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Not every photo shoot has to make your child look like a little angel. "I found that there's a high demand for a more sophisticated, fashion-y, hipster feel for children's portraiture," says Chicago-based fashion and commercial photographer Maria Ponce — the camera star who also captured these amazing pregnancy pics.

Ponce's newest endeavor, Born and Raised Photography, follows those bumps as they grow into their own unique people, and yes, she likes to bring a little edge into her camera work. Whimsical and hip, Ponce is more likely to shoot a kid under the train tracks than in a field of flowers. If you share a similar aesthetic — i.e. would rather put your daughter in Babiators than a bow (full disclosure: that's my daughter, Mae, rocking shades and black) — then follow Maria's tips to make your little one look like the coolest kid in town at your next photo shoot.

Source: Born and Raised Photography

If you haven't seen Henry, the Flying Baby, the genius creation of NYC-based photographer Rachel Hulin, then now's the time to get acquainted. Shortly after baby Henry's birth in 2011, Rachel started making him fly (with a little help from Photoshop, of course). Since then, Henry has been photographed gliding over fields and kitchen sinks, though his backyard, and even up to a Ferris wheel, and the amazing results have been featured in Time magazine and on CBS News, ABC News, CNN, and the Today show.

Henry, now 18 months, is getting a little old to fly, but his mom's awesome photos are still soaring. This week, Rachel is launching a new site selling prints of her Henry photos, and she just announced the series is becoming a book! Out April 9, 2013, Flying Henry ($13) will be a 40-page fantasy book for infants and toddlers following a baby who develops the magical ability to fly. The new book promises lots of new photos of Henry's airborn adventures, but while you wait, check out some of our favorite shots.

Source: Rachel Hulin

The time has come! Back-to-school season is in full swing and both moms and tots are ready for the big day. School supplies are bought, tees and socks are in good supply, and Mama's even prepared a few special surprises for lil one's first day at school. Now's the time to get the cameras ready to capture the special occasion for memory books, grandparents, and (of course) Mom's Facebook page. Check out these 15 creative ideas to make your back-to-school photo session a memorable one.

It's OK to become your kids' paparazzo this Summer! The warm weather months are filled with opportunities to capture happy kids doing what they like best, so it's no wonder parents are often found a few steps behind with their cameras. In case you need a lil photo inspiration, here are 14 fun photo ops worth pulling out the camera for this Summer!

Source Flickr user Ernst Vikne

With all the fireworks, tasty desserts, and pool parties, it's easy to forget the real meaning behind the Fourth of July! Independence Day is truly a day of celebration and one that many families try to commemorate with photos of their lil ones wearing their best red, white, and blue. Before pulling out your camera, get some inspiration from these patriotic photos and props!

There's something about motherhood that brings out the photographer in us. Maybe it's the advent (and ease of use) of DSLR cameras, or perhaps it's the popularity of sharing photos of our lil ones on social networking sites. But regardless of the reason, we can't seem to take enough pictures of our kids these days. Before pointing and shooting another picture, check out our tips — from professional and amateur photographers alike — for capturing every stage of your tot's growth from day one on up!

Photo courtesy of: Jennifer Little | Sugar Photography

JCPenney just debuted a new Mother's Day ad campaign called Generations, starring Cindy Crawford, her mom, and her daughter, Kaia Gerber. Crawford's multigenerational photos are gorgeous — and the accompanying video is apt to bring a tear to your eye — as are the other images in the campaign (keep clicking to check out a couple more). But those results can be hard to replicate for real-life families when you're dealing with photographing women of such different ages. Your mom's hoping her neck looks smooth, your daughter is wondering when she'll get her next snack, and you're hoping you get one decent shot to frame. Luckily, photographer Maria Ponce (who taught us how to take seminude pregnancy shots) shared a few tips to making your own multigenerational photo shoot a success. Read this before you book a professional photographer or even sit down in front of your point-and-shoot this Mother's Day!

Source: JCPenney

Photographer Jason Lee began documenting his daughters through a series of creative, and gorgeous photos back in 2006. From capturing day-to-day household happenings to milestone events like first days of school, ballet recitals, and family travels, his pictures run the range from heartwarming to hilarious. Here are 20 of our favorite shots, and some words of wisdom from the very talented dad/photographer.

Kids are quick to fixate on things, and once they do, they don't like to let go. Whether it's a person or an object that they're focused on this week, it is a connection that's worthy of a photograph. I asked fellow mom and photographer Jennifer Little, founder of Sugar Photography in Fort Collins, CO, for tips on photographing these moments, and she noted, "I love capturing that special connection between people no matter the connection."

Jennifer, who travels nationwide for family shoots and also offers Skype sessions to teach moms how to use their cameras, shares 10 moments that are worth pulling out the camera to capture.

All photos courtesy of Jennifer Little | Sugar Photography

The pregnancy photo shoot is no longer a simple weekly photo taken by a spouse with the baby's nursery in the background. Today, plenty of mamas-to-be are turning to professional photographers to capture their baby bellies throughout their pregnancies, and the results are beautiful. Before booking your session — or pulling out your own camera — gain some inspiration from these maternity shots.

Source: Caroline Tran