The first moments of life and the blossoming of a family are the most precious and yet, simultaneously, the most fleeting. So, of course, parents want to hire a newborn photographer to save every beautiful memory! But, before you hire the first, cheapest or the closest Midland, Michigan newborn photographer, it’s essential to do your research. After all, they’ll be holding your most precious cargo! Their dedication to newborn photography safety should also be considered, and here is why:
The Risks Involved with Newborn Photography
While newborn photography safety is the most crucial aspect of a shoot, it is often overlooked when choosing a photographer. Newborn photography is still a largely unregulated industry even though it deals directly with babies―the most vulnerable and delicate of us. As Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International (APNPI) says, “Anyone who owns a camera can begin photographing newborns with no training and no knowledge of the unique needs of infants.” It only takes the blink of an eye for a beautiful moment to turn into a severe injury. “Buying a camera doesn’t make you a photographer any more than buying a scalpel makes you a surgeon,” after all. It takes proper training and dedication to deliver beautiful photos and keep everyone safe.
To properly understand the risk at hand and the need for specialized newborn safety, knowing how your favorite newborn photos are created is helpful. World-famous newborn photographer, Anne Geddes, created an entire genre of whimsical newborn photography that can look unreal―because it is. Spoiler alert: When you see an image of a newborn perched on a rope swing seat, the baby is not really in that position. A photographer worth their salt should understand newborn photography safety and will never put your baby in a precarious position. A qualified newborn photographer knows that photos like that are created from a series of composite images, a process requiring exceptional skill and a sharp eye that many newbies and hobbyists don’t have.
As a side note: There is also the danger in doing it yourself. DIY infant photography with these advanced poses can also present a risk. Posing your baby in the wrong position can strain the airway, circulation, spine, or neck, causing ongoing issues.
Safety Considerations For Each Newborn
Newborns with a congenital or birth condition need extra attention and care and can’t lay in specific positions due to safety concerns. For example, did your baby have heart surgery after birth? Did your baby have a broken collar bone while being pushed through the birth canal? Every newborn photographer should ask, but, unfortunately, many don’t.
Luckily, infants come out unharmed in many cases, even with an untrained photographer, but that isn’t the point. Without proper training, it can happen and your baby could be the session where someone learns what not to do. A highly-skilled photographer in Midland, MI trained in newborn photography safety will create a cautious, professional environment and be equally patient with your concerns. After all, you are the parent, and you can usually tell when something is amiss.
What You Can Do To Keep Your Newborn Safe on Picture Day
Educate yourself in advance and vet your newborn photographer in Midland, MI with a keen eye. First, browse their portfolio carefully. Are there any photos where the baby looks uncomfortable? Of course, babies have gas, get irritable, and just make funny faces, but those photos don’t typically make the portfolio pages (unless they’re funny or charming). If you see several cases of grimaces rather than peaceful baby faces, you may want to keep looking.
Then, when you find a photographer you like, ask them all of the questions you need until you feel comfortable. Here are three questions that can help you tell if a photographer is a safe choice for your child:
What newborn photography safety training and general safety training have they had?
There are so many factors that go into infant safety that we think about all the time as parents. Is the head being supported properly? Are there any choking hazards around? Is the baby reacting out of the ordinary? There are many subtle clues to pick up on and safety factors to carefully think through and plan for anytime someone handles your child.
Before following my passion for infant and maternity photography full-time, I was a professional physical therapy assistant. Through my training and years in the field, I understand:
How bodies work,
How they need to be treated at each stage of life, and
What to look for in a distressing situation.
The level of safety is simply higher because of my experience. I can react very quickly, be observant, and think about the small details. For example, how is the baby breathing? Does skin color look off? How hot is the room? How tightly is the baby wrapped? These elements can present an avoidable, invisible danger to the baby.
It’s hard to stress how vital additional safety training is in infant photography (and maternity photography, too, for that matter). My training has taught me to be incredibly careful, as I am with my own children. In addition, it inspired me to become certified in CPR (which I’ve used twice on toddlers!) and continue my professional development and education with the APNPI.
Does the newborn photographer highlight safety and training on their website?
Sometimes silence speaks the loudest, which is also accurate with a professional photographer’s information. If safety is important to them, it’s something they’ll highlight. Such as when you check a product’s label for something gluten-free. It’s essential to some buyers, so they will flaunt it everywhere (even if it never had it in the first place - here’s looking at you pickles)!
But, when you get any photographer on the phone, the chances are good that if you just ask (who is trying to get your business) if they are a safe newborn photographer, they will say something like, “Yes! Of course!” But that may not be entirely true. Granted, they’re not going to hurt your little one intentionally, but ignorance is not always bliss.
Take a look at their website and marketing materials for any public claims about safety. What do they say about safety training? Is it substantial? Is it even mentioned? If the newborn photography website doesn’t highlight safety training and protocols, it could point to this not even crossing the photographer’s mind. Their omission might stem from them not considering this factor at all. The photographer you’re vetting should be bringing safety to the conversation and volunteering this information.
What does this newborn photographer’s work tell you?
This is more of a question for yourself. Look at the infant photos in their newborn photography portfolio and analyze what you see. Does something look obviously dangerous? Is the baby’s head or body in a position that it shouldn’t be? Is the baby being adequately supported and handled? Are there any precarious props?
Remember that those popular Pinterest baby photos aren’t created the way they look. The danger of what many newborn photographers call “the Anne Geddes effect” is that unskilled photographers put the baby in a dangerous position to get the shot because they don’t know enough about photography or infant safety. This, however, is a question you can bring to the photographer you’re vetting. Ask them to walk you through how some of these more complex poses are shot and created.
You do this when you hire a sitter for your child or any other childcare and service provider―separating the qualified professionals from the gig workers trying their hand at something new. Choosing a maternity and newborn photographer is exactly the same. You need to know the necessary qualifications, do your research, and trust your gut.
What Is On Your Feet?
These may not be the latest fashion trend, but these toeless socks are 100% for your baby's safety. Although they're probably meant for yoga, pilates and dance, these socks are perfect for the photography studio. They have these little silicone grips across the bottom that help keep the studio a little more hygienic while also preventing me from slipping, especially while holding and handling your newborn.
As a physical therapist assistant, I always require that my patients put these on before getting out of their hospital beds. So if I'm going to make my patients wear gripper socks for their safety, why wouldn't I wear them for your baby's safety?
An Experienced Newborn Photographer in Midland, MI
If you’re looking for a newborn photographer with a proven safety record, I’d love to answer any questions you might have. I’ve owned and operated a newborn photography studio in Mount Pleasant, Michigan for more than 10 years. Send me a message today to schedule a free consultation!
External Resources:
https://apnpi.com/newborn_safety/
https://www.parents.com/fun/arts-crafts/photography/newborn-photo-shoots-safety-dos-donts-every-parent-should-know/