
• Try to write your thank you cards as soon as possible, but we know how crazy parenting can be – so remember it is never too late to thank someone.

Birth Announcement Etiquette

Having a baby is a momentous occasion in ones life. Does it not deserve more than a text or a email to your friends and family? Here at Inkblot we believe it does. That is why we have created beautifully designed cards to announce the birth of your child. Not only will the card allow relatives living far away a chance to see your baby, the photo cards are a wonderful keepsake to be framed or place in your baby book or for grandma and grandpa to show off to their friends. Here are a few tips to remember when creating and sending your birth announcements.

• Send out birth announcements to anyone you think might want to join in the celebration of the arrival of your new baby. This included co-workers, neighbours, cousins, old high school buddies and of course all of your relatives who watched your bump grow for 9 months.
• It is best to send out birth announcements as soon as you can after the baby is born. We know this is a busy time and the last thing on your mind in stationery, but there are a few things you can do in anticipation. Choose the design of your choice ahead of time. Think about the wording you would like to use. Even buy stamps or return address labels ahead of time. There is no time limit for getting out announcements, but anytime in the first 3 months is ideal.’)