This week many photographers are recognizing newborn safety. You may have seen newborn portraits in recent years with babies hanging in stork pouches, posed in a variety of different props, or posed in a way that makes you wonder how on earth that was done safely? I’m sharing a few pulled back shots today to demonstrate what’s really going on just outside the frame in some of these photos. For the hanging shots, I always have the baby positioned over a soft surface, and when lifted, baby is just inches away from that surface. The person holding the sling/pouch (either mom or an assistant) keeps his or her hand on the baby, providing support, moving it for just a moment after insuring baby is super secure, and only for the amount of time it takes to get the shot. Then baby is slowly lowered back onto the soft surface, a large beanbag in this instance. 
When baby is positioned in a basket, as shown below, I always make sure baby is fast asleep and secure before moving away from the baby, but you just never know. Baby could be startled by a sudden sound, or just awaken and roll out rather quickly if you’re not careful. So I make sure that a parent is right next to the basket at all times, within arms reach. You can see an example below with Dad being spotter. 
So just a reminder that a baby’s safety is #1 priority. If your photographer is not using the appropriate safety measures, be sure to step in and either stop the pose or ask that they show more care for your precious new life. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes for each photograph – photographers, make sure you’re fully educated in the safest way to achieve a photograph before trying it out on a new little person. Thanks for checking in and I hope you find this useful!
