Newborn Safety and Training

This is one of the most important factors in newborn photography – training and newborn safety. For this reason I chose not to hold any newborn sessions until I had attended a “hands on” training course (despite already having completed countless hours of on-line training courses over the last year).

There are plenty of training days, courses and workshops available to photographers. My recent training day with Claire Elliot from Forever Memories DSC_3475-Edit was fantastic, I learned so much from her and she is an incredibly talented photographer. Claire is also a Judge with the Guild of Photographers (an association of which I am a registered member) and is very well known and respected within the industry. [pic insert of Claire Elliot from my recent training day].

On my training day with Claire Elliot I learnt all about safety. Safety of the baby is of paramount from temperature of the room and of baby, poses that are safe for babies, best workflow and transition of poses, how to use props and to pose baby with family members and siblings etc. Claire went through every stage thoroughly, following which she held two newborns sessions herself showing us how she would conduct a session in her studio. We then were able to hold two newborn sessions ourselves whilst being watch and monitored to ensure that every pose was conducted safely and appropriately.

Whilst I have already completed many online newborn training courses, there is no substitute to hands on training. I was taught how to prep, sooth and pose safely. As many people will know, when you are being watched doing something by someone more experienced than you, you suddenly become very nervous, and this situation is no exception. However by being in that position I am now fully aware of how to conduct a newborn session and that I am able to pose a baby completely safely and correctly!

I was also lucky enough to be able to attend this training course with my friend and colleague Claire Osborne of Claire Osborne Photography with who I now work very closely and also second shoot weddings for [pic insert of Claire Osborne]

Newborn photography is like no other photography out there. It is not an easy genre of photography and being trained is the most important aspect of this job.

Unfortunately newborn photography is a completely unregulated industry and any photographer can claim to be specialised with newborns. Whether you are choosing myself as your newborn photographer or someone else, please take into consideration whether your baby is going to be safe? Do your research. You can easily check a the photographers website. Are they part of any associations such as The Guild or BANPAS? Are they insured? Have they had any training? Can they validate their claim that they have attended training courses? If you are unsure, ask them. [pic insert of my certificate of training]

From my experience, I find that the majority of people do not know what to expect from a newborn session. They are unsure how the photos are taken, how long the session lasts, how the babies are handled, and how much preparation goes into a shoot either before the session or during. If you are looking to book a session and are intrigued to know how it all works then ask your photographer. It is also nice to speak to your photographer and build up a relationship with them before meeting so you know what they are like and how they will conduct a session, after all you are trusting them with your brand new baby that you have just brought into this world. As a mum of two myself I know it can be hard to trust someone you don’t know with your baby and you need to know your baby is going to be safe. It is also a good time to discuss if you have any specific requests [pic insert of me taken by Claire Osborne Photography]

As a newborn photographer, I do not do anything that will put your baby at risk or anything I would not feel comfortable doing. Whether I am shooting in my home studio or at your home, safety is of paramount importance. In certain situations I may also call on you to help me and act as my “spotter” to ensure that baby is completely safe.

Everyone has to start somewhere in the industry, and I am myself new to newborn photography. I am not therefore saying that you should only go with the most experienced or expensive photographers but more that many photographers who are starting out have not undertaken any training at all. Please please please make sure when booking your photographer that they are insured and that they are able to pose a baby and all poses are being practiced in an safe manner. [pic insert of me shooting with Claire Elliot acting as my spotter. Image taken by Claire Osborne Photography]

For me it was vital I received hands on training to ensure I was able to pose a baby safely, comfortably and without harm before I held any sessions myself. I am one of those people that does not do anything until I know I can do it well. This certainly wont be the end of my training either and I will be attending many other training days and seminars to continue to enhance my skills.

If you are interested in booking a session or just have a few questions, please do not hesitate to give me a call for a chat.

Some more behind the scenes images below along with some of the final edited images:

End results…