Newborn Safety is my top priority
Newborn Safety During Photography: My Commitment to Keeping Your Baby Safe
As a newborn photographer, your baby’s safety is my top priority. I understand how precious your little one is, and I take every precaution to ensure that each photograph session is not only beautiful but, most importantly, safe. While newborn photography is a wonderful way to capture the early moments of your baby’s life, it’s essential to note that, unfortunately, newborn photography is not regulated in the UK. That’s why I’ve made it my personal commitment to adhere to the strictest safety standards while creating stunning images for you and your family.
Safety First: Why It Matters?
When photographing newborns, their delicate bodies and developing muscles require special care. Babies are vulnerable to certain poses and props that might seem innocent, but without the proper precautions, they can cause harm. That’s why I approach every session with an unwavering commitment to newborn safety, ensuring that no shot is ever taken without considering the baby’s well-being first.
To further ensure the highest safety standards, I’ve completed specialized newborn safety training and I am first aid qualified. This means I have the knowledge and skills to handle any situation that may arise during a session, giving you peace of mind while your precious little one is in my care. With this training, I can confidently create a safe environment, from properly supporting baby’s delicate body to making sure all poses are done with the utmost caution.
Your baby’s safety isn’t just my priority; it’s my responsibility. By combining my professional training with my years of experience, I ensure that every session is both safe and memorable.
How to safely pose a baby in a bucket and win a gold award at the same time? 🏆😊
Bucket posing is one of my favourite images to do within a newborn photography session but to me many years to master it so I would certainly not recommend to do it at home.
This pose typically involves placing a newborn baby inside or on top of a small, vintage-style bucket, often surrounded by soft blankets or fabric. The baby is never placed in the bucket without support. I make sure that the bucket is well-padded with soft blankets or other cushioned materials to provide a stable, comfortable base for the baby. There is also some weight – I use sandbag – is placed on the bottom of the bucket to make sure it would never tip over.
One of the most important aspect of this pose is that I always use a spotter which can be done with the help of mum or dad. While the baby is carefully placed in the bucket, one of the parents is always right beside the baby, keeping a hand gently on the baby at all times. The spotter’s job is to assist in keeping the baby in position, ensuring there is no risk of the baby shifting or becoming unstable during the shot.
I will never leave the baby unattended in this pose. The spotter is constantly keeping a hand on the baby for support while I capture the shot, ensuring they are completely secure. If necessary, the spotter will also help with re-positioning the baby gently if they start to stir or move.
Throughout the entire shoot, I am constantly monitoring the baby’s breathing and physical condition. I watch for signs that the baby may be feeling unsettled or uncomfortable, and I make adjustments immediately to ensure the baby is at ease.
If the baby starts to become fussy or restless, I take breaks to ensure the baby is well-rested and not overstimulated.
As you can see, newborn safety is my top priority. However, I’m also a perfectionist, dedicated to achieving the best possible results, both during the session and in the editing process. The proof of this commitment is reflected in one of my Gold Award-winning images with the Guild of Photographers, which was created from a bucket pose shot. This image truly showcases my passion for both safety and artistry.
Is it safe to hold baby up mid-air?
The answer is very simple: NO, never in a million years! Some photographers however do this pose in mid-air which is clearly and utterly unsafe. So for those photographers who are starting out I would highly recommend to have a full training session with me – you can find some information about training session for photographers here – where you would also learn about baby safety during a newborn session.
I always do this pose on the beanbag, where baby is safely and comfortable posed while parents and sometimes siblings too – depending on their age – are placing their hands around baby. You can see on the photo below how it has been done.
Can I bring pets and older siblings to the session?
Most certainly! In fact I always encourage parents to bring any pets they have and I love challenges.
I totally understand that your family is complete with not just your newborn but also your furry friends and older siblings! I warmly welcome pets and siblings to join the session. Whether it’s your beloved dog or an excited big brother or sister, they can all be part of the special memories we capture. Pets and younger children are normally posed in separate shots to ensure safety and comfort for everyone. In post-production, I use a technique called compositing, where I combine these individual shots to create a seamless, beautiful family portrait. This way, we can safely include everyone in the final image while keeping the newborn’s safety as the top priority.
Here is a great example of this below:
To ensure that babies are handled in the safest possible way in my studio, I take the following safety measures:
1. Props: Choosing Safe and Comfortable Items
Props are a fantastic way to add personal flair to a newborn photography session, but not all props are created equal. I always make sure to:
- Use Soft, Non-Harmful Materials: All props I use—whether baskets, blankets, hats, or headbands—are made from baby-safe, soft materials. I avoid using any props that could potentially cause discomfort or injury, like hard surfaces or small items that could be a choking hazard.
- Avoid Overloading the Scene: Less is more when it comes to props. Simple, natural, and soft props create beautiful images without the risk of overwhelming or stressing the baby.
- Ensure Stability: For props that involve the baby being placed inside or on top of them (such as baskets or vintage crates), I always ensure that they are stable, and the baby is fully supported. Nothing is placed too high or at risk of tipping over.
2. Temperature Control: Keeping Baby Comfortable
Newborn babies can struggle to regulate their body temperature, so it’s essential to ensure the studio or shooting environment is warm and cozy. A comfortable temperature helps your baby feel relaxed and safe during the session.
- Heater at Hand: I always keep the room warm enough (around 22-24°C) and use a space heater to maintain that temperature. This makes the baby feel snug, comfortable, and sleepy, which results in beautiful and natural photos.
- Layering Blankets: When a baby is posed on a surface, I layer soft, breathable blankets underneath them to keep them comfortable and insulated from any cold surfaces. I also make sure that the baby is wrapped securely in blankets if needed to prevent any shivering.
3. Handling and Timing: A Gentle Touch
Newborn sessions typically take place within the first 10-14 days of life, as this is when babies are the most flexible and sleepy. However, even during these early days, babies can tire quickly, and too much handling can be overstimulating.
- Frequent Breaks: Babies need lots of breaks. I will never rush a session. I take the time to feed, cuddle, and soothe your baby if needed, and I always respect their limits. We stop when the baby needs a break or if they become unsettled.
- Gentle Handling: My touch is always gentle, and I take the utmost care in adjusting positions slowly and calmly to avoid any discomfort. During each pose, I ensure that baby’s neck, spine, and limbs are always supported.
4. The Role of the Parents: A Team Effort
The parents are essential in ensuring a safe newborn photography session. Their presence not only helps the baby feel more secure but also provides an extra set of hands when necessary.
- Spotting and Assisting: One of the most important things you can do as parents is assist in spotting the baby during poses that may seem more precarious, especially if the baby is positioned on a prop or in a potentially unstable pose. I will guide you through each step, so you always know how to help.
- Emotional Support: Parents often feel anxious about the safety of their newborn during the session. I’ve got years of experience and a deep understanding of how to make your baby feel safe, relaxed, and calm throughout the session. Your involvement not only helps the baby, but it also makes the session a collaborative and comfortable experience for everyone involved.
Conclusion: Capturing the Perfect, Safe Moment
At the end of the day, your baby’s safety and comfort are paramount. Through thoughtful planning, careful attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to safety, I strive to create images that are both stunning and, most importantly, safe for your little one.
By following these safety practices, using safe props, and ensuring proper posing with spotter assistance, I ensure that your newborn photography session will be a positive experience for both you and your baby. If you’re ever unsure about any part of the session, please don’t hesitate to ask me questions—your peace of mind is just as important as capturing those precious early memories.