Safety and Ethics in Newborn Photography: Why Responsibility Matters as Much as Creativity
Newborn photography is one of the most beautiful yet delicate branches of photography. It is a field that combines artistry with significant ethical responsibility. Newborns are among the most vulnerable subjects to photograph, and even the slightest negligence can result in serious and irreversible harm.
This makes newborn photography far more than just mastering lighting and creative ideas; it is about ensuring absolute safety and acting with integrity at every step.
The Froggy Pose – A Beautiful but Controversial Trend
One of the most requested poses by parents is the “Froggy Pose.” This charming composition features the baby resting its chin on tiny hands with legs tucked in, resembling a delicate little sculpture. The final photograph often becomes a treasured keepsake, with the baby appearing perfectly poised and peaceful.
But behind the lens lies an important truth: if performed without professional safety techniques, this pose can be extremely dangerous. Babies lack the ability to support their heads and necks, and even a brief unsupported moment can result in injury to the neck, spine, or worse.
How Professionals Be Safe
Experienced photographers never attempt this pose in one step. Instead, it is executed using two separate shots:
- One photo with hands supporting the baby’s head.
- Another photo with support placed under the wrists and arms.
These images are then carefully merged in post-production to create the illusion of balance without sacrificing safety. This approach is time-intensive and requires more advanced editing skills, but it demonstrates a photographer’s commitment to newborn well-being.
The Problem of “False Expertise”
Unfortunately, social media has given rise to a dangerous trend: photographers performing the Froggy Pose without proper support, often to appear more skilled. Some even post behind-the-scenes clips showing unsupported poses.
This creates a misleading narrative—suggesting that if you are “good enough,” you don’t need safety support. In reality, this mindset is irresponsible and dangerous. True professionalism means knowing that no image is worth even the smallest risk to a baby’s health.
Ethical Responsibilities
- Setting the Right Example: Sharing unsupported poses online gives beginners the wrong impression and perpetuates unsafe practices.
- Building Trust with Parents: Parents trust photographers with their most precious gift—their newborn. Breaking that trust by using unsafe techniques is an ethical failure.
- Full Transparency: Photographers should explain to parents that many complex poses are composites, created digitally rather than through the physical positioning of the baby.
Beyond Posing: Additional Safety and Ethical Concerns
Newborn photography safety extends beyond poses:
- Environment: The room must be warm and comfortable, as infants are highly sensitive to temperature changes.
- Props and Fabrics: All items must be sanitized and safe for direct skin contact.
- Parental Consent: Parents should fully understand what poses and techniques will be used.
- Photo Sharing: Newborn images must never be shared without explicit parental consent.
Newborn photography is about more than capturing adorable moments; it’s about protecting those moments’ subjects. Poses like the Froggy Pose are only meaningful when executed safely and ethically. A professional photographer doesn’t just produce beautiful images—they ensure those images are created with respect for life, health, and trust.
About the author: Zari Khorshidnia is an award-winning maternity and newborn photographer based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. More of their work can be seen on their Instagram.
