Newborn photography and baby safety: Essential reading for new parents

Your newborn baby is the smallest and most precious little person in the world. So tiny and so delicate, they need handling with great care.

This is why you’ll be pleased to hear that when you put your trust in me to photograph your new baby, their safety is my first priority.

Safe baby photography

I’ve been a professional newborn photographer for seven years, and work hard to ensure that your baby is always completely safe when at my photography studio in Leeds.

I’ve spent large amounts of time and considerable money on training and professional development to be able to offer you a safe baby photography experience.

I’ve travelled across the country to learn from the best in the business, and have developed a deep understanding of how to safely handle, pose and care for newborns.

How I safely pose newborn babies

As a parent who has never experienced a professional newborn photography session before, you may not realise that there are some photographers out there who aren’t safety trained, and who don’t place such a high priority on baby safety.

You may have come across images of babies in different usual and seemingly unnatural positions - if I feel a position is at all unsafe for a baby, or may put stress on their little joints, I don’t ever try and get the baby in that position. There’s no reason at all why babies need to be put in such a vulnerable position for newborn photographs.

In my newborn photography studio, I concentrate on achieving beautiful images that are 100 per cent safe for your baby and won’t put any unnecessary stress on any part their little body.  

Related reading: Three ways to get a newborn baby to sleep

Is newborn photography safe?

So, if you’ve been wondering “is newborn photography safe?”, the answer is yes, but you do need to be careful about who you choose to photograph your little one.

Before booking a newborn photographer, always ask them about their safety practices. Maybe even ask them to demonstrate or provide proof of how they create safe newborn photography poses.

Do also check that they are fully insured too.

Related reading: Three things to consider when choosing your newborn photographer

Safe poses for newborn photography

The gravity defining newborn photographs you may have seen online should always be created using digital editing techniques. 

Any newborn photographer worth their salt will be more than happy to show you examples of how they create these images.

So-called ‘composite’ newborn portraits are created when two or more photos are combined together digitally. Elements – such as the hands (often of the parents) that are supporting the child’s head - are removed during post-production. 

Natural and safe newborn baby photos

Me, personally? I prefer to focus on creating natural newborn photos as this is the style my clients tend to ask for. 

I do use props, like baskets, but would never leave a child unsupported or have them precariously balanced on a surface or at any height. I take baby safety very seriously.

With me, your baby will be safely snuggled laying on cushions and blankets for almost the entire session, and they’ll be wrapped in delicate fabrics, chosen specifically so that they won’t irritate their delicate skin.

Your baby will be comfortable and cosy while in my care and protected at all times.  

Related reading: What to expect from your newborn photoshoot plus baby photo inspiration

Let’s chat about your baby’s very first photoshoot!

If this sounds like the newborn photography experience that you’re after, once your little one has arrived into the world, complete this form or call me today so we can have a chat! I’d love to hear from you.

You can also download my free guide to newborn photography if you wish! In it, there's all the information you need, as well as my top tips on how to prepare for a baby photoshoot and a printable packing checklist for the day of your session. Enter your details below to get yours, with my compliments.

Andrea