It is one of those questions that sits in the back of your mind when you start looking for a newborn photographer. You see the beautiful images of tiny babies curled into perfect poses and you find yourself wondering, is that actually safe?
It is a completely reasonable thing to ask. In fact it is one of the most important questions you can ask before you book anyone. And a good photographer will always be happy to answer it.
Here is what you need to know.
Those poses are not what they look like
Some of the most popular newborn poses, the ones where a baby appears to be resting their chin on their hands or curled up in a tight ball, are not positions a baby is ever left to hold on their own.
They are composites. Two or more images taken separately and carefully blended together in editing. In one image a pair of hands is supporting the baby's head. In another the same baby is held securely in the body position. The final image combines the two so that the hands are no longer visible.
This is standard practice among properly trained newborn photographers and it means that at no point is a baby ever unsupported, even in images where it looks like they might be.
If you ever see a photographer placing a baby into a position like this and stepping away without continuous support, that is a concern worth taking seriously
What safety looks like in practice
Beyond composite posing there are other things a trained newborn photographer does as a matter of course that you might not be aware of.
Camera straps are kept around the wrist at all times so that if a camera is ever dropped there is no risk of it falling near the baby. Weighted and stuffers are used to support every prop setup before a baby goes anywhere near it. Every new pose or prop is trialled on a posing doll first so that any issues are identified before a real baby is involved.
The studio temperature is kept warm throughout because newborns cannot regulate their own body temperature. Sessions are paced around the baby, not the clock. If a baby needs feeding, settling or simply a break, that always takes priority over getting the shot.
What to ask before you book
Newborn photography is not a regulated industry which means the standards vary significantly between photographers. The best way to protect yourself and your baby is to ask the right questions before you commit to anyone.
Ask whether they have completed specialist newborn posing training. Ask how they handle composite poses and what support is in place during a session. Ask what happens if your baby is unsettled or needs more time. A photographer who is confident in their practice will answer all of these without hesitation.
You are not being difficult by asking. You are being a good parent.
What we do at Abigail Lewis Photography
Safety is something we have invested in properly and it is something we are always happy to talk about openly.
Every composite pose in our portfolio is exactly that, a composite. Every setup is tested and supported before your baby is involved. Every session is paced entirely around your baby's needs and we will never rush a moment that needs more time.
We think parents deserve to feel completely confident in the photographer they choose for something this significant. If you have any questions about how we work before you book, we are always happy to answer them.
Ready to find out more?
If you are expecting and you would like to know more about what a session with us involves, get in touch. We would love to hear from you.