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    The importance of looking for a trained newborn photographer

    The dangers of an untrained newborn photographer -the importance of looking for a trained newborn photographer 2019

     

    Becoming a photographer is a journey and mine started in Norwich 7 years ago (now 12 years ago 2024), from the start I knew I wanted to be a highly trained newborn photographer. Through my own pregnancies I discovered newborn photography was one of my callings .  I decided early on that I would be investing money to ensure that not only did I become highly skilled in my field, but also that I became the safest.

    Newborn photography calls for new parents to put their trust in you and many aren’t even aware that this field is sadly not regulated; meaning photographers are posing babies with little, or even no training.

    I have invested £1,000s into my training, working with a mentor, and ensuring I did hands on training. Not only to ensure that my posing was safe and gentle, but also to ensure I could soothe and settle a baby coming into a new environment. Whilst of course I had my own two babies at the start of my career. It was important I was able to have the skills to recognise cues of an unsettled newborn from any family and not just my own.

    Doesn’t it look easy!?

    Newborns all curled up, fast asleep, relaxed and calm, it looks like it’s a doddle, but it’s not! The gentle moulding of a baby into a pose takes patience and care (even the most relaxed styles) There are lots of ‘standard’ poses and many are what the industry call ‘composites’

    I don’t offer the complex composites, that’s just not my style. My style is simple and relaxed, so everyone gets the most natural of shoots but if you do like the style then its important you find out about the photographers training to ensure the safest of shoots for your little one.

    What is a composite pose?

    A composite pose is one that requires a lot of manoeuvring and more than one image merged to create one single image. For example, the ‘froggy’ pose (you can Google this) not only does it take an experienced photographer, but also involves the parents. The photographer will ask a parent to hold the baby’s head first, then the baby arms and after in edit, will merge the two images together.

    There is a fear from myself and many others that new photographers will attempt this without the necessary training, so always make sure you ask the questions I have provided below when you are choosing a photographer.

    What poses do I offer?

    I never promise a pose, the two below are as ‘posed’ as I get.  I only do these if the baby easily moves into it. I focus on more natural poses and stretches.

    Most posing requires some training and hands on experience because the strength these little babies come out with is amazing. My main rule of thumb is I never leave a baby when on the bean bag, they can push themselves forward, some almost roll. (See my examples below)

    Head on hands – most babies can gently go into this pose, with experience and being aware of their cues it ensures they are happy and relaxed.  If a baby has a good set of cheeks, they can rest their heads like they would on your chest. Awake babies are to alert & moving for this to be safe.

    Tummy / bum up pose – another pose that looks quite simple and with gentle manoeuvring it is. However, going in with no training you could easily lay baby on their arm and cause distress which is the last thing any new parent needs when they are meant to be enjoying their time with you.

    newborn with a teddy elephant


    Who is policing newborn photography?

    While not regulated, organisations like the Baby and Newborn Photography Association BANPAS  are helping to spread the word to parents and I would always encourage you to do and ask the following:

    • Research the photographer, would you be comfortable with your baby in their signature poses?
    • Do you believe your baby would be comfy?
    • Would you be happy to work with them?
    • Have they any evidence of insurance and training?
    • Can you see what their studio looks like?
    • Get in touch and discuss any concerns

    I am all for new people embarking on this as career, it’s an amazing and fulfilling job, however, the industry must be respected by newcomers and it’s important for them to build up skills for posing babies and making parents aware of their training.

    See my work

    You can see all of my background infomation here . I am a trained newborn photographer and welcome anyone thinking of booking with me to check out my gallery and to contact me.

    Jess x

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