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 brand new bundle of joy during their first few days of life to capture all their sweet features and your new life. To help you navigate the process, I’m sure you’re scouring through dozens of websites to find a photographer who has a style that you're drawn to, is within your budget, and also close by so you don't have to travel too far. While all of these deserve some thought, don’t forget to factor in the most important consideration of all: newborn safety.
Safety is the absolute most important thing to consider when hiring a newborn photographer. Babies are only 5 to 10 days old, so not only are they fragile, but they have sensitive new skin, and aren't quite the pro at regulating their own temperature yet. 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 ideal for keeping baby happy and tending to their specific needs. 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 those adorable little set-ups you see for their 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.
Over the years I have taken many courses as well as attended workshops and trainings, 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 may have gas or tummy troubles and not want anything to do with being on their belly, while others could be sensitive to their hands or feet being touched. The thing is you don’t really discover their sensitivities until they're in the studio and you are already in the midst of photographing them. An experienced photographer will start with a plan, but will be able to quickly adjust that plan and move on to other options if the baby is uncomfortable in any way. My top priority is baby's safety and comfort, they are the boss when in the studio!
Many times, some helpful hands are required for when baby is in a certain prop or to safely position them. 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, compromise their airway, or cut off circulation. Just because a baby looks asleep, doesn’t mean they won’t move—believe it or not, newborn babies have some strength behind them and some have pretty alarming startle reflex or even active dreams. Even simple things like making sure the camera strap is securely around my wrist or neck when photographing directly above a newborn are things a friend or inexperienced photographer might not have even considered. 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 Danielle Vivian Photography, photographing your newborn is an honor I don’t take lightly! I spend the time to listening to your newborn's cues, watching for signs of hunger like rooting or balled up fists, signs of discomfort from gas, and will help hum them to sleep while gently and safely placing them in poses that will create portraits you will cherish forever.
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