A guide for Connecticut parents searching for a safe, experience newborn photographer
Welcoming a new baby into your family is one of the most incredible, yet overwhelming experiences. When searching for a newborn photographer, most parents are thinking about things like style, color, props, and budget. And while those absolutely do matter, there is one incredibly important factor that is often overlooked. Your baby’s safety.
As a newborn photographer with over 13 years of experience I’ve photographed hundreds of Connecticut babies in my Madison CT studio. I can confidently say this: newborn safety is not optional – it is everything. And yet, not every photographer is trained in it.
If you are expecting or if your baby is already here, here’s what every parent should know about newborn safety and how to choose a photographer you trust.
Why newborn photography requires specialized training
Newborn photography is unlike any other type of photography. You’re working with teeny tiny babies who:
- Have delicate airways
- Cannot regulate their temperature
- Startle easily
- Cannot support their head or neck
- Need to feel secure
- Require constant monitoring
Newborn photographers should be trained in:
- Safe posing (not every post you see online is safe for every baby and some may require composites from multiple images)
- Proper support of baby’s head and neck
- Understanding circulation changes
- Spotting signs of discomfort or stress
- How to safely transition from pose to pose
- How to keep the studio environment safe and clean
In my studio nothing is more important than you baby’s well-being. We take cues from the baby on which poses they are comfortable with and which may need to be adjusted or skipped. Every adjustment is done gently, slowly and with intention.
What to look for when choosing a newborn photographer in Connecticut
I’ve compiled some key questions that parents should ask before booking their newborn photographer:
- How many years have they been photographing newborns? The more experience the photographer has handling newborn babies, the higher the chances that they understand newborn safety.
- Do they have newborn safety training? Photographers should be trained in how to handle newborns safely, not just how to navigate their camera.
- Do they have an assistant for non-swaddled poses? An extra set of hands improves safety and workflow.
- How do they keep babies safe and comfortable? look for baby-led posing, swaddling techniques, and gentle transitions.
- Can they include sibling or family members safely? Small children require special attention during newborn sessions.
How I prioritize safety at Catherine King Photography
Here’s what safety looks like in my Madison CT newborn studio
- Over 13 years of experience in not just photography, but specifically newborn photography
- Baby-led posing that never forces a baby into positions they’re not comfortable doing
- Continuous monitoring of baby’s comfort and cues
- Fully trained, vaccinate assistant
- Props that are created by newborn photography specialists designed to support baby natureally
- Clean, sanitized studio space
- Warm, cozy temperatures to prioritize baby’s comfort and aid in good sleep
- Slow, gentle transitions between each pose
- Respect for baby’s boundaries at all times
If you are expecting (or if your baby is already here)
I would love to talk with you about your expectations from your newborn session and share what our newborn sessions look like
