Adam and Bonnie

From the looks of things outside it doesn’t seem like spring is anywhere close to making an appearance in Calgary. Today anyway. Their are some things that are saying that spring is on the horizon. Things that some people may not notice – but I do. The smell on a warmer day – of sweet trees working to start their leaves growing again. The number of pregnant women that I saw at Ikea last week. Or do pregnant people just love Ikea? It seemed like there were an unusual number though. I’m thinking maybe they want to start their maternity leave in the spring so they can enjoy the summer with their new baby? The calf I saw huddled close to it’s momma last week. The fact that if the driveway doesn’t get shovelled it’s only a matter of days, or even hours for the snow to melt. Thank goodness for that because I did send one of my kids out to shovel (twice) on Sunday but both times there was apparently fun to be had and shovelling the driveway is NOT considered to be fun.

Bonnie and Adam will be enjoying their new little bundle of joy just in time to enjoy the beauty that spring brings along with it. They braved the chilly wind and made it out to do the photos before the big snow storm on Sunday. Believe it or not we actually had to look for areas where there was snow! Also, just because the ground looks like it could be dry, it isn’t. Learned that lesson the hard way right Adam?

calgary maternity photographers f Adam and Bonnie
winter maternity calgary Adam and Bonnie

Megan

Little Megan will surely be loved and protected by her big brothers. They will also teach her to be resilient, strong, smart and cute. She’s a lucky baby girl.

baby collage a Megan
michelle wells photography b Megan
sibling portraits Megan

Photographing a newborn safely

newborn photography safety copy Photographing a newborn safely
newborn photography safety a Photographing a newborn safely
hanging baby portrait Photographing a newborn safely

Many photographs that have a baby hanging in a hammock or a cocoon are completed by doing two photographs and blending them together in photo editing software to create the final image.  A hand is kept on baby at all times.  In the third image you’ll see that even though the photo was done outdoors and looks like it is hanging in a tree the baby is lifted very slightly off of a beanbag which has been edited out in the final image.  The baby is being held in a parents hand underneath and also holding the top.  The other parent is standing just out of the frame on the other side.  If the baby woke up or started to make even the slightest movement she would have been lowered on to the beanbag and we would not have proceeded with this pose.  A beautiful, creative portrait is never worth risking the safety of a baby.

If you’re a photographer you’ve seen this a million times before.  I’m writing this for parents though.  If you are having a baby and considering baby portraits it is important that you know how to keep your baby safe during your photography session. Last year I had someone ask me if they could borrow my hanging cocoon.  It made me really nervous. Because of this, I’ve quit using my cocoon even though I love it and always used it safely.  It makes me sad though as those photos are so adorable and my clients love them!

So, instead of never doing poses like that I’m writing this so that I can link to it every time I post a baby on the blog that looks like it wasn’t photographed in a safe manner.  :)

Tips for safely photographing newborns:

1. Never place baby in a precarious position, safety always comes first.

2. Raising a baby high up off the ground or floor is not a good plan.

3. If you are unsure, don’t do it!  Trust your instincts.

4. Please don’t hang a baby from any type of “stand”.

5. Four hands helping is definitely the way to go.

6. Always have hands on baby at all times.

7. Blending two photos together isn’t as hard as it looks.

8. If you want to try something new it’s a good idea to have someone there that knows what they are doing.

Most professional photographers that have been in the business for a while know how to keep your baby safe.  Some though, may not.  If you are ever uncomfortable with a certain pose while someone is working with your baby it is totally okay to speak out.

 

February 26, 2013 - 9:54 pm

jennifer armstrong - such a great post, michelle. Really so helpful for parents to know & understand. And for photographers to hear again & again.

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Jasmine {little princess}

Remember you’re the one
who can fill the world
with sunshine.
Snow White 

calgary newborn photographers baby a Jasmine {little princess}
calgary newborn photographers baby1 Jasmine {little princess}

pixel Jasmine {little princess}
February 2, 2013 - 7:34 pm

jennifer armstrong - oh, look at all that dark hair. She is just precious. And you captured her so perfectly. Beautiful, heartfelt photographs her family will cherish always.

February 2, 2013 - 12:56 pm

Yvonne - Awwwww! She’s beautiful and so peaceful looking.

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