Is Newborn Photography Safe?
From Your Luxury Rockford Newborn Photographer
Becoming a new parent is such a mix of emotions, and it all starts long before the baby arrives. During pregnancy, you feel this whirlwind of excitement and nerves, wondering if you’re really ready for this huge change. Every little kick reminds you of the responsibility ahead, and you can’t help but think— Am I really ready for this change? Will I be a good parent? If you’re anything like me, you won’t take any decision lightly, asking yourself things like, did I pick the right diapers? Is this formula good enough? It’s a lot to think about! You just want to give your little one the best of everything— comfort, love, and good nutrition. It’s a crazy, beautiful journey of figuring things out as you go, doing your best to create a happy and healthy future for your baby. So, when planning to book a Newborn Photo Shoot, you may have some questions. A big one that parents need to consider is— “Is it safe?”
Unfortunately, this answer to this question is not an easy “Yes” or “No”.
As a newborn photographer myself, I am the first to admit that when done incorrectly, or without regard for safety, Newborn Photography can be very dangerous. However, it doesn’t have to be! While yes, there are some photographers who have not educated themselves on newborn safety, there are plenty of others who have made safety their top priority. Parents should follow the same process as they would when choosing a pediatrician, a nanny, or a preschool. Doing your research and investing in someone who you feel comfortable with your child is so important.
The good news is, when done correctly,
Newborn Photography is perfectly safe.
In fact, when parents come to my studio they are often astonished at how comfortable and secure their babies are during their session.
So, what should parents look out for when hiring a newborn photographer? You may be wondering if there are certain qualifications such as a license or certification that your newborn photographer should have. Unlike many other professions, there is no required schooling, training, or certification to become a newborn photographer. In fact, anyone with a camera can call themselves a newborn photographer! Scary, right?
That said, you can still look for a newborn photographer who understands the delicate nature of a brand new baby, and who has been trained in posing & safety. Here are some questions to ask your photographer to understand their level of experience:
Do you specialize in newborns? I always advise choosing a photographer who specializes specifically in newborns. Posed newborn photography requires so much specific knowledge of posing, lighting techniques, and especially safety, that just simply do not apply to any other genres of photography. For this reason, unless you are booking a lifestyle session, I would not advise choosing a photographer who does not specialize in newborns. A wedding photographer, family photographer, or even an award winning fashion photographer, while probably technically talented, will not have the education & skills necessary to ensure your baby’s safety. Of course, there are plenty of photographers who have multiple specialties, and that is a different story. In fact, many skilled newborn photographers also specialize in things like maternity, milestones, cake smashes, & sometimes even family or senior photography.
How did you become a newborn photographer? Experienced Newborn Photographers have put in many many hours of work ensuring they not only produce the best artwork, but are able to do so safely. Your photographer should be able to explain the training, classes, and/or mentorship they participated in to get to where they are today.
How will you ensure my baby’s safety & comfort throughout the session? A newborn photographer who prioritizes safety above all else should be able to answer this question without a second thought. They should explain that every pose is not always accomplished at every session because they will never sacrifice a baby’s comfort for the sake of a photo. They will also explain that other poses can only be achieved as a composite (merging of two separate images where their hands never leave the baby.) They will also explain their process for ensuring a clean studio & avoiding the spread of germs. From these questions, you should have a better understanding of whether or not this is a person you can trust with your brand new baby.
Another way to vet a Newborn Photographer is to check out their website & social media. Many photographers post behind the scenes reels or photos showcasing themselves handling and photographing babies. The main thing to look out for here is to make sure they are supporting each baby’s head and neck at all times, and are never taking their hands off of a baby when they are in an unsecured position— if the baby is propped up on their elbows in “froggy” pose, a photographer should always have their own hands, or a parent’s or assistant’s hands, on the baby. Again, this is the most common pose of many that should always be done as a composite.
My process for ensuring the safety of my littlest clients:
My goal, above all else, is to keep every baby & child that enters my studio safe. That means that “getting the shot” will always come second to ensuring your baby’s wellbeing.
For me, this process includes:
Continual training and education
Being aware of a baby’s circulation, noting their coloring & breathing patterns to ensure safety and comfort in each pose
Never taking my hands off a baby when they are not being fully supported
Never leaving a baby unattended in case of startling or rolling
Never forcing a baby into a pose if they are resisting— this tells me that something about it isn’t comfortable for them
Always using a neck strap on my camera when shooting from above
Weighing down studio lights and backdrop stands to avoid any possible tipping
Filtering studio lighting at the lowest setting possible, using a large soft box and double diffusion fabrics to avoid strong flash in babies eyes
Rescheduling when ill— I will never hold a newborn session if myself or my children are sick to avoid spreading germs to your little one
Washing hands & using hand sanitizer frequently & masking during sick season
Maintaining a clean studio, including sanitizing surfaces & laundering fabrics between sessions
I hope this article can give parents some peace of mind when it comes to booking a newborn session, ensuring they know how to choose a safe newborn photographer. While it may seem like a lot to consider, it’s important to know that a majority of newborn photographers do have the proper education and do prioritize safety. Looking out for the few who don’t is what’s most important when hiring a photographer for your baby.
