Newborn Photography and Safety
Newborn photography can be a beautiful way to preserve your baby’s earliest days. Most parents, however, are surprised to learn that newborn photography is an unregulated industry and that photographers may have very different levels of training and experience.
APNPI provides educational resources to help you understand newborn photography practices, ask informed questions, and feel more confident when choosing a photographer.
Our goal is not to tell you who to hire or guarantee the practices of any individual photographer. It is to help you better understand what to look for and encourage you to speak up whenever something does not feel right.
What Every Parent Should Know
Every newborn photographer has a unique style, workflow, and level of experience. While beautiful images are easy to see in a portfolio, the knowledge and preparation behind them are often less visible.
Learning a little about newborn photography before your session can help you ask thoughtful questions, better understand a photographer’s approach, and feel more confident in your decision.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Newborn Photographer
Choosing a newborn photographer is about more than loving their portfolio. Asking a few thoughtful questions can help you better understand their experience, approach, and how they plan each session.
What to Expect at Your Newborn Session
Every newborn session is a little different, but most follow a similar pattern. Sessions are typically calm, unhurried, and planned around your baby’s comfort, with plenty of time for feeding, soothing, and breaks whenever needed.
Many of the images you see in a photographer’s portfolio involve careful preparation and are often created using techniques that prioritize your baby’s comfort and support. Understanding how these images are made can help you better appreciate both the artistry and the planning behind them.
Understanding Composite Images
Some of the most iconic newborn portraits are not created in a single photograph. Instead, they are composite images, meaning two or more photographs are carefully combined during editing.
This allows photographers to create the appearance of a pose while ensuring a baby is supported at every stage of the process. Understanding composite images helps parents appreciate both the artistry involved and the importance of thoughtful planning.
If you see a newborn image that looks surprising or impossible, it’s worth asking your photographer how it was created. A professional photographer should be happy to explain their approach and answer your questions.
The Potato Sack Pose
Some newborn poses require careful planning, steady support, and a thorough understanding of newborn positioning. Images like the potato sack pose should only be attempted by photographers who understand appropriate support techniques and know when a pose should be modified or avoided.
The illustration below highlights some of the considerations involved in creating this image safely and comfortably for baby. Many parents are surprised by how much planning and support goes into creating a pose that appears simple in the finished photograph.
The Froggy Pose
The Froggy Pose is one of the most recognizable newborn portraits. Although the finished image appears to show the baby supporting their own head, it should always be created as a composite image so the baby’s head and wrists are supported throughout the process.
Parents are often invited to help support their baby during the creation of these photographs when an assistant is not present.
Suspended Baby
Images that appear to show a baby suspended in a sling, hammock, or other prop are not created by lifting a baby into the air. These photographs are carefully planned composite images made from multiple photographs taken while the baby remains safely supported on a secure surface, such as the floor or a posing beanbag.
The final image is created during editing by combining the photographs together. Understanding how these images are made helps parents recognize that many of the most striking newborn portraits rely on thoughtful planning and careful support rather than a single photograph.
If you see an image that appears impossible or surprising, don’t hesitate to ask your photographer how it was created. A professional photographer should be happy to explain their process.
Sibling Safety
Young children are naturally curious and unpredictable, especially when adjusting to a new baby. Composite images allow photographers to create beautiful sibling portraits while keeping the newborn supported and making the experience more relaxed for everyone involved.
What to Look For During Your Session
Most newborn sessions are calm, relaxed, and carefully paced. While your photographer is responsible for planning the session, you should always feel comfortable asking questions or speaking up if something doesn’t feel right.
The checklist below highlights a few things parents may notice during their session. You don’t need to memorize every detail. Instead, think of these as signs that your photographer is creating a comfortable environment with your baby’s wellbeing in mind.
Your Baby’s Comfort
- Comfortable room temperature
- Feeding breaks
- Signs of overheating
- Baby remains supported
- Never rushed
Studio Environment
- Clean blankets and props
- Good air quality
- Hand sanitizer
- Safe walking areas
- Comfortable seating
Props & Equipment
- Stable props
- Weighted props
- No glass containers
- Light stands secured
- Backgrounds secured
Health & Hygiene
- Photographer isn’t ill
- Illness policy
- Medical devices left untouched
Questions?
If something doesn’t feel right, ask.
A professional photographer should welcome your questions and understand that your baby’s wellbeing is always your highest priority.
If your baby appears unwell or your photographer has any concerns during the session, the session should pause while your baby’s needs are addressed. Your baby’s wellbeing should always come before completing a photograph.
You should always feel welcome to remain close to your baby throughout the session. If your baby needs feeding, comforting, or a break, those needs should always take priority over completing a pose.
Your newborn’s first portraits should be a joyful experience. We hope these resources have helped you better understand what to expect and given you the confidence to ask questions, stay involved, and choose the photographer who is the right fit for your family.
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