Posed newborn photography is one of the most challenging types of photography out there! You may think ‘oh but it’s just a little tiny baby! How hard can it be? Well, let me tell you, it IS hard and so very important for the safety of your baby to be done correctly. Your newborn photographer is being trusted to keep baby safe and comfortable all while posing babe in different flattering positions with correct lighting.
Newborn photography certification is not regulated by the medical field, but instead certification consists of photography professionals teaching other photographers. There are many important safety precautions that your photographer needs to be aware of during your newborn session. When researching a newborn photographer it is important to check to see what kind of training they have had and what how they run their sessions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! This is not the type of session to use a photographer just because they are offering a good deal.
There has been some research done on newborn safety during photo sessions which talks about the dangers of doing what some may call risky poses. One such pose is the Froggy Pose. With the Froggy Pose, baby’s head may be tilted back on a strong angle, in other words it is a hyperextended passive position of the upper cervical spine. I do not offer this pose during my sessions as I feel it could pose a risk to baby. If a photographer does this pose, it should always be done as a composite (two images combined) with baby’s head fully supported at ALL times. Unfortunately, there are photographers who will do this pose not as a composite - but instead with baby’s head balanced on his/her hands. This is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted. Another pose that needs to be done carefully is the potato wrap pose. With this pose, baby should never be wrapped with their arms directly in front of their body but rather with their arms to their sides. If this pose is done incorrectly, baby’s breathing can be restricted.
Baby’s temperature also needs to be monitored during sessions. Rapid breathing, red face, mottled skin all means that baby is getting overheated. While baby is wrapped or posed, the photographer also needs to keep an eye on feet and limb color to make sure baby is not having their circulation compromised.
When I first got started on my newborn safety journey, I took online classes through APNPI. I have also done online training with Charlotte Gamache and watched countless education videos by other newborn photography masters such as Kelly Brown, Ana Brand and others. Your baby’s safety is always my number one priority during my studio sessions!
Please reach out with any questions!