Safety and Skill Come First

When you’re searching for a newborn or family photographer, it’s natural to focus on things like location, budget, and a beautiful portfolio. But there’s something even more important you should be considering—the photographer’s training and experience; safety is always first in newborn photography.

Newborn photography is a specialized art. Those sweet, curled-up poses you see on social media and in portfolios don’t happen by accident. They require not just artistic talent, but knowledge of newborn anatomy, development, safety protocols, and posing techniques. Your photographer’s top priority should always be your baby’s comfort and safety.

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Safety First: What You Don’t See Behind the Scenes

It’s easy to fall in love with adorable photos of babies in froggy poses, curled up in props, or wrapped snugly in cozy fabrics. But what’s not obvious is the careful attention and expertise that goes into making sure those poses are safe.

Not every pose is right for every baby. Some newborns may have physical challenges like torticollis (tight neck muscles), a particular condition or disability like brachial plexus injury (injury to the nerves going to the arm) or hip dysplasia (hips that are partially out of joint), or reflux (spitting up frequently) that make certain positions uncomfortable or unsafe. A trained photographer knows how to recognize the signs of discomfort or how to safely pose a newborn with a congenital condition, and adapt the session to fit your baby’s unique needs.

For example, the popular “froggy pose”, where baby appears to be resting their chin on their hands, should always be done as a composite—meaning two images are taken and carefully merged in editing. At no time should the baby be supporting the weight of their own head. A hand must always be on the baby for support. Without the right training, attempting this pose incorrectly could put your newborn at risk.

Similarly, the “bum up” pose is adorable but requires flexibility and comfort from the baby. If a little one seems gassy, or fussy because the pose is uncomfortable due to torticollis, a skilled photographer will know to gently move on to another pose instead of forcing the baby into an uncomfortable position. In the image below, a baby with torticollis may feel uncomfortable with their head turned to the side like this. Baby’s comfort and safety should always be the first consideration in portraits.

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Ask About Training—It Matters

Before booking a newborn photographer, ask about their background in newborn safety and handling. It’s not just about how many years they’ve been taking pictures; it’s about the knowledge and skills they have developed to work safely with the most delicate little humans.

Safety courses are essential. I was honored to review a newborn photography safety course created by one of my mentors, Kathryn Barredo with Tenielle McGee. In courses like this, photographers learn crucial skills—how to wrap a baby securely without overheating them, how to monitor their breathing during poses, and how to properly support a baby in composite images like the froggy pose.

Knowing these techniques ensures your baby stays comfortable, safe, and content throughout the session—and that peace of mind is priceless.

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My Background: A Blend of Pediatric Expertise and Photography Artistry

As a pediatric physical therapist with 28 years of experience working with babies and toddlers, I bring a unique level of understanding to every session. My background gives me a deep knowledge of infant development, muscle tone, comfort cues, and positioning, which directly influences how I handle and pose newborns.

Over the years, I have invested heavily in my photography education. I’ve learned from some of the industry’s best through in-person and online trainings.
Some of my mentors and learning experiences include:

• Mark Nowak – local wedding and portrait photographer in Elyria Ohio
• Kathryn Barredo – online newborn photography and in-person mentoring from Edmonton Canada
• Kelly Brown – online newborn photography courses from Brisbane and London
• Ana Brandt – “Wrapped” mini-course and soon, the Baby Academy!

Each mentorship, class, and workshop has added to my ability to create not just beautiful images, but also to create a safe, supportive environment for your baby.

I am an independent learner, but nothing replaces the valuable feedback and guidance that comes from learning directly under mentors who can guide you in the moment. These real-time corrections and tips are essential for mastering safe newborn handling techniques that protect babies during photography sessions. I am grateful for everything each of these great photographers has taught me.

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Choosing the Right Photographer for Your Family

When you are choosing a photographer for your newborn or family session, don’t just ask about pricing or how many sessions they’ve done. Ask about their training. Ask how they ensure your baby’s safety during poses. Ask what continuing education they have pursued to keep their skills sharp.

When a photographer takes the time to invest in their education—not just once, but continually—you can feel confident that they are committed to providing not only beautiful images, but also a safe, joyful experience for your family.

Your baby’s comfort and safety should always come first. Choosing a photographer who understands that truly makes all the difference.

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Ready to Book? Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together

If you have any questions about planning a newborn or family photo session, or if you’d like to learn more about how I ensure a safe and comfortable experience for your baby, please reach out! I would love to talk with you about your vision and answer any questions you have.

Contact me today to schedule your newborn or family session!
And while you’re here, be sure to check out my new developmental blog series, where I share more tips on supporting your baby’s growth and milestones.

Together, we’ll create images you will cherish forever—beautiful, safe, and filled with genuine love.