This week is Newborn Safety Week so I thought I would share some very important tips for my fellow newborn photogs and with those who follow my work. Newborn safety should be any baby photographer’s number one objective. There is no shot worth risking injury to these sweet little ones. Throughout every one of my newborn sessions I do each of these safety precautions:
1. Sanitize! I wash my hands frequently or use hand sanitizer often. Your hands carry the most germs and you are constantly touching the baby’s hands and face. There is a reason that hospitals do not allow visitors who are sick into Labor and Delivery. These little ones’ immune systems are not fully developed and you do not want to send these newborns back to the hospital. So always keep a bottle of hand sanitizer near by.
2. Spot! Always have a spotter. Mom or dad or even grandma are great at this! They stand nearby just one or two feet away from baby. You never know when that little guy or girl is going to have one of their little flinches or spasms and you wouldn’t want them to take a fall. The chances may seem slim, but is that a risk you are willing to take? It’s especially important to have someone spot if you are doing a bit more “dangerous” setup, such as a sling. You may think you tied that knot tight, but I couldn’t imagine that slipping. Which is why its great to have mom or dad keep ahold at the top and hand on baby at all times and then draw their hands away for the picture and then right back between shots. To some it may seem tedious, but its worth the extra effort.
3. Weight! In all of my baskets/boxes/bowls, I always use a weight in the bottom. I actually use my old…and I mean old…ankle weights. They unvelcro and lay flat at the bottom of the prop. Gives enough weight so that no matter how baby may move, it will not topple over. Newborns are top-heavy so its a good idea to counter that weight with a free weight in the prop you are using.
4. Check circulation! You never want to pose baby in a position that will cut off or restrict circulation to any part of their body. If you place baby in a pose and notice their hands, feet, or anything turning red, purple, or blue, reposition baby for proper circulation.
5. Insurance! No matter how safe you think you are, I would recommend you invest in a great insurance plan before you begin your newborn photography business. Make sure you take the time to thoroughly research the best insurance plan to cover your business. And homeowner’s insurance does NOT cover you even if you are shooting out of your own home.
I hope those tips are helpful and that maybe I taught you something new! Have fun and be safe!
Thanks Shannon…I got it at Hobby Lobby!