Is Newborn Photography Safe?
When I became a new parent I remembered that there were so many topics that I thought about and if everything was safe for my baby. And, asking the question, ‘is newborn photography safe?’ is a perfectly natural question.
One item I’d like to mention is that all parents have the right to ask their photographer what experience they have with newborns, and what they do to keep the baby safe during their session.
I’d like to review what training I have and the steps I take to maintain safety at all of my Portland Oregon newborn photography sessions.
*Nothing included here is medical advice, just my personal experience and how I approach newborn photography sessions.
My Professional Background
Prior to starting my photography business, I worked as a pediatric nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner for over 10 years. During my training and work as a nurse I worked with babies of all ages. This training has lead to a personal ease while working with newborn babies and their families. I also continue to maintain my first aid and CPR certification for all age groups including infants and young children. Although I hope I would never need to utilize those skills at a newborn session, I do want you to know I have that safety and nursing background.
Hand Washing
Upon entering the hospital room or your home for your newborn photos, the first thing I do after we have a brief chat is to wash my hands. As we all know, hand washing is the best way to keep newborns, and all individuals healthy and to prevent illness.
Illnesses & Vaccinations
Leading up to your newborn session, if myself or a member of my family were to become ill, I will find a qualified newborn photographer colleague to come and fill in for me at your session (if we’re not able to postpone the shoot for a few days). I do this to ensure that you and your newborn remain healthy and to avoid any unnecessary risks. It’s also important for you to know that I am fully vaccinated including my Covid-19 vaccine and annual flu shot. Currently while we are still in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, I wear a KN95 mask for all in home newborn sessions, and also offer the opportunity to do a newborn session outdoors if weather permits, and if Mom is recovered enough to do so.
Baby Led Sessions
As a lifestyle photographer, I’m very focused on having a baby led session. What this means to me is that we follow the baby’s lead. If baby is content and ok laying on the master bed or in the crib for some individual portraits, then we’ll do that (and always with a parent/helper close by off camera for safety). If baby needs to be held tightly throughout the session, then that’s what we’ll do. Does baby need a feeding or to walk for a bit?
We always follow baby’s lead and maintain a happy baby throughout the session. Because I approach my sessions from a lifestyle perspective, I’m always wanting to get photos of the newborn in mom or dads arms. So don’t ever feel bad if the baby doesn’t seem to be cooperating. Trust me, they’re always doing great. Also, I always give myself extra time for newborn sessions so they are not rushed, and there’s plenty of time for breaks, feedings, and diaper changes!
Siblings & Pets
I love to include siblings and family pets in our lifestyle photo sessions. The important piece is how to do that safely. Some siblings are mature enough to hold baby while sitting safely in a parents lap, or with a spotter near by. Other siblings may be too young to hold their new baby brother or sister. The good news is that with the newborn in a parents arms, we can calmly introduce the older sibling in a way that they will interact with the baby and we’ll get great moments of the new siblings together. This approach creates lovely photos while including big brother or sister. With family pets, I typically ask that one parent is in charge of the newborn and one is in charge of the pet. Having lots of space like on the master bed, will allow all family members and pets to calmly sit together looking at or smelling the newborn and creating moment driven photos.
