Behind the Lens: What Safe Newborn Photography Really Looks Like
Did you know that safety knowledge is just as important as artistic talent in your newborn photographer?
As a nationally accredited newborn photographer, I've seen firsthand the importance of combining the art of photography with the utmost care for our littlest subjects.
I have been honoured with the privilege of photographing preemies, NICU graduates, twins, and many other tiny humans who rely on me to keep them safe during their portrait session. BUT we cannot forget about all of the other babies out there who have well-meaning parents and photographers wanting to create their own beautiful images and are watching us pros.
Making sure parents are educated enough to ask the right questions is important to me, so I'm sharing insights into the safe practices of newborn photography, so your baby's first photoshoot is not only beautiful but also safe and comfortable!
5 Key Elements of Safe Newborn Posing
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!
An experienced photographer will have a space heater positioned far enough away not to risk burning the baby, heating pads/blankets should never be used with baby on/under them (powered off, several layers away), and we are often checking on baby's temperature.
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. When your baby is snuggled in props or on a posing bean bag, it is important to keep an eye (or ear) on their breathing, as their neck being positioned a little too far forward (chin touching chest) or backward (chin above or behind their neckline) can be quite dangerous and at risk of positional asphyxiation—which means their tiny airways become blocked by their flexibility.
Listen to baby's Cues
Baby-led posing is a big part of safe newborn photography. This doesn't mean letting baby do all the work and the photographer just watches, it means observing 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 forcibly posed that way (no matter how much you wanted that one mama, sorry). The photographer should adjust the poses to what your baby finds comfy and happy, take as much time needed for them to settle into any given pose, and pause the process in order to meet baby's needs for breastmilk/formula, diaper changes, comfort snuggles.
Safe Poses Only
Your photographer should know how to pose babies safely. If a pose looks like it could be risky or uncomfortable for your baby, the photographer should use a special photography method called a 'composite', which is achieved in post-processing software (like PhotoShop).
It's where more than one image is captured while baby is supported in different ways, and they are digitally combined together to make it look like your baby is in a fancy or gravity-defying pose, but they never actually put your baby in any risky positions or places.
I posted a blog post a few years ago all about the magic of retouching, with a handful of real-life examples like this one, showcasing how simply it can be to provide that extra bit of satefy and comfort for parents. And a visual case-study that while things *could* theoretically be done without a spotter or support, doesn't mean it *should*.
Never Leave Baby Alone
Even though in theory your baby can't roll over yet, they can still move around a bit, and their startle reflex makes those skinny little legs of their very strong. This is why it's super important that your photographer never leaves your baby unattended, whether on a posing bean bag, in a prop like a basket, or on any other surface higher than ground level. They can wiggle, even if wrapped in a snug little potato swaddle, and can roll off. Even when baby is comfortably snuggled up on a blanket at floor-level, we never leave them unattended and are always an arm's length away (photographer or parent).
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, such as positional asphyxiation, purple limbs due to poor circulation, extreme sweating, etc., in addition to using post-processing software to create composites. It is also important to know that you are allowed to ASK about their training.
Personally, I have attended workshops from world-renown newborn photographers, have had hands-on posing education, and have taken courses over the years on newborn and baby safety from NICU nurses. All this in addition to being a Nationally Accredited Newborn Photographer with the Professional Photographers of Canada (our work and business is judged on talent and ethics).
Prop Choices In The Studio
The type of props used in the studio say a lot about a photographer. They speak to the artist's style, aesthetic preferences, AND about their attention to baby's safety.
A collection of props that include metal corners, sliver-prone wood, and scratchy wool fibers does NOT mean your photographer is careless—it's how they incorporate baby into them that matters the most.
Baby should never actually touch the prop directly, and there is almost always a layer of some kind in between them and the often cold surfaces. The prop is always on a solid surface (with that spotter we discussed earlier; baby is never left unattended) with all of their body supported (head, neck, back/bum). And after the session is done, how the props are cleaned/sanitized/quarantined is an important detail.
In-Depth Portfolio & Experience
A photographer’s portfolio should showcase not just their artistic style, but also their commitment to safety. Not every photographer posts about protocols (it's not exactly the best sales pitch), but there are silent ways that tell you if it is top of their mind. Pay attention to how babies are posed and supported in the images, what their behind the scenes at sessions looks like, and if there are any posts with captions that mention anything about posting safety (especially with potentially unsafe poses like "the froggy" or anything that looks like baby is dangling in the air). It is also helpful to note how long they've been offering newborn photographer as skills often come with experience.
Client Testimonials & Social Reviews
Feedback from other parents can give you an idea of a photographer's approach to safety and care during sessions. Look through their public reviews and client testimonials, observe any feedback or referrals from other prenatal and postpartum professionals, and . Feel free to reach out to any past clients to inquire how they perceived the attention to detail during the portrait experience (including safety!).
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 + cozy, and definitely take a peek at their past work to see how they handle those tiny, delicate babies in intricate 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!
Looking for more tips and recommendations on newborn photography?
Pure Natural Portraits (Stephanie de Montigny)
Pregnancy through Baby’s First Year & Beyond
Almonte / Ottawa, Ontario | (613) 371 – 4594
Reach out to hello@purenaturalportraits.com
