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How is a session going?
To keep a memory of the first days of your baby, you can decide to have it photographed by a professional. These emotional photos highlight the newborns in different postures and atmospheres, sometimes poetic, sometimes shifted according to the wishes of the parents. Birth photos are a real trend as evidenced by the pictures published daily on the Parents Facebook page which are each day a little more “shared” and “loved” by Internet users. However, the outlines of this profession are still rather vague and parents tempted by the experience do not always know how to hang on to it.
The first association bringing together birth photographers was born
Ulrike Fournet recently created with 15 other photographers the first French association bringing together specialists in newborn photography. This association is intended to inform parents as well as other professional photographers. “It’s a wonderful job, where unfortunately there was still an informative void as to the rules of safety, hygiene and respect for the child,” says the founder. We have created a Respectful Newborn Photographer Charter. “Ultimately, the association wishes to integrate other photographers adhering to the charter in order to best guide parents and offer informative content to professionals.
How a session unfolds in practice
Birth photographs are about highlighting the newborn. Beforehand, the parents meet the photographer and decide with him on the development of the project which is based above all on mutual trust. The discussion with the professional makes it possible to exchange ideas in order to define the main lines of the scenes and the desired poses. The birth photograph is a delicate exercise because in general the babies photographed are not more than 10 days old. This is the ideal period to take the shot, because at this age the little ones sleep a lot and a deep sleep. The session takes place at the photographer’s or parents’ home, preferably in the morning, and lasts an average of two hours. In both cases, the room where the shooting takes place is heated to 25 degrees so that the baby, who is often naked, is comfortable. It is obviously not a question of knocking him out with an overwhelming temperature but simply to make sure he does not get cold.
The session is organized according to the pace and well-being of the child
If the baby has to suck then the photographer stops shooting and the baby is fed. If the toddler is not comfortable on his stomach then he is placed on his side and vice versa. Everything is done so that his posture is not upset. During the shooting, it is the photographer who installs the child himself in the setting with gentleness and concentration, most of the time by rocking him. The important thing is that the child is in a secure environment, which is why the containers (baskets, shells) are chosen with care so as not to put the child in danger. Some photos give the impression that the newborn is hanging. As one can imagine, this staging is skilfully orchestrated and no risk is taken. The magic of photography operates, as for the baby, he sees nothing but fire… The shooting must always remain a moment of pleasure and joy.
More info: www.photographe-bebe-apsnn.com