7 Steps to Safe & Beautiful Newborn Photos
It's true! Babies really do grow and change so quickly! The first few weeks of your baby's life are amazing and whizz by in a haze of hormones, sleep deprivation and never-ending feeds; leaving you wondering where did the time go? As a new parent, you're keen to preserve as many of these early moments and memories as you can. You'll probably snap a few hundred photos in your baby's first days and weeks, so I have pulled together a series of guides to help you get the most out of your time & help you take photos that you'll treasure for years to come.
Safety First!
Safety comes first with all thing baby, and this is especially true with newborns, so here are some things to think about when photographing your precious newborn.
1. Never leave your baby unattended. If possible, have an extra pair of hands nearby, just in case you need some help.
2. Don't let baby overheat (or get too cold):
- Keep the room at a comfortable temperature for your baby (as advised by your health visitor / midwife). Watch out for signs that baby is too warm or cold, and adjust accordingly. Increase the heat a little if baby is wearing very little (or nothing at all), or lower the heat if baby is wearing more than usual, or you're using snuggly blankets or layers
3. Set up your space:
- Be aware of your surroundings and set up a space to work in. Ensure that there's nothing that you could bump into, knock over or trip over if you're moving around
- Make sure that nothing can fall on your baby, and there's nothing that they could pull down on themselves.
- Make use of the floor: If you want to lay your baby on something (for example, a blanket or flat cushion) place it on the floor. This will keep baby safe if they decide to pick photo day to start rolling over!
4. Keep baby comfortable:
- Remember that babies are fragile! Some babies are easier to pose than others...some like to be curled up & others prefer to stretch out. Don't try to move your baby beyond what is comfortable for them.
- Those beautiful curled-up baby poses by professional photographers can take hours to achieve. Use your time wisely, making minor adjustments if needed, so you don't disturb your baby.
- Put your phone on silent (especially if you're using it to take the photos), so that your baby isn't startled by phone sounds.
5. Use props safely:
- Props can include anything that your baby may touch, lie on, hold or wear. They can be a great way to personalise an image, show just how tiny baby is, or give your baby something to interact with. Ensure that any props are suitable for newborn use, any tags are removed, and there is nothing loose that could be dangerous for your baby etc.
6. Plan ahead & keep it simple:
- Think about what you're trying to capture, what you'd like baby dressed in, what's in the background etc
- Don't attempt to copy the poses achieved by professional photographers. Many of these are complicated, require training or are actually several shots blended together, and would not be safe for someone untrained in newborn safety and photography to attempt.
7. Expect the unexpected!
- My final tip for now...expect the unexpected and go with it! Babies have their own personalities and things may not go to plan.
- Don't set your expectations too high. Remember that there's a reason that newborn photographers exist. It's not easy to get the perfect image, and some take a lot of patience, even for us professionals.
If you're interested in having a professional photoshoot please get in touch to book a free, no obligation planning session, using the button below.
Most of all, enjoy this amazing time with our precious little one! x
Disclaimer: These tips are intended to help you think about safety when photographing your baby. This list is not an exhaustive list of safety tips. Your baby's safety remains your responsibility at all times. The author accepts no liability.