Newborn photography captures some of the most precious moments of a baby’s new life. As these sessions often involve delicate poses and props, ensuring the safety of your baby is top priority. In this blog post, I will go over the importance of safety in newborn photography, provide key safety tips, and highlight what parents should look for when choosing a photographer.
Why Safety is Crucial in Newborn Photography
Newborns are so tiny and delicate and require very special care during their photo sessions. Their developing muscles and bones, sensitive skin, and all around general fragility mean that even a seemingly harmless action can pose a big risk with an inexperienced photographer. Safety being the number one priority during a session not only protects the baby but also ensures a positive experience for both the parents and the photographer.
Key Safety Tips for Newborn Photography
1. Safe Posing Techniques
Many poses that you see, such as the “froggy pose,” should only be done by an experienced photographer and generally with the help of an assistant if possible. A composite image, where two images are combined in the post editing process, can achieve these type of poses safely.
2. Clean and Sanitized Environment
Ensure that all blankets and surfaces are thoroughly cleaned before and after each session. Newborns have sensitive immune systems, so maintaining a clean environment helps this process.
3. Temperature Control
New babies can not regulate their body temperature well. Be sure to keep your studio warm, usually between 75 and 80°F, to ensure baby is comfy, cozy and warm. Use a heater if necessary to maintain the warmth of the studio.
4. Supervision and Support
Never walk away from a newborn in a prop or in a pose. Be sure to use an assistant or helper if you need to step away. When using props, ensure they are stable and cannot tip over.
5. Avoid Overexertion
Sessions should be planned with breaks for feeding and comforting the baby. Any signs of discomfort or distress means it’s time for a break.
6. Proper Handling
Always handle the baby gently, supporting their head and neck at all times. Babies love to feel safe and secure so using a firm hold to calm and soothe is essential. Educate parents during the parent posing portion of your session about the importance of gentle handling and explain the process to ensure the baby feels secure.
Choosing an Experienced Newborn Photographer
1. Research and Reviews
Look for a photographer with a good reputation and great reviews. Reviews or feedback from other parents can provide a look into the photographer’s safety practices and the overall photo session experience.
2. Experience and Training
Be sure to choose a photographer who specializes in newborn photography and has a good amount of experience within that genre. A highly experienced newborn photographer will know how to handle and pose newborns safely.
3. Safety Practices
Don’t be hesitant to ask about the photographer’s safety protocols. An experienced, professional newborn photographer should provide you plenty of information about their safety measures and should be happy to discuss how they ensure a safe environment.
4. Portfolio and Style
Review the photographer’s portfolio and even social media posts to ensure their style jives with your preferences and that their images reflect safe posing techniques.
Safety is essential when it comes to newborn photography. By safe practices being a top priority during a newborn session, photographers can create beautiful, timeless images without compromising the well-being of the baby. Parents should feel extremely confident in their choice of a newborn photographer, knowing that their tiny, sweet baby is in safe and experienced hands. With a professional approach and experience, newborn photography can be an amazing and stress-free experience for everyone involved.
