By Deborah Longmore Photography | Newborn Photography Training Tamworth & Birmingham
At Deborah Longmore Photography, one of the most important parts of my mission is not only to deliver safe, beautiful portraits of your precious little one — but also to educate. Education is at the core of newborn safety, and as more photographers enter the industry, training has never been more crucial. Not only are people looking for “cheap” in experienced newborn photographers, people wishing to get into the industry are looking for a “cheap” newborn photography trainer.
But here’s something that needs to be said…
Not everyone who calls themselves a newborn photographer should be teaching others how to do it.
Being a Great Trainer Requires More Than Owning a Camera
Let’s be honest — newborn photography isn’t just about snapping cute pictures. It’s a blend of technical skill, lighting, posing, styling, editing, and above all, infant safety.
So how can someone who struggles with their own posing, lighting, editing, or worse — safety awareness — confidently train others to do it properly?
The truth is, not every newborn photographer is qualified to teach. And that’s okay. It’s a whole different skill set, and here’s why experience and proven expertise matter more than ever when choosing a mentor.
What Makes a Qualified Newborn Photography Trainer?
💫 Proven Skillset: A trainer should have a strong, consistent portfolio that demonstrates technical excellence across a range of newborn poses and setups — not just one or two lucky shots. If they’re not producing high-quality work themselves, how can they teach others to?
💫 Years of Experience in the Industry: Time matters. A qualified trainer should have several years of consistent hands-on experience photographing newborns — not just a few months or a couple of styled sessions. With time comes wisdom: understanding the unpredictable nature of babies, refining techniques, and mastering those little details that only repetition can teach. The longer they’ve been working professionally with newborns, the more confident you can be that they’ve truly seen it all — and can pass that real-world knowledge onto you.
💫 Recognised Credentials: Awards, accreditations, and professional recognition (such as Craftsman or Master Craftsman status) show that the photographer has been evaluated by industry experts. It’s not about ego — it’s about trust.
💫 Experience in Safety & Posing: A trainer should have extensive hands-on experience with newborns — knowing not just what to pose, but how and when to do it safely. This means understanding baby anatomy, comfort cues, circulation, airway positioning, and more.
💫 Student Success: The proof is in the results. Have other photographers learned from them and gone on to create safer, better work? A good trainer doesn’t just talk — they inspire and elevate others.
💫 Passion for Teaching (Not Just Income): Teaching is not a backup plan. It’s not what you do because photography bookings are low. Training should be done out of passion, not desperation — and students can always tell the difference.
Red Flags: When a Photographer Should NOT Be Teaching
🚫 Their work lacks consistency or quality
🚫 They don’t mention newborn safety (or worse, don’t practice it)
🚫 They’ve only been photographing newborns for a short time
🚫 Their editing, lighting, or posing still needs development
🚫 They’ve faced criticism or concerns from previous clients or peers
🚫 Their students aren’t progressing
🚫 They teach for quick cash — not because they love to mentor
Would you take swimming lessons from someone who can’t swim well themselves? Of course not. So why learn newborn safety and posing from someone who hasn’t mastered it either?
At Deborah Longmore Photography, Training is Earned — Not Assumed
I take the responsibility of training others very seriously. As an award-winning photographer holding both Craftsman and Master Craftsman status, my goal is to lead by example. I’ve invested thousands of hours into education, posing refinement, safety certifications, and client care — and I pass that same level of care onto my students.
Because when you train with someone, you’re not just learning how to take a photo…
You’re learning how to protect someone’s baby.
Thinking of Becoming a Newborn Photographer? Or Looking for a Newborn Photography Trainer?
Here’s what to do:
✅ Research their portfolio thoroughly, is their work a high standard, is the posing and editing correct, or is their work recognised,
✅ Ask about their training history — both received and given
✅ Look for a consistent standard of safety and excellence
✅ Talk to past students
✅ Trust your gut — if something feels off, it probably is
If you’re passionate about newborn photography and want to learn from someone who prioritises safety, quality, and growth — I offer newborn photography training tailored to all levels, whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your skills.
💛 Ready to learn the right way?
📩 Message me to chat about mentoring options or upcoming training dates.
Let’s raise the standard of newborn photography — together.
📩 Message me to chat about your session. I can’t wait to meet you and your little one!
Ready to Book Your Newborn Photography Training Session in Tamworth or Birmingham?
I’d love to capture these precious moments for your family.
Book your newborn session in Tamworth or Birmingham today to enjoy these benefits firsthand
👉 Contact Deborah Longmore Photography to find out more
Recent Comments