Yes! So happy to share with you that I am now a member of the British Association of Newborn Photographers. I wanted to take a few moments to explain what this means for you.
Essentially, as a member of BANP you can be assured that I work to a safe and high standard when working with your little ones. On a side note, I am fully insured and CRB checked. I also completed workshops with one of the most respected names in newborn photography and have spent the last 6 months building up a reputable portfolio of work which is critiqued on a regular basis so I am always looking to improve.
BANP promote newborn safety, all their photographers have been assessed to be of professional standard and are appropriately skilled in working with babies.
WHAT WE DO
We aim to provide you with useful information to guide you in choosing a newborn photographer and to help you find suitable photographers in your area.
Newborn photography is the only genre where the photographer becomes so hands on with the subject and is responsible for their safety for the duration of the session. It is with this in mind that the BANP was founded. We hope to leave you reassured that the photographer you choose has the experience and training to not only takes some beautiful images of your new baby, but more importantly, keep your baby safe.
Many of the more posed images you may see such as babies holding their heads in their hands, and babies in slings are most safely created as composites. This means that several images are taken and then merged together with photoediting software later. This enables the photographer to support the baby at all times, and edit out hands holding the baby, or add in a brance for the sling shots. The BANP positively advocates the use of composite images.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
Choosing a newborn photographer should be as simple as deciding based on their images…..but we feel it is important to remember that you will be handing over your precious bundle to this person, for them to pose and soothe for the duration of the session. Therefore, it goes beyond whether they can take a good photograph. To help you choose, here are our tips:
1) Look at the different styles of photography available, newborn photographers all differ in their posing, the amount of props they may use, the way they edit, which results in very varied images unique to each photographer.
2) Ask how much training or experience they have had. Both are good to have, but those with plenty of experience will have learned lots along the way. Equally, newborn posing workshops are specially designed to teach photographers how to pose babies safely.
3) Have they photographed many babies? Ideally you want a varied portfolio, with a range of poses and lots of different colours and props which shows the photographers skill level, as well their experience. Also, look and see if they have testimonials/reviews on their website or blog.
4) When looking at their images, take a close look at how cosy and confortable the babies are. Babies should always look relaxed and at ease, and never distressed, scrunched or uncomfortable.
5) Should you go and find the cheapest? Chances are, you will get what you pay for here. Newborn photography is an intense, time consuming labour of love for a photographer. Sessions can last many hours, and rightly so. Newborns must be treated softy, gently and with huge scoops of patience. All of this will cost money, and with the right photographer, it is worth paying for. The photographer will not simply be putting your baby on a beanbag and taking a few images. They will be expertly handling , soothing and posing your baby, and then provide you with a beautiful set of images. Everyone will have a budget but think carefully before taking the very cheapest option available.
Nothing is more important to me than the safety of your newborn, several factors affect this, whilst I do a variety of images and poses, if I don't feel your little one moves as comfortably in a certain pose, I won't do it. There is nothing better than seeing a comfortable baby in an awesome pose.
I look forward to meeting and working with you in the future.
Check out more at http://www.banp.co.uk
