#TipTuesday: Safety During Your Newborn Photography Session
They’re not just babies, they’re little tiny pieces of your heart, and while you want to capture these first precious moments of their life, you also want to make sure they’re in good hands! Read more about Newborn Photography safety below.
Now, before you panic and cancel your session, let me assure you that there are many photographers who take their work and your child’s safety seriously and have the proper training, experience and certifications to make sure your little one is well taken care of during your session. That said, it’s important to do your research, to look for in a photographer prior to booking your shoot.
Is Newborn Photography Safe?
The short answer to this questions is yes. The longer, more stress-inducing answer is - in the hands of the right photographer. Currently, there are no safety restrictions in place for the newborn photography industry. Although certifications for newborn safety are available, and many photographers (like myself) have gone through the proper training to obtain them, they aren’t a requirement. In other words, anyone with a camera can call themselves a newborn photographer with absolutely no experience and no training.
The Right Photographer For Your Newborn Session
When searching for the right photographer for your newborn session, there are a few important factors to consider. In addition to viewing their portfolio to ensure that their style matches what you’re looking for, you want to ask the right questions, and verify that they have the experience and certifications necessary to properly care for your baby during your shoot.
Some key questions to ask are:
How many babies have you handled up to this point?
Do you have any newborn posing certifications, and if so, with whom did you certify?
What safety practices do you have in place for your studio specifically for newborn clients?
Things to Look Out For During Your Session
Even after you’ve done all the research and asked all the questions, the simple fact that this may be your first experience with newborn photography could have you feeling nervous. Knowing what to expect, and what to look out for, during your session will help you feel more at ease. Here are some things to be mindful of:
Signs of overheating (sweaty neckline, red skin, irritability), or being too cold (skin turning purple or blue). Ensure that the temperature of the studio is adequate to keep baby comfortable.
Positional asphyxiation. This can happen when babies don’t get enough oxygen due to the positioning of their bodies. To minimize risk, make sure that baby is supported by human hands at all times during any risky poses, and that there is nothing interfering with air flow through the mouth and nose.
Prop safety - if these will be used during your baby’s session, make sure they are inspected for safety, are the appropriate size for your baby, and that they are positioned in a way that will minimize the possibility of baby falling, or and adult/other child tripping over them.
Personally, I have over 11 years of experience and have done hundreds of newborn photography sessions. I’m have a certification from APNPI and, as a momma of five little ones, know a thing or two about keeping little ones comfortable and safe. If you’re ready to plan your session, connect with me. I’d love to help you!
