I am so proud to announce that I have received Accreditation from the Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International, in the category of Posed Newborn. My successful submission was chosen along with a select number of others. I am so excited to be placed amongst this elite group of worldwide photographers who are Accredited with APNPI.

Whether you’re a curious parent, or a fellow professional interested in Accreditation, you can find more information here.

More About APNPI

APNPI is a Professional Newborn Photographer’s Association created by newborn photographers specifically for newborn photographers. APNPI formed out of a passion to give professional recognition to Newborn Photographers, and to connect photographers in a safe and respectful place that cultivates the growth of artistry and business acumen amongst its membership.

APNPI also connects parents with Accredited photographers in their area who are educated in newborn safety practices and have passed the rigorous Accreditation process before a panel of live judges. Additionally the site offers parents valuable resources and tips for everything from choosing a photographer to taking better photographs at home.

Newborn Safety

Currently, there are no safety regulations in place for the Newborn Photography industry. Anyone who owns a camera can begin photographing newborns with no training and no knowledge of the unique needs of infants.

APNPI values and puts newborn safety at the forefront of the Newborn Photography profession. For this reason, I want to share some information to help you select a safe photographer and help you identify elements of risk throughout your session.

Safety Checklist

These are some items to keep in mind at your session.

Again, never hesitate to speak up if you feel uncomfortable with something your photographer is doing with your baby.  Whether it’s a safety concern or simply something you personally are uneasy with, either way, you are the one who’s voice is most important!

• Room temperature – most photographers will heat the room so that baby is not cold
  • Watch for signs of overheating – sweaty neckline, mottled skin, redness in the face, irritability
• Air quality:
  • Props and blankets should look and smell clean. Musty and mildew smells could indicate the presence of mold growing in a damp, warm studio. If you are concerned about your baby breathing in mold toxins, don’t hesitate to choose to leave with your baby.
  • Essential oils are trendy right now, but can cause allergic reactions and sensitivities. Don’t hesitate to ask your photographer to remove the use of oils if you are uncomfortable with them.
  • Watch out for other environmental allergens such as dust, pets, foods, etc.
• Tripping hazards
  • Cords should be taped down, and rug grippers should be used with flokati and floor boards. Props should be put away when not in use. Spills should be cleaned up immediately, without delay.
• Antiques and props
  • watch for splinters and nails
  • Props should be weighted properly.
  • Newborns should never be positioned in or on glass containers or objects that can break or shatter.
• Posing surfaces should be an adequate size to prevent accidents
  • Wooden backgrounds should be secured to avoid tipping and falls.
  • Sandbags should be used to weight props and light stands.
• Your newborn must be supported by human hands at ALL TIMES throughout risky poses.
  • This ensures that babies will not be at risk of falls, central cyanosis or positional asphyxiation – three very dangerous scenarios that can result in very seriously injury or even death.
• In the absence of an assistant, parents, especially mothers, should never be asked to stay away from the babe as is sometimes requested due to the false idea that the smell of mother’s milk will cause the baby to become unsettled. Should the baby show signs of hunger such as the rooting that can occur when they sense and smell their mother, they should be given appropriate time to feed. A satisfied baby will not be unsettled due to the smell of milk and it is better to have an extra set of hands close by than not.
• Your photographer, assistant or other people present should not be ill.
  • Where and when illness may delay your session beyond an appropriate timeline of around 1-2 weeks, a good photographer should either have an assistant photographer on hand to complete your session or provide referrals to other respected photographers working in a similar style. For posed newborn work, your session is time sensitive and should be completed sometime within the first two to three weeks of life. Unposed, documentary or lifestyle sessions can be completed in longer timelines and rescheduling should be easier with these types of sessions
• Your photographer does not need to touch, move, or attempt to remove any medical items such as belly button clamps, circumcision gauze, etc.
• Your baby should never show signs of central cyanosis – the bluish discoloration around the core, lips and tongue. This can be quite a dangerous. According to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre, central cyanosis is never normal in the newborn period, and is almost always linked to a lower amount of oxygen in the blood. For this reason, the photographer should be concerned regarding the cause of deoxygenation if central cyanosis is present.
• Your photographer should have hand sanitizer available.
• Adequate seating and changing areas should be available and suitable for new moms and those recovering from C-sections.
• You should have easy access to drinking water.
• Your photographer should be insured in order to protect you in the event of accidents.

Having images taken of your newborn is a memory you’ll treasure forever. Enjoy your experience, and always have the confidence to speak up if you have any doubts at all!

PRESERVING PRECIOUS MOMENTS™