It’s one of the most asked questions I get from new parents: Is newborn photography safe?

To protect themselves and the newborns they photograph, a professional photographer who specializes in newborns should have training and certification in how to safely pose and photograph newborns. These posed studio photos are wonderful to have, but you should never entrust your baby’s posing to a photographer who is not a professional or who is unfamiliar with safely posing newborns. This is because your baby’s safety could be at risk. Posing a newborn improperly can endanger your child if it isn’t done right, so it’s important to know that your newborn is completely safe.

As a professional newborn photographer in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, I have spent many hours researching and practicing techniques that will keep my clients’ newborns safe. To help ease your mind as you prepare to bring your newborn in, I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions from new and expectant parents. 

Is it okay if I take the baby’s pictures on my own?

While it may be tempting to try to take professional-looking photos of your newborn on your own, there are several reasons why the average person should not attempt this without proper training or experience. Newborn photography sessions can be time-consuming and require a lot of patience and energy. As a new parent, you may already be overwhelmed with caring for your newborn and may not have the time or energy to dedicate to a photography session, in a safe manner. Newborn photography also requires specialized training and expertise to ensure the safety of the baby. Professional photographers know how to properly pose and handle a newborn to avoid any risks of injury or harm.  You should never pose a newborn unless you have received training from a reputable professional organization and have completed educational classes on how to do so safely.

What newborn poses are safe?

When photographing newborns, the poses that are typically used have been designed to reduce the likelihood that the child will sustain an injury. These positions prevent pressure from being placed on your baby’s spine and neck, ensure that their airway is unobstructed, and make it possible for the photographer to move the baby from one pose to the next with as little adjustment as possible.

Often, these pictures are examples of a type of image known as a composite image. That indicates that the photographer’s (or an assistant’s) hand is actually captured in the image, and that multiple photographs were edited together to create the illusion that the infant is in the frame by themselves.

When should my baby be photographed for newborn pictures?

The majority of photographers recommend scheduling your child’s newborn session between the ages of seven and fourteen days old, if possible. Your newborn is likely to be sleepy and easier to pose during this time, which will allow the photographer to recreate poses that your baby may have assumed while they were still in the womb. Obviously, this timing will vary, especially in the case of premature babies, or those who need time in the NICU after birth. Timing should always be based on what’s in the best interest of the baby. Feel free to get in touch to discuss your specific situation, and we’ll figure out how to make it work!

How can I determine if a photographer specializing in photographing newborns is trustworthy?

Talk to a newborn photographer about the measures they take to ensure the safety of your child before you hire them. When it comes to taking pictures of newborns, an experienced and skilled photographer should adhere to a whole host of guidelines, such as the following:

• Ensuring that each prop is appropriately weighted and is secured before use
• Wrapping or swaddling a newborn baby for security.
• Securing your infant in a position that causes them minimal stress.
• Disinfection procedures in-between sessions.
• Training and experience in newborn safety.

During the course of a session, you are welcome to stay nearby to ensure that you feel comfortable with the process. Ask the photographer to give you a rundown of their workflow before they begin taking pictures. Your child’s health and safety are of the utmost importance to any trained professional, and they will be happy to explain why the poses they are demonstrating do not present any danger to your child.

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Hi! I’m Tracy! I’m a professional photographer specializing in newborn photography in Pittsburgh PA and surrounding areas. I’d love to be considered for your newborn portrait session! I have received training from several newborn photographers (including one of the top photographers in the country, none other than Ana Brandt!) to perfect my safety and posing skills in the studio, so you can trust that your precious bundle is always safe with me.

With my personalized newborn photography sessions, I can travel to you (Pittsburgh, Greensburg, and surrounding areas) so that you can have your newborn photos done in the comfort of your own home, or you can relax in my comfy Greensburg photography studio for a posed newborn session. The choice is yours! You can check out my newborn portfolio, more details, and reach out to me here!