Let's talk about your precious little one, and the safety involved in a newborn photo session.
We thought we would share some of our thoughts regarding newborn safety and what precautions we take as your newborn photographer. On a side note, You are always welcome to read our blog on “newborn boot camp ” Which will have tips for you parents to help you prepare for the newborn session.
Safety of your baby is the most important aspect of your newborn photoshoot.
And we assure you, that you will also feel more comfortable throughout the session knowing that your baby is in safe hands with any of our staff here at La Bella Sole Photography in our North Ogden studio.
It is a privilege to be asked to photograph these little bundles and we believe that too often then not, photographers get caught up in getting ‘the’ shot that they forget the real reason we are hired – which is to document every little detail of these babies and this incredible time in your lives so that it can be remembered and cherished forever.
Here are a few of our Newborn Photoshoot safety rules that we always follow in our studio
• Never leave a baby unattended in a prop, or with a young sibling.
• Always have a spotter or parent next to the baby when using props.
• Use a support hand or finger, when posing the baby and clone it out later in Photoshop.
• Do not force a baby into any pose. Instead, we adjust them to where they are comfortable.
• Never stand on anything above the baby in case you fall or it breaks, unless there is a spotter with hands on the photographer.
• Never ever, put a baby inside or on an object / prop that could potentially break, fall or fail.
• Glass props will never be used. So that cute bubble gum image from Pinterest, is a no go.
There are poses that our amazing clients will ask us to create for them not knowing what all goes into that pose. We are about to share with you a magic word in the world of newborn photography! COMPOSITE. This is where we will take multiple images of your little peanut, and then photoshop them together into one image. Composite images are the only way to really ensure the safety of our tiny clients when doing poses like the ‘froggy’ or ‘cocoon’ pose. Often times You, Mommy and or Daddy, will help us achieve these poses by holding baby into position. Don’t worry, we guide you through it step by step. This is a fun way to get parents involved in the session with us.
However, not every baby will go into these sought after poses that we all adore so much. We will always attempt to get the images you request. If your little one lets us know that they do not want to play with us for that pose, we will move forward. No need to upset, or have the baby feel insecure. And we promise you, they will voice their opinion if they do not like it.
This is probably a good time to mention that baby in Daddies hands.... Yep, you guessed it, it is also photoshopped. Baby is actually laying on a beanbag, and Daddies hands are tucked under baby. Sneaky, sneaky huh!
Froggy pose | Composite
In A Parents Hands | baby is on a bean bag, and Daddy is laying over it.
When doing these poses, or any of the other posing you may see, please know, we are trained to be mindful of many things.
The babies neck of course, their airway, and the soft spots on their tiny heads. But, we also watch for circulation, how they feel… Like too hot, too cold etc. We are very mindful of their little tongues in their mouth and their airways, we even watch for gas bubbles, all while posing perfectly, smoothing out that blanket and setting up our lighting. Dang, we are good huh?!
All of us have a friend or family member that is a photographer, and they offer to photograph your baby for free, or for really cheap. Eaaakkkkkk!!!!!! I know all of us start somewhere. And they can not learn newborn photography without practice. But, do you want them to practice on your new little bundle of joy? When I (Shae, the owner) started in newborn photography, I paid bookoo bucks for a 4 day newborn retreat. And I didn’t stop there. I bought many webinars, watched video after video on posing and safety, gone to many more workshops, and even mentored under another photographer, and Only then did I even dream of attempting trying out my new skills. Fun fact.... all of our photographers and assistants have also gone through extensive training on posing, lighting, wrapping, styling, and of course safety!
I hope this gives you a little bit of direction when trying to find your photographer. I know it can be a bit overwhelming. Remember, My staff and I are here for you! We are here to help guide you, and to answer any questions you may have. If you would like to schedule a newborn consultation or have any questions, please comment below.
We can’t wait to meet you!!!!!!
<3 Shae