How to Properly Spot a Newborn During Your Photoshoot
By Elizabeth Lang Photography
Newborn photography is an incredibly special and emotional genre that allows families to capture memories that will last a lifetime. However, this style of photography comes with its own unique challenges and risks, especially since we’re working with your brand-new baby. From posing to handling, newborn photography requires a great deal of care, attention, and focus to ensure your baby’s safety every step of the way.
As a photographer, I understand the immense trust parents place in me during these sessions. I treat every baby with the same level of safety and care that I would for my own child. The poses we do in newborn photography are not typical—your baby might be held or posed in ways that feel unfamiliar or different from how you might handle them at home. This is where the art of “spotting” becomes a crucial aspect of the process.
What is Spotting?
Spotting refers to the act of having someone close by to provide support and safety while your newborn is posed. Whether I’m holding your baby, posing them on props or beanbags, or photographing family shots, spotting ensures that your little one is secure at all times. It’s something I take very seriously, and I work hard to make sure that every moment of the session is safe and stress-free for you, your baby, and myself.
How Do We Spot During the Photoshoot?
There are different types of newborn poses that require different levels of spotting. Let’s take a look at the most common scenarios:
FAMILY POSES
Family poses often involve a parent or sibling holding the baby. While these shots may seem straightforward, they still require careful attention to ensure the baby is always secure. I guide parents through the process, helping them position their hands in a way that supports your baby’s delicate body, all while maintaining a relaxed and natural appearance in the shot.
BEANBAG POSES
For beanbag poses, your baby is laid gently on a padded table that’s covered with soft, cozy fabric. Although this setup is comfortable and safe for your baby, it still requires vigilant care. My assistant, or sometimes a parent, is always within arm’s reach of the baby, with hands hovering just inches away. We make sure to place hands on the baby when needed, and between shots, we’ll replace hands to keep them secure.
PROP POSES
Props add a whimsical touch to newborn photos, but they also require a higher level of care. Babies are posed in and around props such as baskets, bowls, or even more intricate setups like shelves or moons. These poses may look delicate, but I never take risks with your baby. In these instances, my assistant’s hands are on the baby at all times, ensuring their safety. Sometimes, if the shot looks precarious, I may choose to create a composite image. This means that your baby is safely posed on their back on a beanbag, and later in editing, I’ll use Photoshop to place your baby in the prop setup. This is a safe, effective way to create the illusion of the baby being in a certain pose or prop without any risk.
The Role of My Assistant and Parent Spotting
During a newborn session, I am never working alone. I usually have an assistant present to help with spotting and to ensure the baby is safe. In cases where my assistant cannot be there, I will ask a parent to step in as a spotter. This ensures that there is someone nearby at all times, ready to provide support whenever necessary.
If I’m ever unable to keep my hands on the baby, I will ask my assistant or the parent to step in and gently hold the baby, making sure they are secure and safe throughout the session. This constant monitoring and assistance make sure that there are no moments where the baby is at risk.
Final Thoughts
Newborn photography is all about capturing those precious early moments, but it’s also about ensuring that your baby is safe and cared for throughout the session. As a professional, I understand the responsibility that comes with handling your baby. I take every precaution and use proper techniques to make sure that each pose and setup is done safely.
At Elizabeth Lang Photography, I prioritize your baby’s safety above all else. I’m committed to making sure that each session is not only beautiful but also safe, secure, and stress-free for you and your little one. If you have any questions or concerns about the process, I’m always here to talk you through the steps. Together, we’ll create beautiful memories you can cherish forever—knowing your baby was in the best hands.