Did you know that safety knowledge is just as important as artistic talent in your newborn photographer?
Some photographers know more about safety than others!
As an Oklahoma City newborn photographer – I’ve seen firsthand the importance of combining the art of photography with the utmost care for our littlest subjects.
One of the biggest lessons I learned early on was how to safely swaddle newborns. When my own kids were newborns, my husband always did it because I felt so incapable! I’ve come a long way. 🙂
Today I’m sharing insights into the safe practices of newborn posing in photography, so your baby’s first photoshoot is not only beautiful but also secure and comfortable!
Here are things to consider to keep your newborn safe during your session!
5 Key Elements of Safe Newborn Posing
Never Leave Baby Alone: Even if your baby can’t roll over yet, they can still move around a bit. So, it’s super important that your photographer never leaves your baby alone on a bean bag or any other surface. They could wiggle and maybe even roll off.
Safe Poses Only: Your photographer should know how to do baby poses safely. If a pose looks like it could be risky or uncomfortable for your baby, the photographer should use a special trick called ‘compositing’. This means they take two or more photos and put them together to make it look like your baby is in a fancy pose, but they never actually put your baby in any risky positions.
Because I do in-home lifestyle newborn sessions, I personally choose not to do the more complicated poses and keep most of my images with baby in the parents arms or in a simple swaddle. However, if you’re looking for these more complex posing styles, I have a lot of references for trained newborn photographers if you need them!
Keep the Room Warm: Babies love to be warm and cozy, just like they were before they were born. A warm room helps them sleep better and stay relaxed during their photo session. So, your photographer should keep the room nice and toasty, but not too hot! (Also, expect your photographer to be sweaty real quick – ha!)
Baby-Led Posing: This means watching how your baby naturally likes to curl up and move. If your baby doesn’t like lying on their tummy, then they shouldn’t be posed that way. The photographer should change the poses to what your baby finds comfy and happy.
I always go with the flow of baby at my newborn session. If they’re not happy, this is a first sign that we need to adjust our pose.
Watch Baby’s Breathing: Especially when your baby is wrapped up or swaddled, it’s important to keep an eye on their breathing. The wraps should be snug but not too tight, and your baby should be able to breathe easily and comfortably.
How to Identify a Qualified Newborn Photographer
Specialized Training: Look for a photographer who has specific training in newborn photography. This includes understanding how to pose a baby safely and recognizing signs of distress.
Portfolio Review: A photographer’s portfolio should showcase not just their style but also their commitment to safety. Pay attention to how babies are posed and supported in their images.
Client Testimonials: Feedback from other parents can give you an idea of a photographer’s approach to safety and care during sessions.
Website & Social Review: Is the photographer talking about newborn and baby safety in their posts and on their website?
Looking for a photographer is like finding the perfect babysitter – you want someone who’s not only great at what they do but also super knowledgeable about keeping your little one safe.
Have a chat with the photographer about how they keep things safe and cozy + definitely take a peek at their past work to see how they handle those tiny, delicate poses.
And hey, don’t forget to ask other moms about their experiences too. This way, you’re not just getting some gorgeous photos, but also the peace of mind that your baby is in the best hands.
Those first few weeks are so special, and I would love to help you make sure they’re captured just right – safely and beautifully!
Click here to see my Oklahoma City newborn photography portfolio.
Click here to fill out my contact form to see if I have availability for your due date!
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