Expert Tips for Posing and Safety in the Studio.

If you are looking for a Newborn Photographer, PLEASE ensure that you choose someone who is a professional. Someone who is experienced working with newborns, is insured and has your baby’s safety as their first priority. You can read more about what to look for when choosing the perfect Newborn Photographer here.

At the Little Oak Studio, we are constantly mindful of demonstrating safety at all times for parents. Often this is the first time that they are seeing their baby held by a complete stranger. We want parents to feel confident and comfortable with the way their baby is being handled. As a mother of 4 herself, Rachel, will handle every baby the exact same way as if she was holding her own — with the utmost respect and care.

Here are our Newborn Studio Safety Rules.

Babies must never be left unattended on any surface where they could roll or fall, in a prop, or with a young sibling.
Babies must never be placed in or on any prop which is sharp or made of glass or where they could potentially fall.
When taking a shot above the baby, the photographer must always use a camera strap to prevent the camera from falling on the baby (and never stand on anything above the baby).
In more complex poses, babies must never support their own head. Images must be created using multiple images in Photoshop.
Always have a spotter or parent next to your baby when using props, use a support hand or finger when posing the baby and clone it out later in Photoshop.

6. The photographer should not attempt to force the baby into any pose where their breathing may be restricted, instead, adjust them to where they are comfortable, and their airways are free.

7. The photographer should regularly check that the baby is not too hot or cold, and check extremities such as fingers and toes for lack of circulation.

8. Preserve the baby’s modesty. If posed properly, your baby’s private parts should never be exposed.

9. Precautions should be taken to ensure a healthy environment for your baby including, the sanitation of blankets and props, maintaining the proper temperature, keeping a clean and germ-free studio

Please do not attempt advanced or prop posing if attempting a DIY newborn session at home. Again, Newborn Photography takes a lot of special safety and posing training that many new parents and new photographers taking on newborn sessions aren’t aware of. What you see on social media is not in fact the whole story, complex images can quite often be created from a set of composite images merged together. Sadly, parents are often left disappointed or worse, their babies have been injured.

At the Little Oak Studio, the safety of your baby is so incredibly important to us – THE most important aspect of our client journey and we would never place your baby in a vulnerable or uncomfortable position.

Lastly, as the newborn photography industry is highly competitive and is not regulated, anybody can pick up a camera and advertise themselves as a Professional Newborn Photographer. The onus is then on parents to do their research, so please choose wisely!