Blog
The importance of newborn safety (26.01.2017)
by Melanie East AMPA
Melanie East is a specialist newborn photographer with over 10 years experience. She also trains newborn photographers in the art and business of newborn photography. For further information about newborn photography training please contact melanie@theartofthenewborn.co.uk
With more and more photographers undertaking newborn photography it is shocking how many are still taking risks with the safety of the baby in their care during a newborn photography session.
In a lot of cases, the photographer puts achieving “the shot” they have in mind, above the safety of the baby.
Some photographers still prefer to leave a baby unsupported in a tub, with a spotter nearby, rather than have the head supported as it should be, either because they do not know better, or because they do not wish to take the additional time in post production removing the spotter’s hands.
In my studio, and as should be the case in all studios where newborn photography is carried out, no risks whatsoever are taken with a newborn baby. Does my career as a previous lawyer make me paranoid about health and safety? Absolutely. Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not.
At the forefront of my mind during every session is the safety of the baby. I check room temperature, colour of baby, circulation, and when wrapping a baby I take extra care to ensure that I can run a little finger under the wrap around baby’s neck so that the wrap is not too tight. When photographing a baby in a tub or bucket (as in the photo example here) baby’s head is supported at all times, and a weight is put into the bottom and then padded to ensure it can not tip.
The rim of the bucket is hugely padded to ensure that baby is very comfortable. Particular attention is paid to the posing of the baby to ensure that hands do not turn purple.
Newborns are precious beings, miracles, and a parent’s utmost joy. They are fragile, and in most cases during a newborn session, less than two weeks old. The utmost respect should be given to both the baby and the parents during the session. They are, after all, entrusting to you, their little bundle.
By taking even the smallest risks, the photographer is not only jeopardising the health and safety of the newborn and risking a law case should something untoward happen, they are also showing complete disrespect to the baby and family. Furthermore, if baby startles and falls and suffers injury in your studio while within your care then you are liable, and not only that, but you can probably say goodbye to your business – because the parents will tell everybody they know what happened.
There is a video on Facebook currently doing the rounds, which is of a photographer (not based in the UK), carrying out the froggy pose. Baby is totally unsupported while the photographer takes the shot. Baby is balancing on its elbows. It made very, very uncomfortable viewing – so much so that I couldn’t watch it to the end. The froggy pose does not form part of my workflow, but for those who do carry it out – this must be done as a composite, with baby supported at all times.
The MPA, together with my input and advice, have produced a new newborn qualification with newborn safety as a priority. We are the first organisation to have a specific qualification within the specialist genre that is newborn photography. As well as providing a set of images to be judged, the candidate must also show within their working profile submitted evidence of safe working practices together with before and after images. For further information or to apply for the newborn photography qualification please contact Amanda at Head Office (membership@thempa.com).
This is a plea to all newborn photographers. Please do not risk baby safety.
Melanie East will form part of the judging panel for the I AM Photographer Festival & Contest 2017 qualification being introduced by I AM Photographer. Melanie East workshop will be held on 24th May 2017 in Tallinn.
