Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! Finding the right newborn photographer to capture your newborn’s first few weeks of life is a huge decision. This person will handle your infant in their first few days of life, and will capture all of the precious details and moments you can’t get back. I’m sure you have searched through dozens of websites to find a photographer who has the right style you like, budget you can afford, and studio that is close by. While all of these factors are important, don’t forget the most important consideration of all: newborn safety!
Safety is the single most important piece to consider when hiring a newborn photographer. During their very first portraits, most babies are only 5 to 21 days old. Therefore, they are incredibly fragile, and aren’t great at regulating their own temperature. An experienced newborn photographer will have extensive training on the proper handling of an infant for posing. They will also know how to create an environment that is conducive to the needs of a newborn. This includes maintaining a very warm temperature consistent to the temperature the baby would have experienced in the womb. This is key for baby’s comfort and allowing babies stay sleepy during their session. Keeping baby asleep and happy allows them to be posed in all sorts of adorable positions for their newborn photos. However, many of the sweet poses you see on Pinterest are accomplished with the additional help of Photoshop and are truly just an illusion. You can see an example of this in the images below. The “froggy pose” should never be attempted by an untrained professional. As you can see Photoshop is required to remove the photographer’s hands that are kept in place at all times to ensure the babies safety. Therefore, asking a friend who has a good camera to pose your baby and take some photographs is never a good idea. You can read more about this in my blog, “why you should hire a professional."
After extensive newborn safety and posing training, I’ve learned exactly what is required to accomplish these poses. A lot of these poses are also dependent on the baby and not all babies will go into certain poses. For example, some babies with gas issues don’t like being on their belly and therefore don’t like the “bum up pose.” An experienced photographer will start with a plan but will quickly be able to adjust or completely change poses if the baby is uncomfortable in any way. Getting the perfect shot is never worth risking the safety of a newborn. Just because a baby looks asleep, doesn’t mean they won’t move. With the startle reflex and active dreams, you can never be too safe with a newborn baby. Even simple things like making sure the camera strap is securely around my neck when photographing directly above a newborn are things an inexperienced photographer or friend may not think of.
Here at Alicia Kee Photography, photographing your newborn is an honor I don’t take lightly. During the session, I take my time listening to your newborn’s cues for signs of hunger, as well as signs of discomfort like gas. I will help settle them to sleep while gently and safely placing them in poses that will create portraits you will cherish forever.
If you are interested in a newborn session, contact me using the button below so we can plan your dream session. I am currently booking into July 2022.
Luxury Newborn and Maternity Photographer serving Newnan, Sharpsburg, Peachtree City, Tyrone, Fayetteville, and Senioa
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