overhead shots of a baby

[Emel]

Hi All, I am new to this forum and I hope somebody can help me. I have an 8 month old son I want to take some overhead shots of. I understand I need a tripod arm. Which would you recommend?

 

[Scatterbrained]

Here's one: Paul C. Buff - Baby Boomer - Mini Boom Arm Offset Arm

This is a bad idea right here. First, it's designed to hold a light, not a tripod head. Second, it's not exactly well reviewed to begin with.

As far as getting overhead shots of a baby, I'd recommend just putting them on the floor, preferably next to a large window, and standing over them. If you need to you can get a small step stool to get some more height.

This is just handheld in window light with a black blanket on the floor.
Natasha in a Bowl by tltichy, on Flickr

If you must hang the camera on a tripod you can get the horizontal arm from Fiesol, or the multi-mount arm from Manfrotto. Gitzo also makes a horizontal tripod arm but it's a bit pricey for what it is.
Amazon.com Feisol VH-40HAKIT Horizontal Adapter Tripod Heads Camera Photo
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UQ1ME8...=UTF8&colid=ZSQFESWB2IP&coliid=I1DWUG996TCR1Z
Amazon.com Manfrotto 131DB 23.6-Inch Side Arm for Tripods with 2 heads on 90 Degree Black Tripod Accessories Camera Photo

 

[Scatterbrained]

BTW, if for some reason you do mount the camera to a tripod, be sure to counterbalance it. The last thing you want is a camera and tripod falling on a baby. Be sure to wrap the camera strap around the tripod too to keep the camera from dropping if it comes loose.