Is taking newborn photographs safe? Everything you need to know before choosing your newborn photogr

Are you expecting a baby soon? Or have you just welcomed your new baby into the world? One of the most popular ways parents welcome a new child is with a newborn baby photoshoot.

However, is taking professional photos of your new baby safe? The short answer is both yes and no, so let's discuss.

With the arrival of a newborn baby, parents can't wait to share their good news and beautiful pictures of their baby. A newborn photoshoot can be a wonderful way to capture this special moment, as well as a way to capture all the sweet tiny details and features of your baby.

However, with heavy equipment, lighting, and the time it takes to complete a photo shoot, is planning a newborn photo session safe for your baby?

In this article we will discuss all pros and cons of booking a newborn photo shoot with information on how to keep your baby safe, should you decide to plan a newborn photo session.

Why take a newborn photoshoot?

There are many wonderful reasons why you would want to take professional-quality photographs of your baby. They are only very small for a short period of time and many parents want to take photos of their baby when they are tiny and snugly in their newborn bubble.

The most important factor when booking a photographer is whether they are experienced and trained in safe posing. Not only that, but your newborn photographer should be someone you feel you can trust as they will be one of the first few people to hold your little one when they are so tiny.

Unfortunately, there are no regulations when it comes to newborn photography, which means that many inexperienced people are able to advertise themselves as newborn photographers: the best thing is, as always, to get in touch directly and understand a little more about their background and training.

Working with newborn babies

Working with newborn baby requires a deep understanding of your little one's body and stages of growth.

For example, a newborn baby is unable to hold their own head up and will not be able to start doing this until they are two to three months old. Therefore your baby should never be posed in a position that requires them to hold the weight of their own head, either with their hands or with props. Instead, their head should be supported at all times by being gently held in position.

A good newborn photographer will be able to work around any support your baby needs, using composite photography techniques, to achieve beautiful photos.

A newborn photoshoot also takes time and patience and an experienced newborn photographer should make you feel at ease, give you plenty of time to settle your baby and be prepared for any interruptions where your baby needs to be changed or fed. Ultimately your photographer should be willing to put the safety and comfort of your baby before the outcome of the photographs.

How do I choose the right newborn photographer?

When planning your baby’s photoshoot choose your photographer carefully. The number one question you should be asking a photographer is whether they are trained, insured, and have any additional safety training to handle small babies.

Prior to booking a photoshoot do your homework and check the photographer's social media pages, and Google business listing for reviews from previous clients. If you can not find any organic testimonials about your photographer this could be considered a red flag.

Ask friends and family for recommendations and then check out the photographer for yourself. Look at their newborn baby portfolio and take note of how the babies are posed, do they look safe and comfortable? Don't be afraid to ask for a telephone call or face-to-face meeting before you book your shoot.

Here are some questions you could ask a prospective newborn photographer:

• What training have you had in regard to working with babies and are you insured?

• How long have you been photographing newborn babies?

• Does the photographer mention safety training on their website? If not, why not?

• Ask them how they cope with interruptions to the shoot and if they factor in time for feeding and changing your baby.

If at any time the photographer makes you feel uncomfortable, is unwilling to answer certain questions, or is vague about their experience and training, trust your instincts and choose someone else.

Although newborn photographers can be expensive and it is tempting to choose a lower-priced photographer, ensure that you are prioritising the safety of your baby first.

If you find a photographer that you like and trust, yet their prices are too high for your budget, talk to them about pricing options. Many photographers are happy to tailor their packages and make adjustments to fit a client's budget.

Final thoughts on choosing your newborn photographer

Choosing a newborn photographer can be difficult and it can take some time to find the right person. When choosing a photographer for your newborn photos choose someone with years of experience working with babies and who has many excellent testimonials.

A good photographer should be easy to work with and willing to put your mind at ease. They should be more than happy to talk about their training and show you any relevant documentation that proves they are insured and safety trained to work with young babies.

You may be eager to take some beautiful photographs of your baby, however, their safety and comfort should always be the priority when choosing a newborn photographer.

And if you would like to know more about booking a Newborn Photography session at my studio in Glasgow please get in touch or visit my Newborn Page!