It’s a bit worrying that out of the thousands of families I’ve worked with over the years, only a handful have asked me about my safety training, first aid qualifications or experience in handling newborns. While I’m incredibly grateful that so many parents trust me with their most precious little ones, it does concern me that this important topic often goes overlooked.
As a newborn photographer, I understand just how fragile and delicate newborns are. They’re not just tiny - they’re still developing and their bodies require special care. That’s why ensuring your photographer is fully trained in newborn safety is absolutely crucial.
The Dangers of Unsafe Newborn Photography
Lately I’ve seen so many photographers online attempting poses that put babies at serious risk — one example being the popular froggy pose.
This adorable pose — where a baby’s chin rests on their hands while their head appears to be held up — should never be done as a single shot. Instead, it must be created as a composite image, where two separate photos are carefully combined in editing. In reality, the baby should always be fully supported by a parent or assistant, with hands on them at all times to ensure their safety. Yet, some inexperienced photographers attempt this pose without proper knowledge, leaving newborns unsupported and vulnerable. It’s not just concerning — it’s dangerous.
Why Training Matters in Newborn Photography?
Newborn photography isn’t just about capturing cute poses — it requires skill, patience, and most importantly, proper training. Photographers working with newborns should understand:
Newborn physiology — Knowing how a baby’s body moves, their delicate neck strength and their limited flexibility is crucial.
Safe posing techniques — Certain poses require specific support methods to keep babies secure and comfortable.
First aid knowledge — In the rare event that something goes wrong, a photographer should know how to respond quickly and effectively.
Room conditions — Keeping the studio at the right temperature is crucial — it should be warm enough for a comfortable, sleepy baby without risking them becoming too hot or too cold. Maintaining this balance is an important part of creating a safe environment.
Beware of Hobbyist Photographers!
I completely understand that photography is a creative field, and everyone has to start somewhere. However, when it comes to newborn photography, learning the craft before working with babies is essential. Sadly, there’s been a rise in hobbyist photographers — often parents on maternity leave — offering budget sessions for as little as £50 to build their portfolio. While their intentions may be good, the lack of proper training can put babies at serious risk.
I fully support those entering the industry — I was once new to this too — but newborn photographers should invest in the right education before handling such delicate little clients.
How to Choose a Safe and Experienced Newborn Photographer?
Before booking a session, I strongly encourage parents to ask the following questions:
✔️ Have you been trained in newborn safety?
✔️ Do you know how to safely pose newborns?
✔️ Are you insured?
✔️ How many newborns have you worked with?
✔️ Do you have first aid training?
A true professional will always be happy to answer these questions because your baby’s safety should be their top priority.
Final Thoughts
Your newborn is the most important person in your world and they deserve to be in safe, experienced hands. While those adorable poses may look effortless, there’s so much more going on behind the scenes to ensure babies are safe and comfortable at all times.
At Perfect Moments Photography, I’ve invested in extensive training, hold full insurance and have years of hands-on experience working with newborns. I encourage every parent to prioritize safety first when choosing a photographer — because those perfect moments should always be captured with care.
