Now that you’ve started your search for the perfect newborn photographer you’re probably coming across a lot of questions. It’s a big decision, there’s no doubt about it. This person will handle your most precious cargo in their most fragile state of life. To help you navigate the process, I’m sure you’re scouring through dozens of websites to find a photographer who has the experience, a studio close by, someone who can highlight your infants’ best features, and a photographer within your budget. While all of these deserve some thought, don’t forget to factor in the most important consideration of all: newborn safety.
Safety is the most important factor parents should consider when hiring a newborn photographer. Babies are only 5 to 10 days old, so they are incredibly fragile, their skin is so sensitive, and struggle with regulating their temperature. An experienced newborn photographer will not only have extensive training on the proper handling of an infant for posing, but will also know how to create an environment that is comfortable and safe for baby. Maintaining a warm temperature that is consistent is key for both safety and comfort. It also helps babies stay sleepy, which allows them to be posed in all the most requested squishy poses newborn photos. Still, many of the sweet poses you see of newborns on Pinterest are accomplished with the additional help of Photoshop and are truly just an illusion. Therefore, it’s never a good idea to ask a friend who has a good camera to pose your baby and take some photographs.
After photographing babies for years as well as having one on one mentoring and training with a local newborn photographer, I’ve learned exactly what is required to accomplish these poses- and trust me, they are all dependent on the baby! For example, some babies are very sensitive to their hands being touched, while others may be dealing with a gassy belly and don’t like to lay on their stomach- but you don’t really discover their sensitivities until you are already in the midst of photographing them. An experienced photographer will start with a plan, but will adapt and accomodate if the baby is uncomfortable in any way.
Many times, some helpful hands are required for safely positioning and posing baby in certain ways. Getting the perfect shot is never worth risking the safety of a newborn. Certain poses require specific safety factors that ensure the baby doesn’t topple over or curriculation gets cut off. Just because a baby looks asleep, doesn’t mean they won’t move—between the startle reflex and active dreams one can never be too safe during certain poses. Even simple things like making sure the camera strap is securely around my neck when photographing directly above a newborn are things an inexperienced photographer may not realize or even think of. For this reason, newborn photography should never be DIY. When calling around to reserve a baby photographer, be sure to ask about their safety know-how.
Here at Lasting Memories Photography, photographing your newborn is an honor I don’t take lightly! I spend the time listening to your newborn’s cues, like signs from hunger, ruling out belly shots if a baby is gassy, checks of correct coloring in hands and feet for circulation, and know when they need a gentle rock and be lulled back to sleep while gently and safely placing them in poses that will create portraits you will cherish forever.
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